HP Integrated Lights-Out

HP Integrated Lights-Out
Name	HP Integrated Lights-Out
Caption	A server management module
Developer	Hewlett-Packard
Type	Out-of-band management
Release date	2006
Connectivity	Ethernet, Serial port
Related	Dell DRAC, IBM Remote Supervisor Adapter

HP Integrated Lights-Out. Commonly known as iLO, it is a proprietary embedded server management technology by Hewlett-Packard for its ProLiant server line. The technology provides out-of-band management capabilities, allowing administrators to control and monitor hardware remotely regardless of the host operating system state. Its introduction marked a significant evolution in data center management, integrating key features previously found in discrete service processor cards.

Overview

The core function of the system is to deliver continuous, independent access to server hardware. It operates on a dedicated network interface, often connected to a separate management network, ensuring availability even during main system failures. This architecture is critical for managing large-scale deployments in modern data centers and cloud computing environments. The interface is typically accessed via a web browser or command-line tools like the HPE Scripting Tool Kit.

Technical specifications

The technology is built around an ARM-based system on a chip that includes its own memory, network interface controller, and cryptographic accelerator. It connects to the host server via the PCI Express or LPC bus and interfaces with core system components like the Baseboard Management Controller and Intelligent Platform Management Interface. Firmware is stored on dedicated flash memory and supports protocols including IPMI, SNMP, and WS-Management for integration with systems like Microsoft System Center and VMware vCenter.

Management features

Primary features include remote console redirection with KVM functionality, virtual media mounting of ISO images, and full power control. It provides detailed health monitoring of components such as CPUs, DIMMs, hard disk drives, and power supplies. The technology integrates with HPE OneView and HPE Insight Cluster Management Utility for centralized management of large server farms. Automated capabilities include Firmware updates and diagnostics through the HPE Service Pack for ProLiant.

Security

Security is a foundational design principle, employing role-based access control, Active Directory integration, and comprehensive audit logging. All network communication is encrypted using TLS and can be configured to use FIPS-validated cryptographic modules. Features like two-factor authentication support and secure boot processes help protect against unauthorized access. Regular security updates are issued by Hewlett Packard Enterprise to address vulnerabilities identified by organizations like CERT Coordination Center.

Supported hardware

The technology is embedded across the Hewlett Packard Enterprise ProLiant portfolio, including the ML, DL, and BL series. It is also present in certain Apollo high-performance computing systems and Synergy composable infrastructure frames. Each generation, such as iLO 4 and iLO 5, corresponds with specific server generations like the ProLiant Gen8 and ProLiant Gen10. Support extends to hyperconverged infrastructure solutions like HPE SimpliVity.

History and development

The first generation was introduced in 2006, succeeding the earlier HP Remote Insight Lights-Out Edition card. Development accelerated with the acquisition of RLX Technologies and its Control Tower software. Major milestones include the 2010 launch of iLO 3 with enhanced graphics support and the 2017 release of iLO 5, which introduced Silicon Root of Trust technology. The technology's evolution has been closely tied to the development of the Intelligent Management Center and partnerships with Microsoft and Red Hat.

Category:Server hardware Category:Out-of-band management Category:Hewlett Packard Enterprise