Resolving a BMC access problem

Learn how to identify the service action that is needed to resolve a baseboard management controller (BMC) access problem.

Procedure

  1. Ensure that the BMC password is not set to the default password. For information about changing the default password, see Logging on to the OpenBMC GUI. Does the problem persist?
    If Then
    Yes: Continue with the next step.
    No: This ends the procedure.
  2. Are both ends of the network cable seated securely?
    If Then
    Yes: Continue with the next step.
    No: Seat both ends of the cable securely. If the problem persists, continue with the next step.
  3. Power off the system and disconnect all AC power cords for 30 seconds. Then, reconnect the AC power cords and power on the system. Does the BMC access problem persist?
    If Then
    Yes: Continue with the next step.
    No: This ends the procedure.
  4. Verify that the BMC network settings are correct.
    Note: To verify the BMC network settings, you must have a cabled serial connection or a monitor and keyboard.
    1. Power on the system by using the power button on the front of the system. Wait 1 - 2 minutes for the system to display the Petitboot menu.
    2. When the Petitboot menu is displayed, press any key to interrupt the boot process. Then, select Exit to Shell.
    3. For a shared BMC Ethernet port, type the following command and press Enter:

      ipmitool lan print 1

      For a dedicated BMC Ethernet port, type the following command and press Enter:

      ipmitool lan print 2

      Note: To determine the location of the shared and dedicated BMC Ethernet ports, see the rear ports topic in the IBM® Power® System IC922 (9183-22X) Quick Install Guide.
    4. Verify that the MAC address and the IP address settings are correct. Then, continue with the next step.
      Note: If the IP address setting is incorrect, go to Configuring the BMC IP address. If the MAC address is 00:00:00:00:00:00, go to Contacting IBM service and support.
  5. Complete the following actions:
    1. Power on to the Petitboot menu.
    2. Update the system firmware. For instructions, see Getting fixes.

    Are you able to access the BMC?

    If Then
    Yes: This ends the procedure.
    No: Continue with the next step.
  6. Replace the system backplane. Go to 9183-22X locations to identify the physical location and the removal and replacement procedure.
  7. Did you replace the system backplane and is the system firmware level OP940.20, or later?