IPMI (Intelligent Platform Management Interface) is a set of computer interface specifications for an autonomous computer subsystem that provides management and monitoring capabilities independently of the host system's CPU, firmware, and operating system. One of the key advantages of IPMI over SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) is its ability to monitor and manage various subsystem sensors within the hardware.
While SNMP is widely used for network management and can gather data from various devices on the network, it is not as specialized in sensor data collection as IPMI. IPMI provides more detailed monitoring of system health and environment by allowing access to a broader range of sensor types and data. This includes temperatures, voltages, fans, power supplies, and more123.
Moreover, IPMI operates independently of the operating system, which means it can function even if the server's OS fails or is unresponsive. This level of monitoring is crucial for maintaining system stability and preventing downtime due to hardware issues.
References:
* Dell EMC OpenManage SNMP Reference Guide1
* Server Fault community discussions on Dell OpenManage and IPMI2
* Spiceworks Community insights on Dell OpenManage monitoring3