Out-Of-Band Management With A Console Server

A console server is a device or service that makes a system console accessible through networking. This is most often possible through use of serial ports that are then connected to the serial ports of other equipment. The equipment connected to the console server is then accessible via modem or network. This is most useful in out-of-band management, in which the server administrator can remotely access, monitor, and maintain servers and networking equipment remotely. This essentially removes the in-band management requirement of Ethernet connection. A familiar application of the basic form of this technology is in web hosting and related dedicated e-mail servers. A console server is only useful with software that allows the accessibility to the other devices. Most often, due to installed security features, a password or code is required for access to the devices connected to the server.

Console servers are normally available in a variety of configurations, with serial ports potentially numbered 1-48, which is used to designate which port is being accessed. Some consoles come with eight ports and some with sixteen ports, but they will usually be in a numerical value divisible by eight, no higher than 48. The number of the port must be known and identified for successful connection to the device. High quality security features are typical with console servers, due in part to the fact that accessibility to a server should be limited to qualified individuals granted permission. Console servers can also be created using high quality computer hardware with multiport serial cards running a system like Linux, and can also allow greater flexibility and usability if done properly.

Some console servers have had major technological advances in recent years, allowing for USB usage, enhanced security features, and ease of setup. This has actually allowed for ease of usage by people not trained in the IT field for personal or small business use. However, without the proper IT training, there is more of a risk for insurmountable problems. As such, console servers are normally applied to business related applications and setups that are more professional.

Though out-of-band management with a console server reduces many limitations from other management options, remote data management can require the physical presence of a system administrator in the physical center of the network. The network itself can operate without an administrator, but at times, media may need loading or removal, and if any software gets corrupted, the administrator will need access via a computer. However, this still justifies the use of remote networking options. In some cases, mostly cluster setups, use of a console server has been avoided using null-modem wire and a daisy chain setup, but in most cases, the technological advantages of the use of a console server are unsurpassed.







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