Efficient server management is essential in IT environments, especially in large infrastructures. For this, the IPMITOOL is one of the most popular tools, allowing quick and secure interactions with the intelligent platform management interface (IPMI). In this article, we will explore what IPMITOOL is, as well as teach you how to update IP addresses or reset user passwords.
What is IPMITOOL?
IPMITOOL is a command-line tool that facilitates interaction with the hardware management interface (IPMI) of servers. This interface allows you to manage and monitor servers remotely, even when they are powered off or in a failure state. With IPMITOOL, you can:
- View system information;
- Restart or shut down servers remotely;
- Configure network parameters;
- Manage users and passwords.
The IPMI protocol is widely supported by hardware manufacturers such as Dell, HP, and Supermicro, making IPMITOOL a practical and versatile solution.
Updating the IPMI IP Address
To configure or update the IPMI IP address, follow the steps below:
Access the terminal with administrative privileges
IPMITOOL requires administrative permissions, so make sure you are logged in as root or using sudo.
Identify the network channel used by IPMI
The network channel is usually 1. To confirm, run:
ipmitool lan print 1The command will display the current settings, including IP address, subnet mask, and gateway.
Update network settings
To configure a new IP address, subnet mask, and gateway, use the commands below, replacing with the appropriate values:
ipmitool lan set 1 ipaddr 192.168.1.100
ipmitool lan set 1 netmask 255.255.255.0
ipmitool lan set 1 defgw ipaddr 192.168.1.1These commands update the IP address, subnet mask, and gateway for channel 1.
How to Find the Correct Values?
- IP Address and Subnet Mask: Consult your network administrator or use commands like
ipconfig(Windows) orip addr(Linux) on a machine connected to the same network. - Default Gateway: It is usually the same IP you use to access the router interface.
Enable LAN access
Ensure that LAN access is enabled:
ipmitool lan set 1 access onCheck the settings
To ensure the changes have been applied, run again:
ipmitool lan print 1The system should display the settings for network channel 1, and the values presented should match those you configured in the previous steps. For example:
Set in Progress : Set Complete
Auth Type Support : NONE MD2 MD5 PASSWORD
Auth Type Enable : Callback : MD2 MD5 PASSWORD
User : MD2 MD5 PASSWORD
Operator : MD2 MD5 PASSWORD
Admin : MD2 MD5 PASSWORD
OEM : MD2 MD5 PASSWORD
IP Address Source : Static Address
IP Address : 192.168.1.100
Subnet Mask : 255.255.255.0
Default Gateway IP : 192.168.1.1
Confirm that the IP Was Applied
Ensure that the “IP Address” field displays the new configured address (192.168.1.100 in the example). Additionally:
- The subnet mask (Subnet Mask) must be correct.
- The default gateway (Default Gateway IP) must match the configured value.
Connectivity Test
Use a command ping to check if the IPMI is accessible over the network:
ping 192.168.1.100
Expected result:
- You should receive responses, indicating that the IPMI is online and correctly configured.
- If the IP is not accessible, review your network settings.
Tutorial: Resetting a User Password
If you need to reset an IPMI user password, follow the steps below:
List configured users
Use the command to list the available users on the network channel:
ipmitool user list 1This command will display user IDs and names.
Change a user’s password
To reset a user’s password, use the corresponding ID:
ipmitool user set password <ID_DO_USUÁRIO> <NOVA_SENHA>For example:
ipmitool user set password 2 novaSenha123Verify access
After changing the password, test access to ensure the credentials are correct.
By following these simple steps, your user’s password is now changed, proving that in just a few commands it is simple and easy to replace the desired user’s password.
Final considerations
IPMITOOL is a powerful and indispensable tool for system administrators who manage servers remotely. Knowing how to use it correctly can save time and avoid unnecessary physical travel to solve problems.
When configuring IP addresses or resetting passwords, it is important to follow security best practices, such as:
- Using strong passwords;
- Limiting access to the IPMI interface only to trusted networks;
- Regularly updating the IPMI firmware to mitigate vulnerabilities.
With these steps and precautions, you will have a more secure and efficient infrastructure, taking full advantage of the potential of IPMITOOL.
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