Abstract; Introduction; It Environment Assessment - HP AB500A - Integrated Lights-Out Advanced Configuration

Abstract

This document identifies specific planning and configuration practices for using the HP Integrated
Lights-Out (iLO) and the HP Integrated Lights-Out 2 (iLO 2) management processors to reduce
complexity and simplify management of the datacenter and remote sites. Although, management
processors may not be applicable in all computing environments, HP recommends implementing these
guidelines as appropriate to the specific IT infrastructure.

Introduction

Server remote management is a necessity for IT organizations of all sizes. One of the HP Integrated
Lights-Out (iLO) products is right for any organization where it's important to minimize downtime,
have the ability to remotely manage servers regardless of condition, and perform complex operations
such as initial server deployments. HP Integrated Lights-Out is HP's building block management tool.
It improves server experience in initial deployment, reconfiguration, and operation. By setting up
each server to be monitored with iLO HP, administrators can benefit from the long record of
undisputed leadership in lights-out remote management with iLO.
The iLO device is an autonomous management processor that resides on the system board of a host
server. This device contains its own processor, memory, and network interface that allow it to operate
independently from the host server. Using iLO, IT administrators can manage a ProLiant server
remotely through its entire life cycle: initial deployment, operation, and redeployment.
Unlike other management solutions, iLO devices are entirely independent of the state of the operating
system (OS) or server hardware. These devices provide seamless control of remote servers in full
graphics mode (when using the iLO Advanced feature set). The Virtual Media feature of iLO allows IT
administrators to perform remote ROM upgrades and server deployments. All these capabilities
combine to provide administrators with the ability to respond quickly to downtime events, diagnose
OS or server problems remotely, increase uptime, and reduce the loss of business revenue.
This paper discusses system planning, configuration, and deployment of iLO management processors.
It is assumed that the reader is familiar with the general features of iLO. Reference material is
available in the "For more information" section at the end of this document. More information about
iLO technology is also available from the HP website at .
www.hp.com/servers/ilo
This document supports both iLO devices; however, certain functions described herein may only be
supported on one and not the other. A designation of "iLO only" or "iLO 2 only" indicates that the
function is exclusive to that device. iLO firmware is backward-compatible. For example, the latest
versions of iLO 2 firmware support any iLO 2 processor. For consistency and best feature support,
use the latest version of iLO 2. If no designation is present then the function is supported on both
devices.

IT environment assessment

Before deploying and configuring an iLO device, it is helpful to assess the IT environment. Table 1
outlines areas to consider when planning the use of Lights-Out technology and the resulting benefits in
the data center.
3