Besballtalk Office Phone System

Console Terminal Server

Console Access Server…Access Anytime, Anywhere

When the number of servers and boxes in a network begins to grow, it is no longer practical to retain one management console per box, as it becomes desirable to access all the console ports without having to move from one terminal to another.  A console access server allows the IT administrator to conveniently access all console ports in a network or server farm from a single station.

 

An efficient console management solution should enable console access from anywhere, at any time, locally or remotely.  A console access server provides the ability to access your console ports remotely – another reason for its popularity.  With multiple serial lines for connection to the console ports, and at least one port for connection to the network, these units provide access that is east, fast and convenient, not to mention secure.  With more and more critical applications being executed via server farms rather than a single mainframe, console access servers have become indispensable in any large computer system.

 

So how you do select the right server for your application?  Following is a list of features to look for when considering your options.

 

• Because anyone who gains access to the console port of servers and routers can potentially take control of the entire network, security features are crucial. A console access server should allow easy, fast and convenient access for IT administrators, but must be able to keep intruders out.
• A console access server should support multiple-port addressing methods and allow local or server-based authentication. Depending on the product selected, you may be able to customize the functionality to your own needs.
• Because rack space in a data center is expensive, having the maximum number of ports in the minimum space is essential. Businesses can choose from a number of ports ranging from 16 or 64 ports per chassis. Some products allow stacking multiple boxes to create larger virtual boxes.
• The console access server you choose should integrate well with your rack and cable management systems. Some products offer clumsy external cables or won't easily fit in a rack.
• Before purchasing a console access server, make sure that the product has a modern design, is cost-effective and can be updated through a software download.

 

Following are the three categories of console access servers to consider when making your decision:

 

 

Traditional Console Access Servers:  These products are expensive and complex and have not been able to keep up with the advancements required when increasing the size of server farms.  Instead, they focus on hardware rather than software-based modularity, resulting in poor connectivity and security features.

 

Generic Terminal Servers:  These servers typically have strong internet connectivity and security capability, but lack targeted console features.

 

PC-based Terminal Servers:  With the availability of PC hardware and Open Source operating systems, building a terminal server by installing a multi-port serial board in a PC becomes a viable proposition for some users. However, these units are weak in port density and integration.

About the Author

Please visit our website here for more information or visit our blog. Thank you.

Lantronix Secure Console Server SCS100 1-Port Terminal Server SCS100 $263.5 Lantronix Secure Console Server SCS100 1-Port Terminal Server SCS100

Itouch 8000 Mrv Terminal Server With 20 Console Ports; V.90 IR8020M101DC $693.55 Itouch 8000 Mrv Terminal Server With 20 Console Ports; V.90 IR8020M101DC

Itouch 8000 Mrv Terminal Server With 20 Console Ports; V.90 IR8020M101 $693.55 Itouch 8000 Mrv Terminal Server With 20 Console Ports; V.90 IR8020M101

Cyclades Alterpath ACS Console 1U 16-Ports Server ACS16 ATP0055 Terminal Server $1304.92 Cyclades Alterpath ACS Console 1U 16-Ports Server ACS16 ATP0055 Terminal Server

Lantronix SecureLinx SLC32 Console Server 32-Ports SLC03224T-02 SLC03224T02 Terminal Server 1U $1439.34 Lantronix SecureLinx SLC32 Console Server 32-Ports SLC03224T-02 SLC03224T02 Terminal Server 1U

HP 16-Port Console Server $1317.99 1 1.72" Height x 8.75" Width x 8" Depth 10 Mbps Ethernet 100 Mbps Fast Ethernet 16 16-Port Console Server 1U Rack-mountable 5 lb SSHV2 Multi-level authentication through local security database or RADIUS Telnet The HP Serial Console Server provide remote access to up to 16 direct attached devices. The HP serial consoling solution utilizes CAT5 UTP cables to connect to any serially managed device, facilitating cable routing and allowing for field termination of cable lengths. An adapter is used to convert the serial signal to RJ45. The HP Serial Console Servers provide remote access to headless servers such as those running UNIX, Linux or Microsoft Windows 2003 with EMS as well as serial managed devices such as network switches and routers from any workstation on the network or a local terminal. Up to 2 units can be mounted on shelf AF101A Console Server HP Hewlett-Packard www.hp.com

Nortel Terminal Server CM1009E47 $458.55 Nortel Terminal Server CM1009E47

Nortel Terminal Server RA2000 $195.51 Nortel Terminal Server RA2000

10/100 Terminal Server - terminal server $178.99 Black Box 10/100 Terminal Server - Terminal server - Ethernet Fast Ethernet RS-232 RS-422 RS-485

LightWave Console Server 3200 $471.05 LightWave Console Server 3200

Advanced Console Server console server $2599.99 Black Box Advanced Console Server - Console server - 48 ports - Ethernet Fast Ethernet RS-232 - 1U

Digi EtherLite 162 Terminal Server $1311.99 1 1.20" Height x 11.50" Width x 5.40" Depth 100 V AC to 240 V AC 10% 115 Kbps 128 KB Flash Memory 16 3.10 lb 5 Year - 30-day money-back guarantee 5 to 90% Non-condensing Relative Humidity 50 Hzto 60 Hz 50°F (10°C) to 104°F (40°C) 512 KB SRAM 70001428 80C186 40 MHz FCC Class A CE Mark DOC Class A Heat Flow Rate: 62 BTU/hr Built-in Devices Status: LCD Connectivity Technology: Cable Expansion Slots Total (Free): 1 ( 1 ) x expansion slot Multiple concurrent Telnet/SSH sessions (essentially unlimited) OpenSSH v2 server OpenLDAP NIS No inadvertent breaks - Solaris Ready Field-programmable flash for software updates Access ports via 10/100 Base-T network connection or serial port Optional Modem supports PPP, PAP, CHAP, Call Back Secure Access to administration functions from terminal, modem port, or over the network OptID/password security Configurable access rights Black DHCP Digi Digi International EtherLite EtherLite 162 Terminal Server Ethernet OPERATING SYSTEMS: AIX HP-UX Linux Microsoft Windows NT Microsoft Windows 2000 SCO OpenServer Sun Solaris (Intel and Sparc) TCP/IP Terminal Server The Digi EtherLite® network serial concentrator connects asynchronous serial ports to your network. The EtherLite Family replaces the installation of serial adapters in servers for applications in POS/retail, process control, data collection and console management of clusters, routers, hubs, switches, PBXs and other networking devices with console ports. www.digi.com

Digi EtherLite 160 Terminal Server $752.99 1 1.20" Height x 11.50" Width x 5.40" Depth 100 V AC to 240 V AC 10% 115 Kbps 128 KB Flash Memory 16 3.10 lb 5 Year - 30-day money-back guarantee 5 to 90% Non-condensing Relative Humidity 50 Hzto 60 Hz 50°F (10°C) to 104°F (40°C) 512 KB SRAM 70001427 80C186 40 MHz FCC Class A CE Mark DOC Class A Heat Flow Rate: 62 BTU/hr Built-in Devices Status: LCD Connectivity Technology: Cable Expansion Slots Total (Free): 1 ( 1 ) x expansion slot Multiple concurrent Telnet/SSH sessions (essentially unlimited) OpenSSH v2 server OpenLDAP NIS No inadvertent breaks - Solaris Ready Field-programmable flash for software updates Access ports via 10/100 Base-T network connection or serial port Optional Modem supports PPP, PAP, CHAP, Call Back Secure Access to administration functions from terminal, modem port, or over the network OptID/password security Configurable access rights Black DHCP Digi Digi International EtherLite EtherLite 160 Terminal Server Ethernet OPERATING SYSTEMS: AIX HP-UX Linux Microsoft Windows NT Microsoft Windows 2000 SCO OpenServer Sun Solaris (Intel and Sparc) TCP/IP Terminal Server The Digi EtherLite® network serial concentrator connects asynchronous serial ports to your network. The EtherLite Family replaces the installation of serial adapters in servers for applications in POS/retail, process control, data collection and console management of clusters, routers, hubs, switches, PBXs and other networking devices with console ports. www.digi.com

Belkin OmniView Serial Console Server $665.99 1 1 x RJ-45 10/100Base-TX LAN 1 x RJ-45 Console Management 1.70" Height x 17" Width x 7.10" Depth 10 Mbps Ethernet 10/100Base-TX 100 Mbps Fast Ethernet 16 16 x RJ-45 Serial RS-232 3 Year 4.90 lb HTTP HTTPS Telnet DHCP OmniView Serial Console Server AC Power Cord Serial-to-RJ45 Adapter Kits (5 pcs) Local Console Port Serial Adapter Footpad Set 6 ft RJ45-RJ45 CAT5 Cable Quick-Start Guide User Manual CD Rack-Mount Brackets and Screws Password access IP filtering SSHv2 SSL PAP CHAP RADIUS Belkin OmniView Serial Console Servers (SCS) provide IT professionals with the tools to proactively monitor, manage, and repair today's mission-critical IT infrastructure hardware. Designed to offer out-of-band access to CLI (Command Line Interface) devices, the OmniView SCS (also referred to as a Terminal Server) allows direct, local console access to network switches, routers, firewalls, VPN equipment, and other platforms managed via command line or VT100 interface. Belkin OmniView Serial Console Servers, available in a 16-port form-factor, provide HTTPS, SSH, and Telnet access to any high-availability assets within the IT infrastructure. Providing user-level access control, IT managers and administrators can deploy these devices across their IT landscape and provide team members with granular port access and security management. Belkin Belkin International, Inc Console Server Desktop F1DP116S OmniView Serial Console Server Rack-mountable www.belkin.com

10/100 Secure Terminal Server - terminal server $421.99 Black Box 10/100 Secure Terminal Server - Terminal server - 4 ports - Ethernet Fast Ethernet RS-232

Compact Single-Port Terminal Server terminal server $456.99 Black Box Compact Single-Port Terminal Server - Terminal server - Ethernet RS-232

Lantronix SecureLinx SLC48 Console Server $3684.99 1 1 x RJ-45 Console Management 1 x USB USB 2.0 1.75" Height x 17.25" Width x 12" Depth 10 Mbps Ethernet 10 lb 10/100Base-TX 100 Mbps Fast Ethernet 1U Rack-mountable 2 2 x RJ-45 10/100Base-TX Network LAN 300 bps to 230 Kbps Serial 48 48 x RJ-45 Serial RS-232 Command Line Interface (CLI) Web Based Management SNMP v1/2/3 Telnet DHCP Performance Monitoring Utility Packet Generation Utility Network Trace Utility Operating System: Embedded Linux Port logging to local files, PC card Ext2 & Fat/Fat32, remote NFS files (simultaneous) Local logging viewable via CIFS System event logs Console event notification (e-mail) Event string recognition (RegExp) In-Band (Ethernet) - dual Ethernet ports Out-of-Band (local terminal or modem) PAP CHAP SSH v1/2 Packet Filtering LDAP NIS RADIUS Kerberos TACACS+ SecureLinx SLC48 Console Server Dual DC Power Supply The SecureLinx SLC48 Secure Console Server provide secure, remote access to servers and IT infrastructure equipment, whether it's located down the hall or across the globe. IT professionals can use SecureLinx SLC to monitor, manage and troubleshoot nearly anything in the data center rack, from anywhere, at any time even if servers or networks are down. This capability means faster response rates which translate into reduced costs and less downtime. Console Server Lantronix Lantronix, Inc RoHS SLC SLC04824N-03 SLC48 SecureLinx SecureLinx SLC SecureLinx SLC48 Console Server Yes www.lantronix.com

Lantronix SecureLinx SLC16 Console Server $1789.99 1 1 x RJ-45 Console Management 1 x USB USB 2.0 1.75" Height x 17.25" Width x 12" Depth 10 Mbps Ethernet 10 lb 10/100Base-TX 100 Mbps Fast Ethernet 16 16 x RJ-45 Serial RS-232 1U Rack-mountable 2 2 x RJ-45 10/100Base-TX Network LAN 300 bps to 230 Kbps Serial Command Line Interface (CLI) Web Based Management SNMP v1/2/3 Telnet DHCP Performance Monitoring Utility Packet Generation Utility Network Trace Utility Operating System: Embedded Linux Port logging to local files, PC card Ext2 & Fat/Fat32, remote NFS files (simultaneous) Local logging viewable via CIFS System event logs Console event notification (e-mail) Event string recognition (RegExp) In-Band (Ethernet) - dual Ethernet ports Out-of-Band (local terminal or modem) PAP CHAP SSH v1/2 Packet Filtering LDAP NIS RADIUS Kerberos TACACS+ SecureLinx SLC16 Console Server Dual AC Power Supply The SecureLinx SLC16 Secure Console Server provide secure, remote access to servers and IT infrastructure equipment, whether it's located down the hall or across the globe. IT professionals can use SecureLinx SLC to monitor, manage and troubleshoot nearly anything in the data center rack, from anywhere, at any time even if servers or networks are down. This capability means faster response rates which translate into reduced costs and less downtime. Console Server Lantronix Lantronix, Inc RoHS SLC SLC01622N-03 SLC16 SecureLinx SecureLinx SLC SecureLinx SLC16 Console Server Yes www.lantronix.com

Lantronix SecureLinx SLC32 Console Server $1940.99 1 1 x RJ-45 Console Management 1 x USB USB 2.0 1.75" Height x 17.25" Width x 12" Depth 10 Mbps Ethernet 10 lb 10/100Base-TX 100 Mbps Fast Ethernet 1U Rack-mountable 2 2 x RJ-45 10/100Base-TX Network LAN 300 bps to 230 Kbps Serial 32 32 x RJ-45 Serial RS-232 Command Line Interface (CLI) Web Based Management SNMP v1/2/3 Telnet DHCP Performance Monitoring Utility Packet Generation Utility Network Trace Utility Operating System: Embedded Linux Port logging to local files, PC card Ext2 & Fat/Fat32, remote NFS files (simultaneous) Local logging viewable via CIFS System event logs Console event notification (e-mail) Event string recognition (RegExp) In-Band (Ethernet) - dual Ethernet ports Out-of-Band (local terminal or modem) PAP CHAP SSH v1/2 Packet Filtering LDAP NIS RADIUS Kerberos TACACS+ SecureLinx SLC32 Console Server Single AC Power Supply The SecureLinx SLC32 Secure Console Server provide secure, remote access to servers and IT infrastructure equipment, whether it's located down the hall or across the globe. IT professionals can use SecureLinx SLC to monitor, manage and troubleshoot nearly anything in the data center rack, from anywhere, at any time even if servers or networks are down. This capability means faster response rates which translate into reduced costs and less downtime. Console Server Lantronix Lantronix, Inc RoHS SLC SLC03212N-03 SLC32 SecureLinx SecureLinx SLC SecureLinx SLC32 Console Server Yes www.lantronix.com

Digi PortServer TS 16 MEI Terminal Server $1198.99 1 1.60" Height x 6.60" Width x 16.80" Depth 10 Mbps Ethernet 100 Mbps Fast Ethernet 16 19" Rack-mountable 230 Kbps Serial 5 Year 7.05 lb 70001978 PAP CHAP RADIUS SSH v2 available on all ports simultaneously RealPort with encryption provides local serial port functionality and SSL-based protection for additional security PortServer TS 16 MEI Terminal Server 19-inch rack mountable Telnet SNMP Digi Port Authority-Remote HTTP for easy browser configuration The PortServer TS 16 MEI terminal server delivers intelligent, reliable and cost-effective RS-232/422/485 serial-to-Ethernet connectivity. PortServer TS 16 (16 serial ports) support data center console port management applications, as well as property management, point-of-sale, data aquisition, industrial automation, power utilities, travel reservations and other applications requiring serial-to-IP connectivity. Desktop Digi Digi International PortServer PortServer TS PortServer TS 16 MEI Terminal Server TS TS 16 MEI Terminal Server www.digi.com

Digi PortServer TS 8 MEI Terminal Server $877.99 1 1.60" Height x 6.60" Width x 16.80" Depth 10 Mbps Ethernet 100 Mbps Fast Ethernet 19" Rack-mountable 230 Kbps Serial 5 Year 7.05 lb 70001979 8 PAP CHAP RADIUS SSH v2 available on all ports simultaneously RealPort with encryption provides local serial port functionality and SSL-based protection for additional security PortServer TS 8 MEI Terminal Server 19-inch rack mountable Telnet SNMP Digi Port Authority-Remote HTTP for easy browser configuration The PortServer TS 8 MEI terminal server delivers intelligent, reliable and cost-effective RS-232/422/485 serial-to-Ethernet connectivity. PortServer TS 8 (8 serial ports) support data center console port management applications, as well as property management, point-of-sale, data aquisition, industrial automation, power utilities, travel reservations and other applications requiring serial-to-IP connectivity. Digi Digi International PortServer PortServer TS PortServer TS 8 MEI Terminal Server TS TS 8 MEI Terminal Server www.digi.com

Nortel Annex Terminal Server AXMA8N100 $458.55 Nortel Annex Terminal Server AXMA8N100

Cyclades TS3000 Terminal Server TS3000 $1489.3 Cyclades TS3000 Terminal Server TS3000

Lantronix SecureLinx SLB Terminal Server $1215.99 1 1 x RJ-45 Console Management 1 x USB 1.75" Height x 17.25" Width x 12" Depth 10 Mbps Ethernet 10 lb 10/100Base-TX 100 Mbps Fast Ethernet 1U Rack-mountable 2 2 x RJ-45 10/100Base-TX Network LAN 300 bps to 115.20 Kbps Serial 8 8 x RJ-45 10/100Base-TX Network Auto MDI/MDI-X LAN 8 x RJ-45 Serial RS-232 4-Ports 110VAC Output Power Outlets Embedded Linux Operating System PAP CHAP Secure Shell (SSH v1, v2, Public Key) Secure Sockets Layer (SSL v3, TLS v1) Packet Filtering (Firewall) Per Port User Permissions Configurable User Rights LDAP Active Directory NIS RADIUS Kerberos TACACS+ Web Based Management Command Line Interface (CLI) Telnet SNMP v1/2/3 DHCP The SecureLinx Branch Office Manager (SLB) enables administrators to securely manage remote servers and IT infrastructure equipment over the Internet. This innovative device combines the capabilities of the award-winning SecureLinx SLC Secure Console Manager along with remote power management and an Ethernet switch into a compact, 1U rack-mountable appliance. Designed to meet the specific needs of satellite facilities, SLB conserves rack space and reduces cost by enabling system administrators at headquarters to simply and cost-effectively manage the IT equipment distributed among branch offices. Lantronix Lantronix, Inc RoHS SLB SLB088411-02 SecureLinx SecureLinx SLB Branch Office Manager Terminal Server Yes www.lantronix.com

Digi EtherLite 160 16-Port Terminal Server $753.99 1 1.20" Height x 11.50" Width x 5.40" Depth 10 Mbps Ethernet 100 Mbps Fast Ethernet 115 Kbps Serial 128 KB Flash Memory 16 160 3.10 lb 5 to 90% Non-condensing 50°F (10°C) to 104°F (40°C) Operating 512 KB SRAM 70001528 CPU : 40 MHz 80C186 embedded microcontroller RS-232/422 switchable model The EtherLite 160 16-port of serial server blends the control and performance of asynchronous serial communications with the convenience of an Ethernet connection. The traffic from all serial ports is serviced by a single TCP/IP session. The EtherLite 160 16-port network serial concentrator connects asynchronous serial ports to your network. It replaces the installation of serial adapters in servers for applications in retail/POS, process control, data collection and console management of clusters, routers, hubs, switches, PBXs and other networking devices with console ports. DHCP Digi Digi International EtherLite EtherLite 160 16-Port Terminal Server Terminal Server www.digi.com

ACS Advanced Console Server 5048 - console server $4319.99 Avocent ACS Advanced Console Server 5048 - Console server - 48 ports - Ethernet Fast Ethernet RS-232 - 1U

ACS Advanced Console Server 5032 - console server $3119.99 Avocent ACS Advanced Console Server 5032 - Console server - 32 ports - Ethernet Fast Ethernet RS-232 - 1U

Avocent Cyclades ACS Advanced Console Server 6004 Console Server ACS6004MDAC-001 $955.03 Avocent Cyclades ACS Advanced Console Server 6004 Console Server ACS6004MDAC-001

Cyclades ACS Console Server ACS8 Console Server Dual AC ACS8DAC $1147.3 Cyclades ACS Console Server ACS8 Console Server Dual AC ACS8DAC

EtherLite 2 - terminal server $406.99 Digi EtherLite 2 - Terminal server - 2 ports - Ethernet RS-232

EtherLite 32 - terminal server $1499.99 Digi EtherLite 32 - Terminal server - 32 ports - Ethernet RS-232

Cyclades 8-Ports Console Server TS800 $807.05 Cyclades 8-Ports Console Server TS800