The CMS-32 Console/AUX Management Switch provides secure, in-band or out-of-band access to RS-232 ports on UNIX servers, routers and any other network elements which have a serial console or craft port. System administrators can access serial maintenance ports over the network via Telnet connection and simple menu-driven commands, or through a discrete TCP port connection mapped directly to one of the CMS-32 serial outputs. The CMS-32 can also send buffered console messages via Syslog, as well as alert via SNMP when incoming console messages are captured.
The CMS-32 is ideal for allowing administrators to buffer console data collected during non-connect periods, and/or to access console ports through out-of-band connections, such as dial-up modems or local terminals.
Intelligent Port Selection
Each port can be individually accessed by number, name or group via standard Telnet sessions. The CMS also allows direct connections through discrete TCP port assignments, mapped directly to a specified serial port. Ports can be individually configured using simple menu driven commands for password, data rate, 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 at a remote location. Configuration and Status screens display realtime port statistics and 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. Console Messages, which are stored in the CMS-32 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 to a specific console port during non-connect periods.
