How can I access the bios remotely on a desktop computer acting as a server?

Question

I am working on a custom protocol in Swift and am looking into Network.Framework for its TLS implementation. I'd like to have control over the I/O with the option to use something other than TCP or UDP, but I found this github discussion that says it is not an option to use TLS without the NWConnection TCP built-in transport.

What I am looking for is a way to interface with the TLS functions where I can pass in and receive the bytes for the protocol. The wolfSSL library (for example) has these features, so it doesn't seem like an uncommon design choice.

Is there a way to get that level of access to the Network.Framework TLS functions?

Solution 1

You're looking for Out-Of-Band Management.

The best solution is to use purpose-built equipment with the feature set and qualities that you need. There's no shortcut here.

It would be nice to know why you're requesting this functionality and what the core issue is. If you have machines that aren't intended to be remotely managed, but have a need to support them (at the BIOS level) from afar, you may be using the wrong equipment.

Please provide some details about your specific situation.

Solution 2

Buy computers with Intel vPro built into the chipset or ship them to your end users with KVMoIP cards.

Comments

[cwd]

Yes I think expecting cheaper and something that would allow connecting with one of the RDP protocols or maybe provided an X server.

[joeqwerty]

Anything that runs within the OS is not going to give you access to the BIOS or to the computer/server during POST. The item you've found is the type of item you need and unfortunately they tend to be rather expensive.

[ewwhite]

More details, please @cwd. Why do you need this?

[Michael Hampton]

This is one of the major reasons why we generally do not have desktop computers act as servers.

[Lothar]

Waiting for someone hacking a Raspberry Zero and emulating a USB keyboard and mouse, an AD converter on the video output. That looks like a great open source project for a pensionair.

[cwd]

Thanks, I did see that was available but my when I mention "normal computer" in the question I meant computers that are not specifically purchased for this purpose. Also, not sure if Macs have the Intel vPro available...

[Wesley]

Then your only option is KVMoIP cards to not block video, or KVMoIP devices if you can live with blocked video on the remote PC. I've used Lantronix Spiders for remote offices and guided remote support in hooking them up to PCs I need to work on, and then take them off when I'm done so the user can use the PC.

[cwd]

blocked video is ok for me - this would not be for desktop machines that are in-use

[cwd]

Not sure if you saw that I mentioned Out-of-band management in the question? You are correct that I'm looking for a way to control machines remotely that were not intended to be managed remotely. I do not have a specific problem at hand but was curious if it was possible, easy, and/or common to do this. It seems like it could be handy / useful in a lot of scenarios.

[ewwhite]

It's not that handy. It's possible to manage machines remotely, But the need for BIOS-level access and the other value-add features that server-class OOB offer shouldn't be necessary for workstations.

[Wesley]

@cwd Some BIOSs/firmwares do have CLI tools as well.