OpenBMC for server: Porting and supporting new features for “Yosemite”

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Sai Dasari
•7 min read•advanced•
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Overview

The article discusses the porting and enhancement of OpenBMC to support the multi-node server platform code-named 'Yosemite'. Key features include the removal of the RMCP+ protocol, the addition of SSH and REST API support, and various enhancements for sensor monitoring and multi-node capabilities.

What You'll Learn

1

How to implement SSH support in OpenBMC for secure system management

2

Why removing RMCP+ protocol enhances security in server management

3

How to utilize REST API for managing multi-node server platforms

4

When to apply sensor monitoring for hardware health checks

Prerequisites & Requirements

  • Understanding of Baseboard Management Controller (BMC) concepts
  • Familiarity with ipmitool for server management(optional)

Key Questions Answered

What new features were added to OpenBMC for Yosemite?
New features include SSH support for secure logins, REST API for system management, and enhancements for sensor monitoring and multi-node support. These features improve usability and security for managing the Yosemite server platform.
How does OpenBMC handle multi-node support?
OpenBMC supports multiple server nodes by updating software modules to handle requests for each independent server board. This includes modifications to the in-band IPMI request messages and utilities that accept node numbers for specific actions.
Why was the RMCP+ protocol removed from OpenBMC?
The RMCP+ protocol was removed to eliminate known security vulnerabilities associated with it, enhancing the overall security of the server management infrastructure.
What is the purpose of the IPMB framework in OpenBMC?
The IPMB framework allows communication between the BMC and Bridge-IC management controllers, facilitating the sending and receiving of IPMB requests and responses, which is crucial for managing multiple nodes effectively.

Technologies & Tools

Software
Openbmc
An open-source software framework for system management.
Protocol
SSH
Used for secure logins to manage the BMC.
Interface
REST API
Provides programmatic access to manage server resources.
Protocol
Ipmi
Used for managing and monitoring the server hardware.

Key Actionable Insights

1
Implement SSH support in your BMC systems to enhance security and usability.
This allows users to securely log in and manage systems, reducing the risk of unauthorized access while providing a familiar interface for system administrators.
2
Utilize the new REST API for managing server resources effectively.
The REST API provides a structured and consistent way to interact with the server hardware, making it easier to automate management tasks and integrate with other systems.
3
Monitor sensor data to proactively address hardware issues.
By implementing sensor monitoring, you can track critical parameters like temperature and power, allowing for timely interventions before failures occur.
4
Leverage the multi-node support to manage several servers simultaneously.
This feature is particularly useful in environments with high-density server deployments, simplifying management and improving operational efficiency.

Common Pitfalls

1
Misconfiguring the BMC settings can lead to security vulnerabilities.
It's crucial to ensure that the new SSH and REST API configurations are correctly set up to avoid exposing the system to unauthorized access.
2
Overlooking sensor thresholds may result in hardware failures.
Regularly reviewing and adjusting the sensor monitoring thresholds is essential to ensure timely alerts and prevent potential hardware damage.

Related Concepts

Baseboard Management Controller (bmc)
Ipmi (intelligent Platform Management Interface)
Sensor Monitoring Techniques
Multi-node Server Architectures