The main purpose of a console server management unit is to provide network administrators with tools for managing remote network equipment sites without the need to constantly travel to those remote sites in person. In order to fulfill this role, obviously the console server management unit needs to support out of band management communication to allow remote access to console port command functions on offsite network elements. Although, out of band management capabilities are extremely important, it’s also useful if the console server management unit is to perform other tasks, such as rack temperature monitoring and alarm functions that help to provide administrators with a clearer picture of exactly what is going on at the remote site.
Posts Tagged ‘console port’
A Console Server Management Unit with Temperature Monitoring and Alarm Functions
Tuesday, August 23rd, 2011Direct Connect – A Useful Feature for Out of Band Management Applications
Monday, May 16th, 2011In addition to providing out of band access to console port command functions on remote network elements, a full-featured out of band management (http://www.wti.com/c-45-out-of-band-management.aspx) unit should also include functions that allow the unit to easily adapt to the requirements of a wide range of different network based applications. For example, if the out of band management unit will be deployed in a remote network management application that requires automated access to console ports on various network elements, then direct connect capability can often prove to be very useful.
Using a Console Access Server to Collect Data from Network Devices
Tuesday, May 10th, 2011Console Access Server units can perform a number of valuable tasks in a remote network equipment installation. In addition to providing secure, reliable out of band access to console port command functions when the main network is not available, console access servers can also be used to collect error messages and other data, generated by connected network devices.
An Out of Band Management Solution Based on a Server Console Switch
Friday, May 6th, 2011The task of keeping remote network equipment up and running at all times can sometimes prove to be quite a challenge. When a firewall or a server at a remote network equipment site decides to crash, right when you need it the most, network administrators need to have a back-up plan to get those troublesome devices back on line again, without waiting for a service team to travel to the remote site. In cases like this, a server console switch provides the quickest and most economical means for out of band management; allowing administrators to diagnose and troubleshoot remote network devices without the need for a long, expensive service call to a network equipment rack located two states away.
The Buffer Threshold Alarm – A Handy Feature for Serial Switches Used in Data Collection Applications
Thursday, May 5th, 2011It’s not uncommon to find serial switch units used for other purposes, besides out of band management applications. For example, serial switch units are often used to collect error messages, status reports and other data that network devices generate and then send out via console port. In data collection applications like this, it’s helpful if the serial switch includes a buffer threshold alarm, to notify network administrators when data has accumulated in a serial port buffer.
A Server Console Switch with Break Command Blocking Can Reduce Unnecessary Network Downtime
Friday, April 8th, 2011When connecting a server console switch to a Sun server, it’s important to make sure that break commands generated by another attached device are not passed on to the Sun server. The reason for this is simple: a break command sent to the console port on a Sun server will cause the server to enter a reboot cycle, resulting in an unnecessary delay while users wait for the Sun serer to come back on line again. A server console switch that includes a break command blocking feature provides a simple yet effective means to prevent Sun servers from being accidentally rebooted in response break commands or electronic noise.
Why a Multi-Layered Approach to Security is Vital for Terminal Switch Applications
Monday, March 28th, 2011Given the powerful remote access capabilities that a terminal switch (http://www.wti.com/c-56-terminal-switch.aspx) provides in an out of band management application, it’s absolutely vital to ensure that a terminal switch includes adequate security features to protect critical console port command functions from unauthorized access. Almost all terminal switch units include basic security features such as password protection, but in many terminal switch applications, simple password security isn’t enough; that’s why it’s important to select a terminal server product that supports additional, advanced security functions functions such as authentication and encryption such as HTTPS and the ability to create SSL security certificates.
A Serial Switch with a Power Cycle Alarm Helps to Manage Remote Network Equipment
Thursday, March 24th, 2011When power to a serial switch is interrupted, this usually means that power to the rest of the equipment rack has also been interrupted. When power outages occur at remote network sites, network administrators often have no way of knowing about it unless the power outage affects network communication and users complain. Although a serial switch is designed mainly for out of band communication with console ports on remote devices, it can also be useful if the serial switch can notify administrators when power to an equipment rack is temporarily lost.
Callback Security – An Important Feature for Out of Band Management via Modem
Monday, March 21st, 2011In many out of band management applications, either the location of the equipment site or economical considerations make it impractical to include a secondary/maintenance network for out of band access. In cases like this, communication via dial-up modem often provides the only available means to access remote network devices. Although dial-up communication provides a viable alternative to a dedicated secondary/maintenance network, the nature of dial-up presents an obvious security challenge. This is why an out of band management product that includes callback security capability often provides the most practical solution for secure, out of band access to remote network elements.
An Invalid Access Alarm Provides Much Needed Security for Console Server Applications
Friday, March 18th, 2011The purpose of a Console Server is to provide out of band access to console port command functions on remote network elements. This capability can be absolutely vital for any network administrator who’s responsible for keeping remote network equipment sites up and running 24/7, but it also prevents somewhat of a challenge, security-wise, due to the same remote command access capabilities that make it such an important tool for out of band management. That’s why it’s important that console server products include a robust assortment of security features, plus features such as an Invalid Access Alarm to keep administrators notified when unauthorized users may be attempting to gain access to sensitive command functions.
