I've wrestled with getting a remote management card working 100% with Linux and decided to document the process in case someone else was trying to do the same thing. I did this on a
Tyan Barebones GT24 B2891, a
Tyan System Management Daughter Card M3291 and
Ubuntu Server 7.10 (Gutsy). The specs of the server probably have no bearing to making this work. This should also adapt with many other set ups.
The goal of this project was to build a server where I had remote capabilities such as cycling power, monitoring vital statistics like CPU temp and fan speed, and gain console control during the boot process so I could make changes to the BIOS settings remotely. You also gain the advantage that if network services like telnet or SSH become unavailable, you can likely still use the remote console.
Some manufacturers include this capability into their equipment. Many of them call it "Lights Out" administration. The Tyan equipment I purchased needed a card added and set up. If anyone is interested in the hardware installation including the firmware updates, let me know and I'll write it up. This document is strictly dealing with the Linux setup.
Continue reading "Remote Management Card with Ubuntu Server"
