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I'm searching for a composite solution to have the same features of an IPMI controller on commodity hardware independently from arch/model and without excessive device dependencies.

Essentially the problem can be divided in 2 parts:

1- remote control of basic input/output (can be solved with a small, compact, pure over IP KVM spider) please suggest products, companies, solutions about your experiences.

2- precise and forced of power remote control. - Remote powerup can be done by wake on lan in some cases, - force off need a ups control, - for acpi force off (10 sec pressing of power switch) it's necessary an "always powered and available device controlled by ip", that bypass poweron to simulate to press it. - a complete solution can be an "always powered and available device controlled by ip", that bypass poweron to simulate to press it. and a bypass to input power cord, before power supply. simply a double bypass device.

please suggest products, companies, solutions about your experiences.

Thanks to all.

dorvan
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1 Answers1

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I'd suggest just buying better servers. You want this functionality built into the hardware platform, not as an add-on...

Yes, this could be done with switched PDUs (e.g. APC 8941), IP KVMs (i.e. Raritan rackmount or Lantronix Spider)... the higher-end IP KVMs can also perform virtual media functionality via USB dongle.

I've had to manage an environment with more than 1,000 servers and portable IP KVM switches. It sucked. As add-ons, these things are never smooth.

Your cheapest solution could be serial console servers, coupled with switched PDUs and meticulous documentation. The benefit of the serial in this case would be that the per-machine cost is low (a modtap) and you can leverage Cat 5e cabling runs.

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ewwhite
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