The SCM-16 Secure Console/AUX Management Switch provides secure, in-band and out-of-band access to RS-232 console ports and maintenance ports on UNIX servers, routers and any other network elements which have a serial console port or craft port. System administrators can access the SCM-16 via TCP/IP network, using SSH or Telnet, or out-of-band via modem or local terminal. After contacting the unit, simple, menu-driven commands are then used to connect to serial maintenance ports or select configuration parameters. In addition, the SCM-16 also allows you to access maintenance ports using discrete TCP port connections, mapped directly to one of the SCM's 16 serial ports.
When the SCM-16 receives error messages or status messages from an attached console port, the unit can buffer these messages and send them to you via SYSLOG, and can also provide immediate notification via SNMP trap. The SCM-16 is designed specifically for applications where you wish to buffer console data collected during non-connect periods, and/or access console ports through out-of-band connections such as dial-up, external modems or local terminals.
Intelligent Port Selection
Each of the SCM's sixteen serial ports can be individually accessed by number, name or group via standard SSH or Telnet sessions. The SCM-16 also allows direct connections using discrete TCP port assignments, mapped
directly to a specified serial output. Each SCM serial port can be individually configured using simple menu driven commands for password, data rate, flow control and other operating parameters.
The full matrix capability of the SCM-16 allows you to easily connect any two ports on the switch, even when the ports are using different communications settings. Ports can also be connected or disconnected by a
third party with supervisor rights; for example, system managers can swap various RS232 devices between ports at a remote location. Configuration and status screens display real-time port statistics and activity for one or all of the SCM's sixteen serial ports.
Security and Colocation Features
Secure Shell (SSHv2) encryption and address-specific IP security masks prevent unauthorized access to SCM-16 command and configuration functions. The SCM-16 also provides two levels of password security; the System
Administrator level and the User level.
The System Administrator level, which is intended for use by system managers and other administrators, provides complete access to all SCM port connection / disconnection functions, operating features and configuration
menus, and also allows access to any port on the switch. The User level is ideal for colocation applications, since users are only permitted to view status and connect to the specific ports allowed by their password.
Capture Buffer
The "Buffer Mode" allows individual ports to capture and store incoming data, such as error and status messages received from attached console ports. This "snapshot" of the last 32K of received data is stored in
memory, and can be viewed, saved, or erased by the system operator at any time. Console messages, which are stored in the SCM-16 port buffers, can be sent to a remote location via SYSLOG, or an SNMP message can be generated to alert administrators when new console messages have been recorded. This is particularly useful in the event that "alarm error" or other critical data is sent from a specific console port during non-connect periods.
Reliability and Support
The SCM-16 is built in the USA and backed by a two year warranty. NetReach products are installed in thousands of network sites worldwide. Our customers know they can depend on WTI products for superior quality and reliability for their mission-critical applications.