Overview
This lecture explains Windows Remote Management (WinRM), its components, features, and how it enables remote management of Windows systems and hardware.
Components of WinRM and Hardware Management
- WinRM is part of Windows Hardware Management for managing server hardware locally and remotely.
- WinRM implements the WS-Management protocol for standardized remote management.
- The WinRM Scripting API lets users create scripts to manage or get data from remote computers.
- Winrm.cmd is a command-line tool for configuring WinRM and managing remote resources.
- Winrs.exe allows administrators to run command-line commands remotely using WS-Management.
- IPMI driver and provider enable remote hardware control and diagnostics via baseboard management controllers (BMCs), even if the OS is down.
- The WMI (Windows Management Instrumentation) service continues alongside WinRM, providing access to standard management classes.
Working with WinRM
- The WS-Management protocol uses SOAP and standard web services (HTTPS, WS-Addressing, etc.) for interoperability and secure remote data exchange.
- WinRM and WMI are integrated, allowing data access via scripts or command-line using the WinRM Scripting API.
- Scripts retrieving data with WinRM format the output in XML.
- Security is provided via standard authentication and encryption methods in WS-Management.
- Resource URIs identify management resources, such as disk drives, for operations.
- Remote hardware management uses the IPMI provider to describe and access BMC-related data and events.
Key Terms & Definitions
- WinRM — Windows Remote Management, a tool for remote management and automation on Windows.
- WS-Management — A SOAP-based standard protocol for remote device management.
- BMC — Baseboard Management Controller, a hardware controller for server management.
- IPMI — Intelligent Platform Management Interface, a protocol for remote hardware control.
- WMI — Windows Management Instrumentation, a framework for managing Windows resources.
- Resource URI — A unique identifier for a management resource or operation.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review installation and configuration steps for WinRM.
- Explore the WinRM Scripting API and command-line tools (winrm.cmd, winrs.exe).
- Learn about integrating WMI and IPMI for hardware and system management.