Server Console Switch - Access Console Ports on Remote Switches and Other Network Devices
When your network crashes, it can bring your entire organization to its knees; files can't be accessed, email can't be sent and communication grinds to a halt. Rapid response to the problem that caused the crash is critical; often, all it takes is a simple command entered at a console port on a remote switch, server, router or firewall to get things back up and running again. But what if that switch, server, router or firewall is located miles away from your office?
If your network includes an out of band management solution and a server console switch, then access to remote console ports is simple. Rather than driving for miles to that remote network site, you can simply log on to the server console switch, create a connection with the malfunctioning device, and start issuing diagnostic and troubleshooting commands ... all without leaving your desk!
WTI offers three server console switch product lines; RJ45 Port Server Console Switches (TSM Series), DB9 Port Server Console switches (RSM Series) and RJ45 Port Server Console Switch + Power Control Hybrids:
Secure Command Access to Console Ports on Remote Servers, Routers and Switches
- Access Console Ports via Out of Band Network, Modem or Local PC
- Secure Access to Command Functions on Remote Network Equipment
- Embedded Validated FIPS 140-2 Cryptographic Module
- Remote Authentication: LDAP, Kerberos, RADIUS, TACACS+
- Monitor Environmental Conditions and Equipment Response at Remote Network Cabinets
- Event Notification via SNMP, Email, Text Message, SYSLOG
- Multi-Level Subscriber Directory
- Multiple Concurrent SSH Sessions
- Full MIB Support
- Supports Both IPv4 and IPv6
Break Command Blocking
Serial ports and the network port on WTI Server Console Switch products include an option which enables ports to block break commands from being passed on to connected devices. When Break Command blocking is enabled, break characters (and also electronic "noise" that could be mistaken for a break) will blocked by the server console switch, and not passed along to the device attached to a connected serial port. Break Command Blocking is extremely helpful in cases where a console port on a Sun server has been connected to a serial port on the server console switch, due to the fact that a break command issued at the Sun server console port will generally cause the server to reboot, interrupting service and causing a delay while users wait for the server to come back up again.
Power Cycle Alarm
The Power Cycle Alarm can provide notification when input power the Server Console Switch is lost and then restored. After an interruption in power, the Power Cycle alarm can provide notification via text message, SNMP Trap, Syslog or email. The Power Cycle Alarm helps to keep network administrators informed when a temporary power outage occurs, enabling them to plan for future outages, or investigate and remedy the causes of current power outages.
System Status Screens
WTI Server Console Switch products include an assortment of different status screens that system administrators can use to review serial port connections, network communication conditions and general unit configuration and status. The Product Status Screen, Port Status Screen, Network Diagnostics Screen, Network Status Screen and Port Parameters screen work together to provide a comprehensive picture of all conditions at the server console switch. In addition to information supplied by the Status Screens, WTI Server Console Switch products also include powerful event logging functions, which allow administrators to review user activity, alarm events and temperature trends.
Broadcast Mode
Broadcast Mode allows you to use the Server Console Switch to issue the same text or command to several different user-selected serial ports at once. Text or commands are only sent to the selected serial ports, and will not be sent to serial ports that have been configured as Modem Mode or Buffer Mode ports. The Broadcast command will only be applied to serial ports that are not currently connected to another port.
HTTPS Web Access
HTTPS compatibility enables WTI Server Console Switch products to provide a higher level of security for remote access to command and configuration functions. Authorized users can create self-signed SSL security certificates without relying on an outside service, eliminating the task of configuring your DNS to recognize the server console switch. SSL security and server private keys allow commands and data sent to and from the server console switch to be encrypted, and also provide authentication functions when communicating with the server console switch via internet.
Modem Pooling Support
The Telnet Modem Hunt function is designed to allow WTI server console switch products to support modem pooling in conjunction with your Serial Port Redirector software. When the Telnet Modem Hunt (or Modem Hunt Raw) function is enabled and several external modems have been installed at the server console switch serial ports the server console switch can automatically direct users to the first available modem whenever a user attempts to establish an outbound modem connection.
Multiple Simultaneous Telnet Connections
In most cases, a Telnet client will only allow four simultaneous Telnet connections at a time. This works fine for some applications, but what if you need more than four simultaneous Telnet connections? WTI Server Console Switch units provide the perfect solution for cases like this, by allowing one simultaneous Telnet connection for each serial port on the server console switch. Our 40-port Server Console Switch units can provide up to 40 simultaneous Telnet connections.
Outbound SSH Capability for Out of Band Access via Local Network
WTI Server Console Switch products include outbound SSH capability to provide secure, reliable out of band connections to remote network devices, even in cases where a secondary network is not practical. Outbound SSH capability ensures that even in cases where a normal network connection cannot be established, you can contact the WTI Server Console Switch via dial-up modem or satellite modem, and then create an outbound SSH connection to other network devices on your local area network. This also provides an ideal out of band management solution for applications where network access is not available, by allowing network administrators to contact the WTI Server Console Switch via modem, and then communicate via outbound SSH with other network elements on the local area network.
DC Version for Remote Network Applications
When managing network elements located at distant, off-site equipment installations, it’s pretty common to encounter situations where AC power is not readily available and all devices at the site rely on DC power. In cases like this, a DC powered server console switch is often the only option for providing out of band management capabilities to the remote site. WTI Server Console Switches are available in both AC powered configurations and DC powered configurations to provide the ideal solution for remote DC powered network equipment sites that require the same secure, reliable out of band management capabilities that are available to an AC powered application.
Supports Both IPv4 and IPv6
In order to prepare for the upcoming switchover to IPv6 protocol, all WTI Server Console Switches now provide full support for both IPv4 and IPv6 (the intended successor to IPv4.) This helps to ensure that WTI Server Console Switches purchased today will be fully compatible with the planned IPv6 internet environment, and will not be rendered obsolete when the IPv6 protocol eventually becomes the new worldwide standard for network communications.