Console servers were developed to meet the needs of system administrators in managing these communications, to manage the multiple platforms in their data centers. Originally these were simply reverse terminal servers using telnet sessions to gain access to serial console management ports on target servers and routers from a remote system. Additional security, data logging and event monitoring features were added to create the new serial console server class of product - quite distinct from its terminal server origins.
These console servers provide the system and network administrator with secure local and remote access to their management consoles and there's quite a few vendors (such as Avocent, Opengear, Raritan and Digi) with quality console server solutions that meet the classic serial console management needs:
- secure, authenticated, encrypted access to serial console ports
- out-of-band dial-in access for disaster recovery
- session monitoring, logging and alerts
- local and remote in-band access
| Evolution of Console Management |
The technologies and tools for managing the mission-critical systems and networks in the modern distributed office and data center have evolved. Serial console access remains an important element, however these management communications have now become network IP based with serial RS232 communications being displaced with protocols like SOL, RFC2217, Telnet and SSH. There also a new generation of out of band management hardware being embedded in the computer platforms, such as AMT in client PCs and service processors in servers. And there's a new generation of in band and out of band management applications that communicate using new protocols such as IPMI and SMASH.
Graphical management applications are increasingly displacing many of the textual tools and KVMoIP has grown as an access solution. For in-band management, KVMoIP is being displaced with virtual KVM protocols like VNC and RDP, and external KVMoIP are being displaced as the KVM function is now integrated into embedded service processors. Also the external environment has changed with vastly increased demands on administrators for policy enforcement, audit trails, robust security, increased QOS and reductions in operating costs ... so the console management world continues to evolve.
| Serial Console Management Managing serial console ports is still key for the secure local and remote administration of Linux servers, Cisco routers and many modern appliances » More info |
Network (IP) Console Management Modern operating systems generally have browser based or management console applications for system administration and configuration. These tools presume a TCP or UDP network connection to the system » More info |
Service Processor Management Newer generation servers provide management console access using SOL, IPMI, HTTPS and custom web applications to communicate with embedded BMCs and service processors (iLO, DRAC, RSA) » More info |
Out of Band Management In-band management works over the production network when the CPU and operating system are all functioning. Out-of-band management still works when the infrastructure is not well. » More info |
Opengear's CM4000 and IM4200 management gateways were developed specifically for this new environment, and overcome the limitations of traditional console servers and KVM technologies.
| Solutions | |
| The Data Center Large data centers host a diverse array of equipment so the administrator has an eclectic selection of management applications, access methods and tools » More info |
The Branch Office When the infrastructure is widely distributed across diversely interconnected branches offices, IT management can be challenging, time consuming and costly » More info |
SME Computer Room Here administrators minimize the challenges simply by installing newer generations of infrastructure, and using next generation management tools » More info |
Network Operations Centers Network managers needs to maintain network infrastructure uptime in the NOC, just as system administrators must deliver high levels of service in the data centre » More info |
Managed Service Provider The more affordable the management solution being sold, the more scope there is for the MSP to extend the services offered and the value delivered to the customer » More info |
Remote Monitor & Control Telematics and industrial control demand solutions that are robust, configurable and secure to remotely monitor and manage distributed equipment networks » More info |
