Time to read: 7 mins and 27 seconds | Published: July 28, 2025
Integrated Lights-Out (iLO) What is Integrated Lights-Out (iLO)?
Integrated Lights-Out (iLO) is a proprietary management technology developed by Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) that provides remote access and control capabilities for HPE ProLiant servers, as well as other HPE server and storage products. HPE iLO enables IT administrators to securely manage, monitor, and troubleshoot servers, even when powered off. This "lights-out" capability empowers organizations to ensure business continuity, reduce downtime, and improve operational efficiency regardless of physical location or network status.
- How does out-of-band management work?
- Why would an organization need HPE iLO?
- How is HPE iLO unique?
- What are the benefits of HPE iLO?
- Why is HPE iLO important for server security?
- What does the future of HPE iLO look like?
- HPE iLO 7
How does out-of-band management work?
Out-of-band management operates via a dedicated network connection exclusively reserved for server management. This connection functions independently of the main production network, allowing IT administrators to access servers through a secure channel even when the servers are powered down, in sleep mode, or otherwise offline.
Out-of-band management is akin to a secure "side door," minimizing potential exposure to unauthorized users and cyber threats. It is invaluable in scenarios such as system failures or network outages, enabling administrators to perform tasks like rebooting or restoring devices outside regular business hours or during critical events.
HPE iLO builds upon this capability by providing intuitive tools and automation features, making server management simpler and more efficient. IT teams can leverage HPE iLO to maintain control over their infrastructure at all times.
Why would an organization need HPE iLO?
In today’s fast-paced digital economy, uninterrupted network and server availability are crucial for maintaining business operations and meeting customer expectations. HPE iLO addresses this need by enabling organizations to remotely access and manage IT assets, even during outages, crises, or physical barriers to access.
Key use cases for iLO include:
- Remote troubleshooting and recovery: Quickly diagnose and resolve issues without needing to physically access the server.
- Minimizing downtime: Reboot critical IT infrastructure like servers and storage systems to bring operations back online.
- Streamlined management: Perform firmware updates, monitor server health and security, and configure systems remotely, saving time and resources.
- Disaster recovery: Maintain access to IT systems during power outages, network disruptions, or cyberattacks.
How is HPE iLO unique?
HPE Integrated Lights-Out (iLO) stands out as a comprehensive remote management solution and the industry’s only baseboard management controller designed and developed in house and has been embedded in all HPE ProLiant servers since Gen2. With each generation, HPE has pushed the boundaries of what is possible – continuously enhancing our embedded ASIC technology to deliver superior performance, reliability, and industry-leading security.
- Integrated security features: HPE iLO includes advanced encryption protocols, secure boot, secure enclave and role-based access control for safeguarding sensitive data.
- HPE iLO Advanced: This license includes the full suite of HPE iLO server management capabilities providing enhanced security, improved efficiency, and ease of server management.
What are the benefits of HPE iLO?
HPE iLO offers a wide range of benefits for IT teams and organizations:
1. 24/7 Availability: Access and manage servers anytime, even if they are powered off or disconnected from the main network.
2. Remote Efficiency: Eliminate the need for physical server access, reducing the time and cost associated with on-site interventions.
3. Proactive Monitoring: Leverage real-time health data to detect and resolve potential issues before they escalate.
4. Enhanced Security: Out-of-band access ensures a secure and isolated management channel, reducing exposure to cyber threats.
5. Faster Troubleshooting: Diagnose and repair server issues quickly, minimizing downtime and ensuring business continuity.
6. Scalability: HPE iLO supports management at scale, making it ideal for organizations with large server fleets or data centers.
7. Automation and Simplification: Automate common tasks like firmware updates and server provisioning to free up IT resources for strategic initiatives.
Why is HPE iLO important for server security?
In an era where cyber threats are becoming increasingly sophisticated, HPE iLO plays a critical role in securing IT infrastructure. Here are some reasons why HPE iLO is essential for server security:
- Dedicated Management Channel: By separating management traffic from production traffic, HPE iLO reduces the risk of unauthorized access.
- Built-In Security Features: HPE iLO supports advanced features like Secure Boot, HPE Silicon Root of Trust, and encrypted communications to protect against firmware attacks and unauthorized access.
- Role-Based Access Control: Limit access to specific users or groups, ensuring that only authorized personnel can perform critical management tasks.
- Audit Logging: HPE iLO records all management actions, providing a comprehensive audit trail for compliance and forensic investigations.
- Rapid Response to Threats: In the event of a security breach, HPE iLO enables administrators to isolate, reboot, or restore compromised servers remotely, minimizing potential damage.
- Firmware Protection: HPE iLO can verify and update firmware securely, reducing vulnerabilities introduced by outdated or malicious firmware versions.
By enabling secure, remote management, HPE iLO helps organizations maintain a robust security posture in the face of evolving threats.
What does the future of HPE iLO look like?
As IT environments become more complex and hybrid in nature, HPE iLO is evolving to meet the demands of modern data centers and edge computing. Here are some trends and advancements shaping the future of HPE iLO:
- Edge Computing Support: As organizations deploy more servers at the edge, HPE iLO will play a key role in ensuring secure and efficient remote management for these distributed environments.
- Enhanced Automation: HPE iLO will continue to expand its automation capabilities, simplifying workflows for provisioning, updates, and configuration management.
- Strengthened Security: HPE iLO will continue to enhance security features, including more robust encryption, improved authentication mechanisms, and compliance with emerging security standards.
- Sustainability and Power Optimization: With a focus on energy efficiency, future versions of HPE iLO will provide even greater control over server power and thermal management, helping organizations meet their sustainability goals.
HPE iLO 7
HPE iLO 7, introduced with HPE ProLiant Compute Gen12, represents a major leap forward in server management technology by delivering cutting-edge security, enhanced management capabilities, and future-ready features. Designed to meet the evolving needs of modern IT environments, HPE iLO 7 offers unparalleled protection and manageability.
1. Silicon Root of Trust with a Secure Enclave
HPE iLO 7 built on industry-leading Silicon Root of Trust technology ensures that the server firmware is cryptographically verified at the silicon level, providing unmatched system integrity. In addition, it has a secure enclave to further safeguard encryption keys against attacks and unauthorized access.
2. Secure Local Storage with Advanced Key Management
With secure local storage capabilities and advanced key management, HPE iLO 7 enables IT teams to store sensitive data directly on the server in a highly secure environment. This feature enhances data protection and ensures compliance with strict regulatory requirements.
3. Enhanced Firmware Security
HPE iLO 7 introduces advanced firmware security enhancements designed to keep pace with ever-evolving cyber threats:
- TLS Decoupling: Enables more flexible and secure communication by decoupling TLS (Transport Layer Security) from certain server operations.
- Dynamic Security Profiles: Organizations can now adjust security profiles on the fly to adapt to varying operational or compliance needs.
- SPDM 1.2 Support: Expanded support for the Security Protocol and Data Model (SPDM) 1.2 ensures robust device authentication and secure communication.
4. Quantum-Resistant Server Technology
HPE ProLiant Compute Gen12 with HPE iLO 7 are the first quantum-resistant servers, making them ideal for organizations requiring strict compliance with government and industry security standards. This innovation provides future-proof protection against potential threats posed by quantum computing breakthroughs.
5. Mainstream SPDM Enablement
HPE iLO 7 accelerates the adoption of SPDM standards by supporting over 100% more devices at launch compared to previous generations. This mainstream enablement ensures secure communication and authentication for a broader range of devices, streamlining server management while maintaining high levels of security.
Why iLO 7 matters for modern IT environments?
HPE iLO 7 is not just an incremental improvement; it is a transformative advancement tailored for the challenges of modern IT. It addresses critical areas such as:
- Compliance: The quantum-resistant design and enhanced key management make HPE iLO 7 ideal for industries with stringent compliance requirements, such as government, finance, and healthcare.
- Scalability: With expanded SPDM support and advanced security features, HPE iLO 7 is designed to meet the needs of large-scale data centers and hybrid environments.
- Future-Ready Security: By integrating quantum-resistant technology and dynamic security profiles, HPE iLO 7 ensures that organizations are prepared for the next generation of cyber threats.