What does OOB do?

Out-of-band (OOB) management is a strategy utilized to maintain control over network infrastructure and workflows, separate from the primary or "in-band" network. This approach ensures that critical operations can continue unhindered, even during disruptions to the main network.

Additionally, OOB management can enhance security by providing a separate channel for administrative tasks. This reduces the risk of unauthorized access to the production network, as administrators can perform their duties on the secure and isolated OOB network.

The OOB network operates as a standalone system, functioning in parallel with the production network but without relying on its infrastructure or services. This separation provides an added layer of resilience and security, as it minimizes the risk of vulnerabilities in one network affecting the other.

Implementing OOB management involves setting up a dedicated network that can be accessed and managed independently. This network is typically used for remote monitoring, troubleshooting, and even emergency maintenance tasks, without impacting the performance or security of the primary network.

One of the key advantages of OOB management is its ability to reduce downtime. By allowing administrators to perform maintenance and troubleshooting tasks on the OOB network, they can minimize disruptions to the production network and ensure that critical services remain operational.