The CMS-8 Console Port Management Switch provides secure, in-band and/or out-of-band access to RS232 console ports and maintenance ports on UNIX servers, routers and other network equipment. System Administrators can
access remote devices in order to change configuration parameters, connect users to restricted ports, collect buffered data, and perform a variety of other administrative functions.
Intelligent Port Selection
Each port can be individually accessed by number, name, or group. Ports can be individually configured using simple, menu driven commands to set passwords, data rates, parity, flow control and many other operating
parameters. The full matrix capability of the CMS allows any port to connect to any other port on the switch. Ports can also be connected or disconnected by a third party with supervisor rights. For example, systems managers can swap various RS232 devices between ports on a terminal server at a remote location. Configuration and Status screens display port parameters and connection activity for one or all ports.
Security and Co-Location Features
Address-specific IP security masks prevent unauthorized access to the CMS menu via network. Two levels of operational passwords are also available; the System Administrator level and the User level. The System Administrator level is used to configure the unit, assign passwords and access privileges, and create connections to any port. The User level allows connections only to assigned ports. The User level is ideal for co-location applications, as users can only view status and connect to ports assigned to their password.
Capture Buffer
The "Buffer Mode" feature allows individual ports to capture and store incoming data. This "snapshot" of the last 32K of received data is stored in non-volatile memory, and can be viewed, saved or erased by the system
administrator at any time. This is particularly useful in the event that alarm information or other critical data is sent to a specific port during non-connect periods.
