Streamline Device Management with Intel Endpoint Management Assistant

Streamline Device Management with Intel Endpoint Management Assistant

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Multi-tenant Concept in Intel Endpoint Management Assistant
3. Installation Options for Intel Endpoint Management Assistant
4. Client Initiated Remote Access (CEARA)
5. Importance of CEARA for Hardware Level Manageability
6. Considerations for Cloud-Based Install of Intel Endpoint Management Assistant
7. Known Network Requirements for Cloud-Based Install
8. Network Scenarios that Work Well with Intel AMT
9. Difficult to Support Scenarios for Intel AMT
10. Workarounds for Difficult Network Scenarios
11. Laptop Considerations for Intel AMT
12. Provisioning Modes for Intel AMT in Intel Endpoint Management Assistant

📚 Introduction

In this article, we will explore the key concepts and installation options for Intel Endpoint Management Assistant (EMA), a powerful tool designed for remote management and out-of-band capabilities. We will delve into the multi-tenant concept, different installation options, and the importance of client initiated remote access. Additionally, we'll discuss network considerations and provisioning modes to help you understand how to make the most of this technology.

🏢 Multi-tenant Concept in Intel Endpoint Management Assistant

Intel EMA offers a multi-tenant environment, allowing users to have a single install of the software with multiple tenants. Each tenant operates independently, with its own collection of computers that are not visible to other tenants. This feature is highly beneficial for systems integrators or Internet service providers who want to offer remote management capabilities to their customers. It also allows IT departments to separate users, devices, and groups for various business reasons.

💾 Installation Options for Intel Endpoint Management Assistant

When deploying Intel EMA, you have multiple installation options to choose from. The first option is a cloud-based web service, which enables you to manage devices from anywhere with a single install. This is ideal for organizations that prefer a cloud-based approach. Another option is an on-premises installation, suitable for legacy IT environments that prefer to keep everything within their firewall. This provides more flexibility in terms of AMT configuration models. Lastly, you can opt for a combination of both worlds by using DMZ options, such as running VMs for Intel EMA on-premises while exposing them to the internet or vice versa.

👤 Client Initiated Remote Access (CEARA)

Client Initiated Remote Access, or CEARA, plays a crucial role in ensuring hardware-level manageability within Intel AMT when using a cloud-based install of Intel EMA. CEARA provides a secure Channel for managing data flowing over the internet, encrypting communication with mutual TLS encryption. This ensures that management traffic remains confidential and protected from unauthorized access. Additionally, CEARA disables local management ports on the devices, minimizing the risk of exposing any potential attack surfaces.

🔒 Importance of CEARA for Hardware Level Manageability

CEARA also offers a mechanism for clients and management servers to find and connect with each other in diverse internet environments. It establishes a phone home capability where the Supervised device contacts the management server to indicate its presence and availability for management. This simplifies device discovery and tracking, enabling efficient management within your environment.

Using Intel Endpoint Management Assistant with Intel AMT in a cloud-based install requires certain considerations. Firstly, you need a known network that has internet access and allows Intel AMT to authenticate. For Wi-Fi networks, support for ADA 2 and X, and pre-shared keys is required, while 802 and X authentication is supported for wired networks. Although cloud-based Intel EMA offers great flexibility, it's essential to ensure your network meets these requirements to leverage its full potential.

🌐 Network Scenarios that Work Well with Intel AMT

Intel AMT works seamlessly in supported scenarios, such as traditional offices or co-working spaces where connecting to Wi-Fi does not involve accepting terms and conditions. Home offices are also compatible since the user can simply add their wireless network to Intel AMT for management. Moreover, IoT and embedded usages, like digital signage or smart vending machines, can benefit from Intel EMA when connected to on-premises internet.

⚠️ Difficult to Support Scenarios for Intel AMT

There are certain network scenarios that pose challenges to Intel AMT support. These include networks with captive portals that require authentication, such as those found in coffee shops, restaurants, or airports. If you are unable to accept terms and conditions through a web browser, AMT cannot authenticate with the network and establish a connection. It's important to keep this limitation in mind when trying to use AMT in such scenarios.

🔧 Workarounds for Difficult Network Scenarios

To overcome network limitations in difficult scenarios, certain workarounds can be implemented. For road warriors and individuals always on the go, supplying a dedicated hotspot or pre-configuring hotspot settings on their phones can enable the use of AMT. By creating a Wi-Fi to cellular bridge, the device can connect to the internet and leverage active management technology. These solutions ensure uninterrupted manageability even in challenging network environments.

💻 Laptop Considerations for Intel AMT

When using Intel AMT, it's important to note that laptops that are not plugged into power or are in hibernate or off state do not have AMT functionality. This is to preserve battery life and prevent potential overheating in cases where the laptop is stored in a bag. It's crucial to consider the power and state requirements of laptops to ensure accurate AMT readings and optimal performance.

🗝️ Provisioning Modes for Intel AMT in Intel Endpoint Management Assistant

Intel EMA offers two provisioning modes for Intel AMT: TLS provisioning and CEARA provisioning. TLS provisioning is designed for on-premises usage and simplifies certificate management by providing an automated certificate authority within Intel AMT. This allows seamless integration with other on-premises tools and third-party applications. CEARA provisioning, on the other HAND, establishes a secure VPN-like tunnel directly from the chipset to your Intel Endpoint Management Assistant server. This mode is particularly useful for cloud-based installations, enabling efficient manageability over the internet.

🔔 Conclusion

In conclusion, Intel Endpoint Management Assistant (EMA) is a powerful tool for remote management and out-of-band capabilities. By understanding the multi-tenant concept, installation options, network considerations, and provisioning modes, you can make informed decisions to effectively deploy Intel EMA. Whether you choose a cloud-based or on-premises installation, Intel AMT with CEARA provides secure and efficient hardware-level manageability. By leveraging the capabilities of Intel EMA, you can streamline device management and enhance your organization's IT operations.

✨ Highlights

• Intel Endpoint Management Assistant (EMA) offers a multi-tenant environment for remote management.
• There are multiple installation options for EMA, including cloud-based, on-premises, and hybrid models.
• Client Initiated Remote Access (CEARA) ensures secure hardware-level manageability within Intel AMT.
• CEARA provides a mutual TLS encrypted communication channel for secure data transfer.
• Known networks with internet access and network authentication are required for a cloud-based install.
• Intel AMT works well in traditional office environments and home offices without captive portals.
• Difficult scenarios like networks with captive portals can be addressed with workarounds like using a hotspot.
• Laptop devices in hibernate or off state do not have AMT functionality to preserve battery life.
• Intel EMA offers TLS provisioning and CEARA provisioning modes for Intel AMT configuration.
• TLS provisioning simplifies certificate management, while CEARA provisioning enables efficient manageability over the internet.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is multi-tenancy in Intel Endpoint Management Assistant?

A: Multi-tenancy refers to the ability of Intel EMA to have a single install with multiple tenants, each having their own collection of computers. This allows systems integrators or ISPs to run their own instances of Intel EMA for remote management capabilities.

Q: Can I use Intel Endpoint Management Assistant in a cloud-based environment?

A: Yes, Intel EMA supports cloud-based installations, allowing you to manage devices from anywhere with a single install. It is recommended to use client initiated remote access (CEARA) for secure manageability in cloud-based deployments.

Q: What are the network requirements for a cloud-based install of Intel Endpoint Management Assistant?

A: For a cloud-based install, you need a known network with internet access and support for Intel AMT authentication. Wi-Fi networks should support ADA 2 and X with pre-shared keys, while wired networks should support 802 and X authentication.

Q: Can Intel AMT be used in networks with captive portals?

A: Intel AMT may not function in networks with captive portals that require users to accept terms and conditions through a web browser. Workarounds include using hotspots or pre-configuring hotspot settings on mobile phones.

Q: Are there any limitations when using Intel AMT with laptops?

A: Laptops that are not plugged into power or are in hibernate or off state do not have AMT functionality to preserve battery life. This helps prevent overheating and extends battery longevity.

Resources:

• Intel Endpoint Management Assistant