IP-KVM access

What IP-KVM is and when you need it

IP-KVM gives you out-of-band remote access to the server console, as if you were sitting in front of it with a monitor and keyboard. It works independently of the operating system and the server's network configuration. Depending on the server, IP-KVM is provided through IPMI or, on Dell servers in DC1, through iDRAC.

Use IP-KVM when:

• the server does not respond over SSH or RDP;
• you need to install or reinstall an operating system;
• you need to change BIOS/UEFI settings or watch the boot process;
• you need to mount an ISO image (see the Virtual media manual).

Before you start

Check which data center your server is located in. The IP-KVM connection method depends on the data center and the server hardware.

Where to get access details

You can find IP-KVM access in the client area: open the Orders section and click the order to open Order Details. What you see there depends on the data center (see the next section).

Some plans do not include permanent IP-KVM access. In this case Order parameters show IP-KVM by request. Create a support ticket, and support sends you the link, login and password in the ticket.

Access by data center

The connection method depends on the data center.

Data center	Platform	Where to find access	Special conditions
DC1	Dell iDRAC	IPMI Console button in Order Details	ISO images are mounted by support
DC2	IPMI	Link, login and password in Order Details	None
DC3	IPMI	Link, login and password in Order Details	VPN connection required
DC4	IPMI	IP-KVM button in Order Details	Enter your IP address; open the file within 15 minutes; Java required
DC7	IPMI	On request	Contact support to get access

DC1: Dell iDRAC

In Order Details, the IPMI ACCESS block has the IPMI Console button. Click it to open the iDRAC web interface, log in and launch the Virtual Console.

Step-by-step instructions: How to Access iDRAC Virtual Console (KVM).

DC2: IPMI in the browser

In Order Details, the IP-KVM block shows the Link, Login and Password. Use the icons next to the password to show or copy it. Open the link in your browser and log in with these details.

DC3: IPMI via VPN

The IP-KVM block in Order Details looks the same as on DC2, but the link is reachable only through a VPN connection. First connect with OpenVPN, then open the link and log in.

Step-by-step instructions: VPN connection for DC3 servers.

DC4: IP-KVM button

In Order Details, the Control block has the IP-KVM button and the Access to IP-KVM from IP address field.

1. Check the Access to IP-KVM from IP address field. By default, it contains the IP address you used to log in to the client area. If you will connect from another address, enter that address instead.
2. Click IP-KVM. A console launch file (.jnlp) is downloaded.
3. Open the file within 15 minutes. After that, access from this IP address expires, and you need to repeat the steps.

The console on DC4 needs Java (see Consoles that require Java below).

On DC4 budget solutions, Virtual media is not available.

DC7: IPMI on request

Contact support to get IPMI access. Once you receive it, you work with the console yourself.

Consoles that require Java

Some older IPMI consoles open the remote console as a .jnlp file, which needs Java. If the console does not start:

1. Install the required 32-bit Java version: Installing Java to work with IP-KVM (jnlp files).
2. Add the IP-KVM address to the Java Exception Site List: Adding IP-KVM to the list of java-supported resources.

Common problems

• The console does not open or the .jnlp file does nothing. Check that the required 32-bit Java version is installed and the IP-KVM address is in the Exception Site List.
• The browser warns about the certificate. IPMI interfaces often use a self-signed certificate. If you trust the IPMI address, accept the certificate warning and continue to the interface.
• The IP-KVM address does not open on DC3. Check that the VPN connection is active.

If the problem persists, contact support.