User's Manual

Using the BMC Management Utility 51

Using the BMC Management Utility

The BMC Management Utility is a collection of software applications that

enable remote management and configuration of Dell systems equipped with

a BMC. The BMC Management Utility includes the following components:

• Command Line Interface (IPMI Shell and IPMItool)

Both IPMI Shell and IPMItool are scriptable console application programs

used for the control and management of remote systems using the IPMI

version 1.5 and later protocol. IPMI Shell supports both serial access and

LAN access to the BMC. IPMItool supports only LAN access to the BMC.

The IPMI Shell can be used either in the generic CLI mode or the

interactive mode. The interactive mode allows for a dedicated connection

to a server and availability of all commands from the operating system

CLI. Using the IPMI Shell in this mode improves usability and reduces

time and traffic required for connecting and authenticating. The IPMItool

can only be used in the CLI mode.

Both IPMI Shell and IPMItool allow administration of one or more

managed systems from a command line shell, rather than a graphical user

interface (GUI). Use the IPMI Shell or IPMItool to perform the

following tasks:

– System power management

– System identifier control

– Access to the event log

– Access to the system sensors

– Enable Serial-over-LAN for a remote managed system