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How to use the IPMI console with a dedicated server

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Learn how to access your dedicated server directly through the IPMI (Intelligent Platform Management Interface) console without depending on the operating system connectivity state.

 

Requirements

Warning

NOTE: This feature might be unavailable or limited on servers of the Eco product line. Please visit our comparison page for more information.

 

Topics:

 

Instructions

Access the IPMI console

You can access the IPMI using several different methods1. SSH keys stored on the server will not be used for these connections. Here is a summary:

Method NameShort NameDescriptionCopy-PasteVirtual ISO reader²Use Case Example
KVM³ via web browserHTML KVMRedirection of the video screen to an HTML canvas, exactly as if you were physically connecting a keyboard/mouse via USB and a screen via VGA to your dedicated server.❌⚠️⁴
  • Troubleshoot a boot issue on your dedicated server.
KVM³ via Java appletJava KVMSame as HTML KVM, except that it uses Java applet rather than HTML canvas.❌✅
  • Troubleshoot a boot issue on your dedicated server.
  • Perform a manual installation of a specific OS (not in the catalog)⁵.
SoL⁶ via web browserJavaScript SoLRedirection of a serial connection to the web browser, exactly as if you were physically connecting a serial console via RS-232 to your dedicated server.✅❌
  • Troubleshoot a network issue: get system logs and manipulate configuration files.
SoL⁶ via SSHSSH SoLSame as JavaScript SoL, except redirection is done to an SSH gateway. You then connect via your preferred SSH client to a remote SSH server that converts SSH commands to serial commands to the dedicated server.✅❌
  • Same as JavaScript SoL but from a machine without any graphical interface.

1 Depending on your dedicated server hardware compatibility (some methods will not be shown in the OVHcloud Control Panel).
2 Feature that enables the user to mount an ISO image stored locally on your machine to your remote dedicated server so you can install an OS via IPMI.
3 KVM = Keyboard Video and Mouse
4 Depending on your dedicated server hardware compatibility: use Java KVM instead if not compatible.
5 If the OS you want to install is not in the list of operating systems available with OVHcloud Bare Metal servers, please note that you can also use a custom image: See Bring Your Own Image (BYOI) / Bring Your Own Linux (BYOLinux), a comparison sheet for more details.
⁶ SoL = Serial over Lan

To enable one of these methods, log in to your OVHcloud Control Panel. In the Bare Metal Cloud section, select your server from Dedicated Servers and click on the IPMI/KVM tab.

IPMI - Use console - step 1

Tip

Click the tab for your method of choice.

KVM via Java applet
KVM via web browser
SoL via SSH
SoL via web browser
Warning

NOTE: Although the IPMI Java applet can be accessed from macOS, there are some compatibility issues. As a result, it is recommended to use a system running either Windows or Linux.

We also recommend installing the latest version of Java.

You will need to ensure that Java is installed on your desktop for the Java applet to work. If you do not have Java installed, go to the official page to do so.

In the Remote KVM section, click From a Java applet (KVM).

IPMI - Use console - step 2

Download the kvm.jnlp file when prompted and run it.

IPMI - Use console - step 3

You will then land on the login page, where you will be prompted to enter your credentials, as you would need to when logging in via a terminal or external software application:

IPMI - Use console - step 4

You can now manage your server.

 

Test and reboot the IPMI

Your IPMI may stop responding. If you cannot access it, you can test it first by clicking on Test the IPMI, and checking the results of the diagnostic.

IPMI - Use console - step 12

If everything appears to be normal, you may be experiencing a local technical issue (internet connection, local desktop). If the IPMI encounters any issues, you can reboot it by clicking Reboot the IPMI.

IPMI - Use console - step 13

It will take several minutes for the IPMI to reboot.

Info

This operation will not affect the applications, data, and services running on your dedicated server.

 

Installing an OS

Tip

Click each tab across the top to view all content.

Using IPMI v1
Using IPMI v2
Using web browser KVM(latest servers only)
Warning

OVHcloud does not guarantee the functionality of any operating systems installed via IPMI. This route should only be taken by an experienced server administrator.

64-bit versions of Java can prevent the Redirect ISO/Redirect CDROM menus from opening and cause JViewer to crash.

To begin, open IPMI in a Java applet from the OVHcloud Control Panel. Then, click Device from the menu bar and select Redirect ISO from the drop-down menu.

IPMI - Use console - step 14

Next, select the ISO you wish to use from your local computer's file system. Once you have selected your ISO, press the Ctrl Alt Del button in the top-right corner of the screen to reboot the server. Press the appropriate F key to access the boot options.

Info

You may need to use the soft keyboard for inputs to register in IPMI. To access this, click the Keyboard option from the menu bar at the top of the window. Then, select Soft Keyboard from the dropdown menu and click Show.

Select the UEFI Virtual CDROM 1.00 option from the boot menu to start the server from the ISO attached previously.

IPMI - Use console - step 15

Complete the steps required to install the operating system. Do not forget to remove the ISO from the "Redirect ISO" option.

 

Rebooting a server into the BIOS menu

You might want to access the BIOS when configuring or troubleshooting your server. A convenient way to achieve this is by using the tool ipmiutil (refer to the project page for more information).

When the server is in rescue mode and you have logged in, install it with the following commands:

apt install ipmiutil

Then reboot the server with this command:

ipmiutil reset -b

Afterwards, access the IPMI console in your OVHcloud Control Panel. You should see the server's BIOS menu displayed.

IPMI - Use console - step 28

 

Go further

Browse all the Dedicated Servers guides.

Browse the rest of the OVHcloud US documentation for guides on our other products and services.

Learn more about Dedicated Servers on the OVHcloud US website.

If you need training or technical assistance to implement our solutions, contact your sales representative or click on this link to get a quote and ask our Professional Services experts for a custom analysis of your project.