Re: [Sheflug] Console management for linux clusters etc

[Gary Stimson <bulk@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Ian Durkacz asked:
> My question is: what is a 'good' way to provide a 'console service' to 
> racks of many Linux machines? (That is, the objective here is to 
> allow remote access to the system console of each machine.) 


Yep you can use remote console. You can do this through IPMI or a
dedicated box that attaches to the serial port.

Advantage - it's cheaper than KVMoIP. Disadvantages: the server needs to
support redirecting BIOS etc to console and you need to configure GRUB
and linux to output to console, so it's not plug n play.

With IMPI console redirect we found there was no output between GRUB
finishing and linux starting a getty, which meant that we couldn't see
the part where linux checks the disks. This was far from ideal because
intervention is sometimes required.

IPMI/DRAC will also give you remote power control and monitoring of fan
speeds and temperatures.

Look at what DRACs are available for the Dells you have - these will
offer a remote access method akin to KVMoIP and do it better than the
pure IPMI cards I've used. These will require you to install drivers in
the operating system - Dell make them for specific versions of RedHat
and Windows I believe.

The most recent high-end solutions in all 3 categories will support
virtual media, where you can remotely mount a CD/DVD/floppy for
emergency boot. (Although there are other ways to accomplish that too).

KVMoIP is the least fuss because you just configure the device, plug it
all in and you're off.

We use a dual solution of IPMI for fan/temp monitoring and power
control, plus KVMoIP+virtual media for remote access. It's highly
reliable and wonderful to work with, but not cheap!

HTH!

Gary


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