What is OOB remote management?
OOB (out-of-band) remote management technology allows system operators to remotely manage and maintain devices even when a device’s hardware, software or connected network is malfunctioning. This is possible through an independent connection to the system via an additional piece of OOB hardware that attaches to the device, typically via UART, RS232 or GPIO. Even if the device cannot be remotely accessed via traditional in-band methods such as RDP due to a system crash, the device remains accessible through the OOB device’s separate communications channel. Ideally, the OOB device uses a different network connection to the main system, so continued access is possible even if the main network faces an issue such as an ISP failure, VLAN/VPN problem, or slow network response time.
What are the security implications of OOB remote management?
Since OOB allows remote management through a separate communications channel, the firewall of the main system does not need to open ports to IP addresses on the public internet, as any technicians remoting in can go through the OOB device’s own network. This results in a stronger and more secure network. Alternatively, some integrators may wish to continue remoting into their devices using traditional in-band solutions, such as RDP or SSH while allowing the OOB solution to act as a backup in case of system/network failures. OOB solutions are considered highly secure, and do not present security issues if setup correctly.
Why do companies need OOB remote management?
Other than the obvious security, and availability benefits of OOB remote management, there is another major benefit to companies wishing to monitor and manage their systems. In data centers, there might be technicians working 24/7 who can resolve issues with devices, but with AIoT or edge devices installed in remote locations, companies must send technicians out to manage a device if for some reason they shut down, or cannot be reached via their network. If these AIoT and edge devices make use of OOB remote management solutions, commands can be sent remotely to restart them through independent communication channels. This ability to restart inaccessible devices remotely, and access them even if their own network is down reduces downtime costs, and removes the need to send technicians out, saving money and time.
Why do companies need OOB remote management?
Other than the obvious security, and availability benefits of OOB remote management, there is another major benefit to companies wishing to monitor and manage their systems. In data centers, there might be technicians working 24/7 who can resolve issues with devices, but with AIoT or edge devices
installed in remote locations, companies must send technicians out to manage a device if for some reason they shut down, or cannot be reached via their network. If these AIoT and edge devices make use of OOB remote management solutions, commands can be sent remotely to restart them through independent communication channels. This ability to restart inaccessible devices remotely, and access them even if their own network is down reduces downtime costs, and removes the need to send technicians out, saving money and time.
Real world examples
Innodisk, a leading provider of industrial embedded Flash and DRAM solutions offers two different advanced OOB remote management solutions. InnoAGE, an OOB enabled SATA SSD enables remote management either through a Wi-Fi, or LAN connection directly to the SSD. InnoAGE comes with a Microsoft Azure Sphere inside, and is further integrated with Innodisk’s customized firmware, software, and hardware technology. This new solution enables multifunctional management: smart data analysis and updates, data security, and remote control through the cloud, while benefitting from the power of the Azure Sphere to guarantee secured communications between the SSD and the cloud.
InnoAgent also offers impressive OOB technology via an embedded peripheral module that connects to systems via UART, RS232 or GPIO, and to an independend network via LAN. The module, which is comparible in size to a USB flash drive can then be mounted to a case or server rack for ease of access, or tucked away in a tiny AIoT or edge device where space is limited. With remote power on/off/reset, and operational in temperatures as low as -40 °C, and as high as 85°C, InnoAgent is the perfect companion for smart city applications.
