Skip to main content

How to access the IPMI KVM console

Objective​

The main purpose of IPMI KVM is to facilitate remote server management, troubleshooting, and maintenance tasks, providing administrators with a way to interact with a server's operating system, BIOS, and other pre-boot environments remotely.

Requirements​

  • Access to OpenMetal Central
  • Java is installed on your local machine.
    • To download and install the latest version of Java, click java.
caution

In order to access the IPMI of some legacy products you may need to adjust the Java security settings to allow SHA1. In your downloaded copy of Java 8, open the file lib/security/java.security and navigate to where jdk.jar.disabledAlgorithms is defined and change the denyAfter date associated with SHA1:

# Before
jdk.jar.disabledAlgorithms=MD2, MD5, RSA keySize < 1024, \
      DSA keySize < 1024, include jdk.disabled.namedCurves, \
      SHA1 denyAfter 2019-01-01

# After
jdk.jar.disabledAlgorithms=MD2, MD5, RSA keySize < 1024, \
      DSA keySize < 1024, include jdk.disabled.namedCurves, \
      SHA1 denyAfter 2020-01-01
caution

Please bear in mind that while the IPMI Java applet can be utilized on macOS, certain compatibility concerns may arise. Therefore, it is advisable to opt for a system running either the Windows or Linux operating system for a smoother experience.

Instructions​

First, you will want to navigate to the Assets page for the cloud with the node you wish to access.

Assets page link in OpenMetal Central

Next, select the menu (⋮) next to the server you want to access, then select IPMI Access :

Server menu with IPMI Access option

On the next menu, select Download JNLP :

IPMI access menu with Download JNLP option

Once the <hostname>.jnlp has downloaded, open it and hit Run when prompted:

Java prompt with Run button for the JNLP file

You will then enter into the virtual console where you can enter your root credentials:

IPMI virtual console with root login prompt