How does it work?
IPMI defines the protocols used for interfacing with an embedded service processor. This service processor - also known as Baseboard Management Controller (BMC) - resides on a server motherboard or in the chassis of a blade server or telecom platform. The BMC links to a main processor and other onboard elements via a simple serial bus.

What does it do?
Supermicro Intelligent Management (SIM) module monitors onboard instrumentation such as temperature sensors, power status, voltages and fan speed, and provides remote power control capabilities to reboot and/or reset the server. It also includes remote access to the BIOS configuration and operating system console information via SOL (Serial over LAN) or embedded KVM capabilities. Because the controller is a separate processor, the monitoring and control functions work regardless of CPU operation or system power-on status.

Anytime and Anywhere
An administrator accesses the BMC by using an IPMI-compliant management application loaded on a PC or via a web interface on a management appliance that includes IPMI management and KVM. The IPMI protocol leverages an out-of-band network (typically dedicated for server monitoring and management), which provides a flawless and secure path for mission-critical applications when regular in-band connectivity is lost or is unresponsive. IPMI messages follow the same format whether they are received through an operating system or are sent and received out-of-band.