Enterprise hardware usually has an integrated or optional controller that allows reaching the server even if it’s powered down, either via dedicated or shared nic. This controller allows some checks on the server hardware and also perform some settings like changing power status, changing Boot Order, etc. The Baremetal Operator uses it to power on, reboot and provision the physical servers to be used for running workloads on top. Commercial names include iDrac, iLO, iRMC, etc and most of them should support IPMI.