Intel® vPro™ and Intel® Centrino® Pro Processor Technology Quick Start Guide

Intel vPro Enterprise Setup and Configuration Flow

Prior to executing the steps for configuring the Intel vPro components (Intel AMT and Intel ME) in Enterprise mode (either Standard or Advanced), it is first important to understand the overall flow of the Enterprise mode configuration process (recall that the main difference between Standard and Advanced is that if you provision your clients in Advanced mode, all management traffic between the management console and the managed clients will be encrypted using cert-based encryption).

In Enterprise mode, an Intel vPro machine receives its configuration settings over the network, once it has been prepared with some initial setup information. The following diagram shows the modes or states that an Intel vPro device passes through before it becomes operational.

Intel vPro Configuration States:

1.

Factory State

 

 

AMT disabled

SETUP

 

No network configuration

 

No security credentials

(Pre-Provisioning)

 

 

 

2.

Setup State

 

 

AMT enabled

 

 

Basic network configured

CONFIGURATION

 

Admin credentials loaded

 

 

(Provisioning)

3.Configured State

AMT fully configured (e.g power policies)

Security credentials fully loaded

Ready for remote management

Factory State: An Intel vPro machine comes from the OEM in Factory State. In this state Intel AMT is un-configured and not available for use by management applications. When an operator enters information via the Intel Management Engine BIOS extension (Intel MEBx) manually or with the aid of a USB storage device, the Intel vPro machine makes the transition into the setup state. See Step 3 – Configure AMT Client BIOS for instructions on how to prepare an Intel vPro machine to receive its configuration settings from a Setup and Configuration Application (SCA) which is inherent in LDMS.

Setup State: When an Intel vPro machine enters Setup State it waits for delivery of its configuration settings from the LDMS core server. After it enters setup mode, the Intel vPro machine periodically sends messages to the LDMS core server. When the LDMS core server receives messages from the Intel vPro machine, it responds by delivering the configuration settings and placing the device in Operational State.

Operational State: The Intel vPro machine enters Operational State once its configuration settings have been supplied and committed. At this point the Intel vPro machine is ready to interact with management applications.

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Intel Centrino Pro quick start Intel vPro Enterprise Setup and Configuration Flow

Centrino Pro, vPro specifications

Intel vPro and Centrino Pro are advanced technologies designed to enhance business computing environments, providing a blend of performance, security, and manageability. These technologies are specifically aimed at IT professionals and organizations looking to streamline their operations and protect sensitive data.

Intel vPro technology is built for today’s enterprise needs, incorporating a set of hardware and software features that allow for advanced security, remote management, and increased performance. One of the core features of Intel vPro is its Hardware Shield, which provides security at the firmware level, helping to protect against threats before they even reach the operating system. This feature enhances the overall security posture of devices while enabling IT departments to respond more effectively to potential threats.

Another prominent aspect of Intel vPro is its remote management capabilities, which include Intel Active Management Technology (AMT). AMT allows IT administrators to manage devices even when they are powered off or have a corrupted operating system. This capability significantly reduces downtime and improves productivity, as IT support can troubleshoot and resolve issues remotely without needing physical access to the machine.

Centrino Pro, on the other hand, focuses on delivering performance and power efficiency for mobile computing. It integrates Wi-Fi capabilities with advanced security features, enabling users to stay connected securely while on the move. Centrino Pro technology includes Intel's power management capabilities, which optimize battery life and enhance the performance of mobile devices.

The combination of Intel vPro and Centrino Pro offers features like Intel Trusted Execution Technology (TXT), which helps to protect virtual machines and sensitive data from attacks. Additionally, these technologies support enhanced multitasking capabilities, powered by Intel's robust processors, ensuring that business applications run smoothly and efficiently.

Both Intel vPro and Centrino Pro are designed with scalability in mind, allowing organizations to easily deploy and manage multiple devices across various locations. This scalability is an essential characteristic for businesses that require flexibility in their IT infrastructure without compromising performance or security.

In summary, Intel vPro and Centrino Pro represent a powerful suite of technologies tailored for enterprise environments. With features focused on security, remote management, and efficient mobile computing, they help organizations optimize their IT strategies and foster a secure and productive workplace.