This article provides a step-by-step guide to set up the Baseboard Management Controller (BMC) on ASUS server motherboards and configure the iKVM (Keyboard, Video, Mouse) to be accessible over the network. It includes prerequisites, configuration steps, and important security notes for a secure setup.

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Before configuring the BMC and accessing the iKVM, ensure the following:

1. Hardware Requirements:

   • ASUS server with the BMC pre-installed.
   • A network cable for connecting the BMC.

2. Software Requirements:

   • Compatible web browsers: Firefox, Chrome, or Edge.

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• Security: After the initial login, it is critical to change the default passwords for the admin and Administrator accounts.
• IP Configuration: For ease of management, consider assigning a static IP address to the BMC.
• Network Ports: Ensure your network firewall allows the following ports to enable BMC functionality:
  • Port 623 (IPMI)
  • Port 443 (HTTPS)
  • Port 161 (SNMP) (Optional)
• Firmware Update: Ensure the BMC firmware is up to date by checking the BMC web interface for updates.

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1. Attach the Network Cable

   • Connect the network cable to the Dedicated Management Port or the Shared Ethernet Port on the server.
   • Ensure the other end of the cable is connected to your network, either directly or through a network switch/router.

   ASUS 2U Server:

   

   ASUS 1U Server:

   

1. Enter the BIOS

   • Connect a monitor and keyboard to the server
   • Power cycle the server
   • During post rapidly press Delete to enter BIOS

2. Enter BMC network Configuration Settings

   • Navigate to the Server MGMT tab
   • Press Enter on BMC Network Configuration

   

3. (Option 1) Dedicated Management LAN Configuration (DM_LAN):

   This configuration enables remote management over the dedicated management port (DM_LAN). It provides dedicated lights-out management but does not offer a redundant failover path.

   Steps:

   • Set Configuration Address Source to Static
   • Enter your network information under DM_LAN configuration:
     • Set a static or dynamic IPv4 address (Static is recommended for most applications).
     • Enter the subnet mask.
     • Enter the gateway.
   • If not already done, plug an Ethernet cable into the DM_LAN (Direct Management) port of the server (see image above).
     • The management port is labeled "MGMT" next to the port.

   

4. (Option 2) Shared LAN Configuration:

   Enables remote management over the onboard Ethernet NICs, which shares the port with other host traffic. This configuration offers greater redundancy because the host can fail over between the onboard Ethernet NICs; however, host traffic can bottleneck remote management traffic, potentially causing a denial of service to the remote management console.

   Steps:

   • Set Configuration Address Source to Static
   • Enter your network information under Shared LAN configuration:
     • Set a static or dynamic IPv4 address (Static is recommended for most applications).
     • Enter the subnet mask.
     • Enter the gateway.
     • This will enable remote management over the Shared LAN Ethernet NICs, which handle both host and management traffic.
   • If not already done, plug an Ethernet cable into the Shared LAN port of the server (see image above).
     • The Shared LAN is one of the onboard Ethernet NICs that are not labled MGMT or Console

   

5. (Option 3) Shared LAN or DM_LAN over IPv6

   Disable IPv6 if it is not needed

   Steps:

   • Below the IPv4 settings, navigate to the respective port (DM_LAN or Shared LAN) and Enable IPv6 Support
   • Set Configuration Address Source to Static
   • Enter your network information for the respective interface

   

6. Save and Exit BIOS

   • Press f10 to save changes and exit.
   • Confirm if necessary

1. Open the Web Browser:

   • On a device connected to the same network, open a web browser and enter the IP address you configured in the BIOS settings.

2. Login to the BMC Interface:

   • Use one of the following default credentials:

     Usernames are case sensitive

     Username	Password
     admin	admin
     Administrator	superuser

   • After the first login, you will be prompted to change the password for security purposes.

     ‼️ Remember to change the default password for both default users...

   

1. Navigate to User Management:

   • After logging in, on the left-hand pane, navigate to Settings

   

   • Click on the User Management tile

   

2. Create New User Accounts:

   • Click on the User tile you want to edit.

   

   • Add new user accounts as needed.
   • Usernames are case sensitive
   • Assign appropriate roles and permissions for each user.

   

• ASMB11-iKVM Server Management Board User Guide

Revision	Date	Comments	Author
1.0	09/13/2024	Initial release	Keegan Cox
1.1	09/13/2024	Made Revisions	Keegan Cox