HPE ProLiant ILO Configuration
iLO (Integrated Lights-Out) is a proprietary embedded server management technology by Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE). It's essentially a dedicated management processor built into HPE ProLiant and some other HPE servers, allowing administrators to remotely manage servers even when the OS is not running or the server is powered off.
Key Uses of iLO in HPE Servers:
1. Remote Management
Full remote access via a web interface or CLI (SSH, XML API, etc.).
Power on/off/reboot the server.
Mount ISO images or virtual media for OS installation.
Access the server console (even pre-boot) using remote KVM (Keyboard Video Mouse).
2. Hardware Monitoring
Monitor CPU, RAM, fans, power supply, temperature, and storage components.
Real-time alerts for failures or thresholds being breached.
Integrates with HPE Insight and other monitoring tools.
3. Firmware and BIOS Configuration
Update firmware remotely.
Configure BIOS settings without physically accessing the machine.
Schedule updates and maintenance windows.
4. Security and Authentication
Secure access with user authentication, directory services (LDAP/AD), and two-factor auth.
Audit logs and session logging for security reviews.
iLO has its own independent firmware and networking, isolated from the main OS.
5. Scripting and Automation
iLO supports RESTful API, iLO cmdlets for PowerShell, and Redfish API, making automation and integration into devops/security operations easier
Common Scenarios:
Server is unresponsive
Use iLO to reboot it
Need to install OS remotely
Mount ISO via iLO virtual media
Physical access is restricted (e.g., data center in another city)
Manage everything through iLO web interface
Hardware failure suspected
Check real-time sensor data and logs
Server hardening and audit
Review iLO logs, update firmware, enforce 2FA
HPE PROLIANT DL380 GEN10
Primary Riser. PCI Slots (Slots 1-3 top to bottom, riser standard)
Secondary Riser. PCI Slots (Slots 4-6top to bottom, second processor)
Optional serial port
Tertiary Riser (Slots 7-8). Optional rear 2 SFF HDD
Power supply Power connection
Power supply Power LED
HPE Flexible Slot Power Supply bay 1 (800W shown)
Power supply Power connection
Power supply Power LED
HPE Flexible Slot Power Supply bay 2 (800W shown)
VGA connector
Embedded 4 x 1GbE Network Adapter --- This does not usually exist on editshare servers
Dedicated iLO management port
USB connectors 3.0 (2)
Unit ID LED
Optional FlexibleLOM ports (Shown: 4 x 1GbE)
Setting up A Static IP Address on HP ILO
Note: Once you plug an ethernet cable into the ILO port and connect it to your switch. (number 13 in the above picture) This can be easily done by a Technician using the ipmitool assuming they can still ssh to the system.
Configuring static IP address
This step is required only if user want to use a static IP address. When user use dynamic IP addressing, the DHCP server automatically assigns an IP address for iLO.
To simplify installation, Hewlett Packard Enterprise recommends using DNS or DHCP with iLO.
Procedure
Optional: If user access the server remotely, start an iLO remote console session.
Restart or power on the server.
Press F9 in the server POST screen. The system utilities start.
Click System Configuration.
Click iLO 5 Configuration Utility.
Disable DHCP:
Click Network options.
Select OFF in the DHCP Enable menu. The IP Address, Subnet Mask, and Gateway IP Address boxes become editable. When DHCP enable is set to ON, user cannot edit these values.
Enter values in the IP Address, Subnet Mask and Gateway IP Address boxes.
To save the changes and exit, press F12. The iLO 5 configuration utility prompts user to confirm that user want to save the pending configuration changes.
To save and exit, clickYes - Save Changes.
The iLO 5 Configuration Utility notifies user that iLO must be reset in order for the changes to take effect.
Click OK.
iLO resets, and the iLO session is automatically ended. User can reconnect in approximately 30 seconds.
Resume the normal boot process
Start the iLO remote console. The iLO 5 configuration utility is still open from the previous session.
Press ESC several times to navigate to the System Configuration page.
To exit the system utilities and resume the normal boot process, click Exit and resume system boot.
iLO IP address acquisition DHCP
To enable iLO access after it is connected to the network, the iLO management processor must acquire an IP address and subnet mask. You can use a dynamic address or a static address.
Dynamic IP address
A dynamic IP address is set by default. iLO obtains the IP address and subnet mask from DNS or DHCP servers. This method is the simplest.
If you use DHCP:
The iLO management port must be connected to a network that is connected to a DHCP server, and iLO must be on the network before power is applied. DHCP sends a request soon after power is applied. If the DHCP request is not answered when iLO first boots, it will reissue the request at 90-second intervals.
The DHCP server must be configured to provide DNS and WINS name resolution.
Access iLO from Your Laptop
1. Connect to the Same Network
Make sure your laptop is on the same network/subnet as the iLO port, unless you've set it up with a public IP or through VPN access.
2. Get the iLO IP Address
You probably set a static IP or got it from DHCP. If unsure:
Check the iLO display on the server’s front panel (if it has one).
Boot into BIOS → iLO Configuration Utility (press
F8during POST when prompted).Or check DHCP logs/router if you used dynamic IP.
3. Access via Web Browser
Open a browser (Chrome/Firefox/Edge).
Type in the iLO IP address:
https://<iLO_IP>Example:
https://192.168.1.100Accept the SSL certificate warning (iLO uses a self-signed cert by default).
4. Log in
Use the iLO credentials you configured (or default ones from the server tag/card if unchanged).
Default iLO username is often
Administrator.
5. You're in!
Now you’ll see the iLO web interface, where you can:
View server health
Open remote console
Mount virtual media
Power cycle the server
Configure settings
REFERENCES
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