When most network administrators hear the phrase, “serial switch,” they will generally think of an out of band management unit that provides alternative access to vital network elements when communication via the main network is unavailable. But in addition to providing a channel for secure, reliable out of band management, often, a full featured serial switch product can also serve double duty in helping with the task of collecting error messages and other data collected from attached network devices.
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A Good Serial Switch Can Do More than Provide Out of Band Access
Wednesday, August 3rd, 2011Using a Console Server Management Unit to Collect Error and Status Messages
Wednesday, June 22nd, 2011In many applications, a console server management unit needs to be able to perform multiple functions at the same time. It’s pretty much a given that a console server management unit will need to provide out of band access to remote network devices, but in addition to that important function it might also need to be able to monitor rack temperature, check devices for ping response and capture error and status messages that connected devices send out via console port.
Different Serial Port Modes for Different Remote Console Server Port Applications
Tuesday, June 14th, 2011In many applications, a remote console server needs to be able to perform other tasks besides providing out of band management access to console ports on remote network devices. In a remote network equipment rack, it’s pretty common to see a remote console server that’s not only being used for out of band access, but also to collect status and error messages from attached devices or to provide access to an external modem in the equipment rack. In situations like this, it’s extremely helpful to have a remote console server that includes the ability to redefine serial ports for specialized tasks.
Serial Port Modes Simplify the Task of Installing a Serial Console Server
Wednesday, May 18th, 2011In out of band management applications, it’s not surprising to see a serial console server connected to a wide variety of different devices that are accessible to a wide variety of different users and functions. Some ports on the serial console server might be used for modem communication, other ports might be used for data collection, others might need to allow access to serial console server command mode functions and others might need to deny access to command mode functions. For this reason, a well-designed serial console server will often include the ability to assign each serial port to a specific port mode in order to simplify the process of configuring ports for different functions and needs.
Different Types of Console Server Ports for Different Types of Users
Tuesday, November 16th, 2010In the early 2000s, when Console Server products first started to gain popularity, most console servers were used only by Network Administrators, who needed out of band management capabilities for remote network equipment sites. But as the capabilities of console servers grew, the need arose to dedicate specific console server ports to specific types of functions. One way to control the functions of console sever ports, was to assign specific “modes” to each available serial port.
