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A baseboard management controller (BMC) is a small, embedded management computer built into many server systems. It provides an out-of-band route to supported hardware monitoring and control functions, so administrators can manage some aspects of a server without relying on its operating system. IPMI and Redfish are interfaces for communicating with a BMC—not other names for the controller itself.
What a BMC does
DMTF, the standards organization behind Redfish, defines a BMC as “typically an independent microprocessor or system-on-chip with associated firmware” that performs out-of-band monitoring and management tasks. In practice, it is a separate management component on a server motherboard or within a server system. Its exact functions depend on the hardware, firmware and vendor implementation.
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Out-of-band management means the management path does not depend solely on the host operating system. Depending on the platform, an administrator may be able to check hardware status or control host power even if the OS is unavailable. A BMC may also remain reachable when the host is off, but that depends on the system design and whether the controller has auxiliary power.
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At a high level, platform sensors and management interfaces provide information to the BMC. The controller makes supported status information and control operations available through one or more interfaces. An administrator or automation client then uses those interfaces to inspect the system or request an action.
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- Collect information: Sensors and other platform management components supply readings or events, such as hardware status. The sensors and coverage available vary by system.
- Handle a request: The BMC processes a supported management operation, such as retrieving status or requesting a host power-state change.
- Expose the operation: The controller makes available functions accessible through the interfaces implemented by that system, which may include IPMI, Redfish, or both.
- Connect an administrator or tool: An authorized user, command-line tool, web interface or automation client accesses the BMC over the available management connection.
The IPMI specification describes a system interface and message handler for platform management, including routing messages among interfaces. OpenBMC documents one concrete implementation: authenticated REST requests can ask its host-state service to transition a host on or off. That is an example of how one implementation can work, not a guarantee that every BMC uses the same design or offers the same controls. See the IPMI 2.0 specification and OpenBMC host-management documentation.
BMC, IPMI and Redfish: what is the difference?
The BMC is the management controller. IPMI and Redfish are distinct ways for software and administrators to communicate with management functions. A server can support either interface or both; support and available operations depend on its implementation.
| Term | What it is | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| BMC | An embedded device or service with firmware that performs out-of-band monitoring and management. | Which hardware functions, interfaces and access methods the specific system supports. |
| IPMI | A platform-management specification describing messaging and management functions. | Whether the system implements IPMI and which functions and tools it makes available. |
| Redfish | A RESTful, HTTP-based management interface with a schema-based data model. | Which Redfish resources and optional features the BMC implements. |
DMTF’s Redfish Specification defines interface requirements, but it does not require a particular BMC hardware or firmware design. Implementations can include required and optional elements as well as vendor-specific extensions. Redfish therefore does not guarantee that every server exposes every possible management feature.
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Which features might be available?
A BMC’s capabilities can range from basic monitoring and power control to more extensive remote-access functions. A feature should be treated as available only when the documentation for the exact server model and firmware confirms it.
- Monitoring and records: Sensor readings, event logs and system inventory may be available, with coverage differing by implementation.
- Power control: The controller may expose operations to change the host’s power state.
- Remote console: Some systems support serial-over-LAN or KVM over IP. Redfish’s data model includes connection types for these functions, but their presence is conditional on controller support.
- Virtual media: Availability is model- and implementation-dependent; do not assume it is included with remote console access.
- Network access: Management connectivity may be dedicated or shared with other network traffic. Port arrangement and configuration are platform-specific.
- Optional or licensed functions: Some features may depend on firmware, vendor extensions or a product-specific license.
The Redfish data model describes supported resource and connection types; it is not a promise that every BMC implements all of them. Check the vendor’s documentation for the exact system, firmware and any licensing conditions.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How to evaluate BMC support when choosing a server
If remote management matters to your setup, compare the specific server systems or server motherboards you are considering—not just the phrase “BMC-enabled.” Confirm the features and limitations that affect your workflow.
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- Does the system support IPMI, Redfish, or both?
- Which command-line, web and automation tools are supported?
- Does it provide the remote console method you need, such as serial console or KVM over IP?
- Are virtual media, sensor readings, event logs and inventory functions documented?
- Is management networking dedicated or shared, and how is it physically connected?
- Are the functions you need included, or do they require a model-specific license?
- What firmware and configuration guidance does the vendor provide?
The relevant product category is a server system or server motherboard with an integrated BMC and documented IPMI management. A general BMC label alone does not establish compatibility, particular console features or licensing. Verify those details against the exact product documentation.
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A BMC is a privileged management endpoint: its supported functions can reveal system information and may include host-control operations. Treat its network access and credentials accordingly.
- Place BMC access on a restricted management network rather than exposing the interface directly to the public internet.
- Use unique, strong credentials and limit access to authorized administrators and automation clients.
- Use encryption where supported, and follow the security settings and firmware guidance for the exact server and BMC version.
- Review the vendor’s instructions before changing security options; a configuration recommendation for one platform may not apply to another.
Redfish specifies authentication and encryption requirements for its interface; consult the Redfish Specification alongside the system vendor’s guidance. Intel’s server BIOS and BMC security configuration guidance is specific to Intel platforms and should not be treated as a universal configuration recipe.
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