I'm trying to figure out how to host a rack of Mac Minis in our data center for an offshore team to access. Ideally, I was hoping to utilize MacStadium for this purpose, but it looks like we'll have to set up a self-hosted solution for now. I've stumbled upon a major hurdle: the FileVault unlock after reboot complicates remote access since services only kick in after FileVault is unlocked. If FileVault must be enabled, has anyone tackled this issue and found solid solutions? I've seen suggestions like letting users SSH to unlock FileVault, but I'm concerned that might feel clunky for our team. What other challenges should I anticipate for self-hosting remote access on Macs? For context, we're using Apple Business Manager and Mosyle for mobile device management, and we're likely to go with Citrix for remote access.
2 Answers
When we had a Mac Mini connected to a KVM, it really helped during restarts. You could unlock FileVault and troubleshoot as needed. Once everything is booted, users can use screen sharing. If you're looking for options, JetKVM and TinyPilot Voyager paired with a smart IP PDU might be your best bet for remote power control too! Just remember, managing this setup can come with a few hiccups.
Using an IP KVM with out-of-band management is a solid strategy for entering the FileVault password remotely. I haven't tried it personally, but it’s worth considering as it may simplify the unlocking process.
Thanks for the insight! It seems like the KVM setup could be the easiest workaround. I just hope the support isn't too overwhelming!