Specifications

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Technology Overview
Xserve
Integrated Lights-Out
Remote Management
Xserve includes built-in remote monitoring capabilities that enable network
administrators to stay in touch with their Xserve systems from anywhere on the
network or over the Internet. Enabled by hardware built into every Xserve system,
the remote management system stays running as long as the system is plugged
into power—even if the system is powered off or in a hung state. Xserve monitoring
tools run securely over TCP/IP, using robust password authentication that is based
on an enhanced version of the Intelligent Platform Management Interface (IPMI).
Anywhere, Anytime Monitoring and Control
Forget about ever again having to trek to the server rack to control your server. Built-
in lights-out management (LOM) capabilities allow remote control of an Xserve system
from anywhere on the network or over the Internet. The system doesn’t even have to
be turned on, just plugged into power and Ethernet. And everything needed—hard-
ware and software—is included with every Xserve, with no further purchase required.
Easy-to-use Server Monitor software provides complete remote access to and monitor-
ing of Xserve, including reboot, power on, and power off. Remote Server Admin tools
let you configure and monitor all key services of Mac OS X Server from near or far. If
you prefer using a terminal window, Server Admin provides extensive command-line
tools to configure, monitor, and manage your systems remotely using the preinstalled
secure shell (SSH).
Built on industry standards, Xserve lights-out management conforms to version 2.0
of the IPMI specification, which will continue to improve server management and help
reduce costs. IPMI helps lower the overall costs of server management by enabling
customers to save time, maximize IT resources, and potentially manage multivendor
environments in the same way. It also provides a highly secure environment for
protecting management data and server deployments from unauthorized access.
Dedicated Monitoring Hardware
Built into the I/O controller of every Xserve main logic board is a dedicated, embedded
microcontroller. This independently powered, fully out-of-band LOM processor can
communicate directly to the host system or through the Ethernet channels in the I/O
controller. This allows administrators to talk to Xserve even if it’s powered off or has
crashed. The system need only be connected to power and the Ethernet network.
For data centers with a serial terminal server infrastructure, Xserve also provides
console access over built-in serial (DB-9) or Ethernet ports, supporting integration
into existing server infrastructures. And if network services are down, UNIX-savvy
administrators can access the system through a serial console session.
Remote management
Built-in remote management features in
Xserve allow administrators to control
and monitor information on hundreds
of Xserve systems from any Internet-
connected Mac OS X system.