In-band management

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Applies To: Windows Server 2003, Windows Server 2003 R2, Windows Server 2003 with SP1, Windows Server 2003 with SP2

In-band management

Windows Server 2003 operating systems provide a variety of in-band tools you can use to manage computers remotely.

Unlike out-of-band connection, in-band connection is available only when the server is initialized and functioning properly. In-band connection relies on operating-system network drivers to establish computer connections.

The most common in-band remote-management hardware device is the network adapter. Analog modems and Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) adapters are also classified as network adapters.

You can use remote-access connections to manage servers. The remote-access connection is made through the in-band port that resides on the target server.

You can use the following administrative tools to perform remote-management tasks through an in-band connection:

  • Microsoft Management Console (MMC)

  • Systems Management Server

  • Telnet

  • Terminal Services Remote Desktop for Administration

  • Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI)

  • Remote Command Service (Rcmd.exe and Rcmdsvc.exe). For more information on this tool, see Windows Resource Kit Tools Help.

You can also use appropriate non-Microsoft management tools to perform remote management tasks through an in-band connection.

If you lose the ability to manage your server through an in-band connection, you can manage the server using an out-of-band connection. For more information on this topic, see Out-of-band management.