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

Step 1: Configure Existing IT Infrastructure

In order for an Intel vPro machine to be manageable, it must become known to the management console. The process by which this occurs is called “provisioning”. Enterprise setup (pre-provisioning) requires a series of steps that are performed on both the Intel vPro clients and the LANDesk core server in order to prepare the client for provisioning over the network by the LANDesk core server (which acts as the provisioning server for the Intel vPro clients).

Intel vPro Integration Points with IT Infrastructure Components

The following diagram shows the interaction with the different network elements. Each will be discussed briefly in order to understand the integration requirement.

 

Manages

Manages

 

 

 

 

 

 

Core Server

 

Intel® vPro™

 

Configuration Server

 

 

CA Server

Management

Clients

 

 

 

Console

 

 

 

Registers

 

Requests

 

Updates

 

SQL DB

 

 

 

 

DHCP

DNS

 

 

DHCP Server: When an Intel vPro machine enters setup state, the default IP addressing scheme is DHCP (that is, use DHCP to obtain an IP address). The Intel® Management Engine (Intel® ME) also uses the DHCP server to help dynamically update the DNS server with its network address information. The DHCP server must support Option 81 to register network address information into the DNS server on behalf of the Intel ME. Option 15 should also be enabled in the DHCP Scope Options to allow the DNS to resolve host queries after IP address changes.

DNS Server: The DNS Server is used by network devices such as Management Consoles to locate address information for Intel vPro clients in order to contact them and manage them. The Intel vPro clients may also use the DNS server during the provisioning configuration phase to locate the provision server and request their configuration information, as explained below.

Once configured to the setup state, Intel AMT makes a DNS request for the name "ProvisionServer" (unless you choose to configure the client’s BIOS manually). If the requested name cannot be resolved by the DNS server, then a second request is made for "ProvisionServer.DomainName." Intel AMT expects to either find the IP address of the provision server in this way, or by having it set explicitly in the Intel MEBx configuration process (Step 4: Configure Intel vPro Client Authentication Settings, page 21). The Intel Management Engine BIOS Extension (Intel MEBx) is an option ROM module extension to

18

Page 18
Image 18
Intel Centrino Pro, vPro quick start SQL DB Dhcp DNS

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.