Two Critical Features for Console Servers
There are certain features in a console server that most consider a must have. These features are critical to the console server and its daily operation.
The first feature that I find critical in a console server would be the security feature set. Because these console servers are usually hooked up to critical network equipment such as routers, switches, server and firewalls, it is important that not just anyone has access to them. Such security features as FIPS 140-2, RADIUS, and TACACS are just some of the basic console server security feature set that is valuable in keeping network equipment safe. By having all of these security features it ensures that only those who have authorized access ever actually get into the unit. A solid security feature set keeps everything in your network running smoothly securely.
The second important feature sent in a console server is an audit trail and alarm configurations. The audit trail will allow you to see who logged into the unit and what actions they performed. This is vital in a large company where many users may access the unit and perform different features. Also the alarm feature set is just as important; it allows you to be alerted when an invalid lock out attempt happens, a ping no answer, or a buffer alarm. The buffering of ports is important in a failure as the unit will release error codes before failing. Allowing network personnel to see what the unit was going through before failure. These are just two critical feature sets to consider when purchasing a console server.
For over 30 years, Western Telematic, Inc. (WTI) has been an innovator in the field of remote management for IT facilities. Our comprehensive product line includes a wide range of Serial Console Server products, Switched PDU products and Remote Reboot Switch products to provide secure, remote management of servers, routers and other devices.
