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Advanced Console Servers
Advanced console port access
without the high price.
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Diagram Format
Rule Size: 0.013
FE ATU RES
» Enable you to use a single user interface to manage
multiple serial console ports and devices.
» Accessible in band (via Ethernet or secure tunnel
over the Web) or out of band via a modem link.
Include a built-in modem, as well as a DB9 port for
external modem connections.
» Also have dual Ethernet ports with bonding,
ensuring availability and automatic failover.
» Pinned for “rolled” cabling of Cisco console ports.
» Robust LAN console port management with secure
Serial over LAN (SoL) access and Secure Remote
Desktop access to Windows
®
XP/2003.
» Advanced power management features, as well as
dual-socket power supplies for redundancy.
» Protect data over a public network with 256-bit
encryption, SSH tunneled serial bridging, SSH
tunneling for TCP/ UDP, and IP packet filtering.
» Support up to 50 concurrent sessions (SDT tunnels).
» No limit on the number of clients who can access
one gateway or the number of hosts accessed
concurrently through one tunnel.
» On the LAN port, each gateway can port forward
to an unlimited number of locally networked hosts.
» Authentication protection plus the ability to restrict
access by IP address, password, or account.
» Cascadable ports. Cluster multiple units so serial
ports can be accessed via one IP address.
» Equipped with 2 GB of USB flash memory.
» Store multiple local boot images locally for easy
rollback. Suppor ts offline logs for audit trails, file
backup, and disaster recovery.
» Flexible system management options (including
SNMP, HTTPS, HTTP, CLI in Linux Shell, Nagios
®
distributed monitoring, and ARP- PING).
» Embedded with open-source Linux
®
based OS.
PC, Mac
®
, and UNIX® compatible.
» Embedded DHCP server for managing LAN devices.
» Rackmountable (1U) with included mounts.
» Flash upgradable.
» RoHS compliant.
OVERVIE W
Why sacrifice performance, flexibility, and server interoperability
for price when purchasing a remote console ser ver port management
solution when you can have a Black Box
®
Advanced Console Server
instead? It gives you out-of-band serial console port access and control
in a secure platform that fits the budget of small to medium-size
businesses as well as educational, healthcare, and government
institutions.
The Advanced Console Server provides acces s to data center
systems for reliable 24/ 7 uptime.
Equipped with a built-in modem as
well as a
local console port
and dual 10/100-Mbps Ethernet ports, it
gives you multiple access paths.
Depending on the model you order,
you can manage 8, 16, or 48 console por ts remotely.
Through this gateway, you can remotely access servers and vir tual
servers, as well as s witches, firewalls, PBX systems, and other network
devices. Serial ports on the console server are even specially pinned for
routers or other devices that use the Cisco
®
RJ-45 “rolled” port wiring
scheme—simplifying setup further.
You even get easy access to ser vice processors. Many pricier console
servers don’t, which can be a real shortcoming if you want to connect
to today’s newer servers that include ser vice processor cards or
sideband inter faces by default.
It has advanced power management features, too. Using the
Advanced Console Server’s user-friendly GUI, you can monitor a remote
UPS and reset a PDU or an RPS power system.
Plus, for power backup
and maximum uptime of the console server unit itself, it’s equipped
with a redundant AC power supply.
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Advanced Console
Servers
come
with a GUI and
embedded tools
for remotely
managing power
devices for UPS/
RPC monitoring,
graphing, and
alarms.
It also features 2 GB of USB Flash memory for local FTP/TFTP
storage, which you can use for disaster recovery and storing device
configurations and logs off-line (such as for syslog and Wireshark
packet analysis). Quickly store local copies of your router and switch
configurations and backup configurations, and roll back to an earlier
configuration if necessary.
What’s more, it includes IPSec High Availability VPN gateway
software, which enables you to set up console connections within a
secure IPSec VPN network. If there’s a network outage, the console
server will automatically reconnect the VPN using a modem link or
broadband failover route. IPSec VPN network compatability also
makes it great for utilities who need to meet NERC CIP standards.
And because the console server uses the Linux® platform, there’s
no dealing with proprietar y protocol issues when you want to
customize it to your requirements (a developer kit is included).
Reach multiple server console ports and two LANs remotely with the Advanced Console Server
Remote Management
Station
Remote Management
Station
Modem
Ethernet
Switch
Ethernet
Switch
PSTN
VoIP PBX
PowerStr ip or UPS
Linux
®
, Solaris®,
Windows®, UNIX®
Servers
Switch,
Router,
or Firewall
Internet
Local Mana gement (Seria l)
Local Management
(Network)
Advanced Console Ser ver,
8-Por t (LES1208A)
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APPLICATIONS
In the data center, use Advanced Console Ser vers to:
» Simplify the management of computer,
telecommunications, and power equipment,
especially in large centers (those occupying
an entire floor or multiple floors in a building) .
» Establish in-band and out-of-band management
that meets the entire data center’s local and
remote management needs.
» Better control power dissipation and make better
use of equipment space, especially in processingcentric centers with row after row of racked
server clusters.
» Rigorously control access privileges, while
monitoring and logging all access events
to better enforce enterprise security policies.
In the SMB server room, use them to:
» Simplify the control of servers and gear racked
in a single room, especially in limited-staff offices
dealing with an expanding server count.
» Set up a single integrated gateway to locally
and remotely manage all serial- and networkconnected devices, particularly newer servers
with embedded service processors and baseboard
management controllers (BMCs).
» Set up encrypted authenticated access for local
and remote access.
» Enact better strategies for disaster avoidance.
IN DEPTH
Reach equipment out of band securely.
In addition to access through its dual 10BA SE-T/100BASE-TX TCP/IP
ports, the Advanced Console Server supports out-of-band access to your
critical equipment and vital assets. T he console server features both an
internal modem and a DB9 local console port. Use the internal modem
or attach an external modem via a serial cable to the DB9 port while
configuring the second Ethernet port for broadband out-of-band access.
Through the modem connection, you can manage your distributed
network of servers, Cisco
®
routers, and other devices with the latest in
console access. Typically, you do this via Telnet soft ware, using an SSH
tunnel through the console server to communicate securely with serial
port-connected devices over the Internet or any other public network.
But you can Telnet through the console server to the serial device several
other ways, too. (See “L AN Console Port Management” and “Serial
Console Port Management” in the Tech Specs on page 4.)
The console server comes with SDT Connec tor, a free open-source
SSH Java client. Use it to auto-load your console ser ver’s configurations
and, to ensure secure connectivity with attached network and serial
devices, set up SSH tunnels for port-forwarding communications
through the console server. The same SDT Connec tor is used for setting
up 10- /100-Mbps auto failover route to a remote, out-of-band gateway.
Advanced encr yption keeps all connections secure. In addition, the
console ser ver gives you a choice of filtering and access logging facilities,
which you can archive off-line using its USB flash. Store offline logs
for serial ports, available networks, and more. And to protect against
unauthorized access, the system enables you to restrict access by IP
address, password, or account.
Set up to scan the serial stream and send alerts.
To help ensure maximum uptime, the Advanced Console Ser ver
proactively scans the serial stream on console por ts, searching for
specific errors and phrases.
The console server supports SNMP and SMT P alerts /traps for serial
ports and hosts. Simply set the trigger condition for each port, and it
monitors port traffic for defined character stream patterns or phrases. If
they’re detected, the console server sends SMS text or an e-mail to you
or an SNMP server (or to a central Nagios server, if it’s used). This alerts
facility can be enabled on any and all serial ports or connected hosts.
In addition, the console s erver enables you to be informed of its
operating status. An LED on the back of the unit flashes a “heartbeat”
periodically, and its “heartbeat monitor” agent can trigger dial-back
or a redundant path during network outages. The hear tbeat monitor
checks that the console server is on-line and operating as it should, that
it’s clear to send alert s and alarms, and is accessible by remote users.
You can set it up so if the heartbeat falters, it can automatically dial up
a remote site to raise an alarm, or switch to and activate a failover link.
LES1216A
Supports GNU bash shell script.
Some console port-access products in today’s market use proprietary
protocols for communications. However, the Advanced Console Servers
give you access to the Linux core, including bash. This makes them ideal
for industrial control applications where you need to remotely manage
proprietary equipment with custom protocols.
Through the Linux kernel, you can write custom scripts that can run
manually or automatically. This way, you proactively create self-healing
solutions for cycling power on a router or switch on PING failure.
You can write custom scripts so they run each time a par ticular alert
triggers. For example, you can set it up to power cycle on a managed
device when a specific alert event occurs or to send multiple notification
e-mails when an alert triggers.
Types of users supported
Advanced Console Ser vers support t wo classes of users:
• Administrative users, who are authorized to configure and
control the console server, and to access and control all the
connected devices. An administrator can access and control the
console server using the config utility, the Linux command line,
or the browser-based management console. By default, the
administrator has access to all services and por ts to control all
serial connected devices and network-connected devices ( hosts).
•Memb ersoftheusers group, who are only authorized to
perform specified controls on specific connected devices. When
authorized, they can access serial or network devices and control
these devices using the specified ser vices, for example, Telnet,
HTTP S, RDP, IPMI, Serial over LAN (SoL), power control. An
authorized user also has a limited view of the management
console and can only access authorized configured devices and
review port logs.
A simple browserbased interface
gives you an easy,
intuitive way to
consolidate the
management of
hundreds of ports
and UPS systems
over a single IP
connection.
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Item Code
Advanced Console Ser vers
8-Por t
LES12 08A
16- Port
LES12 16A
48-Port
LES12 48A
✦
All models includ e (2) CAT5 cables, (1) D B9 F–R J-45S straight connector,
(1) DB9 F– RJ-45S crossover connector, (2) IEC AC power cords, a
rackmount kit, and a Quick Start Guide and user manual on CD-ROM.
Tech SpecS
Complianc e — FCC Part 15 A, UL® 1950, TUV, C-Tick, NERC CIP Cyber S ecurity
Compliant, RoHS
CPU Proce ssor — 166 MHz ARM ( Micrel KS8695P)
LAN Con sole Port Managem ent — Secure SSH tunneling (TCP/ UDP); Secure
Remote Deskto p access to Windows XP/2003 ; Secure VNC acce ss to Sun,
Windows, Linux computers; s ecure HTTP(S) acces s to browser-controlled
appliances; N ative IPMI 1.5/ 2.0 (RM CP/RMCP+) sup port for BMC and s ervice
processor access and control; Se cure SOL to BIOS, EMS, ACS data; se rvice
processor access (IPM I, ILO, LOM); a ccess to KVM buil t into service
processors (DRAC, RSA); secure Telnet access; limit user access by LAN
device and SDT ser vice for device; embedded DHCP server
Memor y — 64 MB SDRAM, 16 MB embedded Flash; external 2 G B USB Flash
storage drive ( included)
Networ k Protocols —
NTP, TCP/IP, UDP/ IP; Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, P PP, RS-232
Operatin g System — Linux w ith source code acces s (custom develo pment kit
included) ; PC, Mac, and UNIX compatib le
Securit y and Authentication — S ecure Shell (SSH -2, SSH-3) ; TACACS+,
RADI US, LDAP, PAP/CHAP (dial -up); dial-back support; local authentication ;
system event s yslog; SSH port and IP forwarding suppor t; IP packet filtering
Serial Con sole Port Management — SSH tunneled serial bri dging; Window s
2003 Server ACS and EMS support; Sun /Solaris
®
ready (no inad vertent
breaks) ; Break over SSH suppor t; port triggers with SMNP and e-mail alerts;
off-line data l ogging (Syslog, NFS, CIFS); on-line data buf fering and logging;
access by TCP port; Telnet /unauthenticated Telnet SSH /Raw TCP connect;
RFC 2217 port redirection; Windows Remote Desktop or VNC over serial
support; p er serial port u ser access lists
CE Approval — Yes
Connec tors — Serial: (8 ), (16), or (48 ) RJ-45 (RS -232);
Local consol e/ex ternal modem serial port : (1) DB9 F (RS -232);
Built-in modem p ort: (1) RJ-11;
Network /broadband out-of- band access: (2) RJ- 45 (10BASE-T/100 BASE-TX);
USB: (1) USB 2.0
Operatin g Environment — Temperature: 41 to 122º F (5 to 50º C);
Humidity: 5 to 90%, nonco ndensing
Power — Dual- socket power suppli es: Input: 100 –240 VAC, 50– 60 Hz;
Consumption: Le ss than 30 W
Size — 1.75"H (1U) x 17"W x 12"D (4.4 x 43.1 x 30.4 cm)
Weight — 11.8 lb. (5.4 kg)
MORE APPLICATIONS
In branch offices, use Advanced Console Servers to:
» Simplify the control of distributed office server
rooms or wiring closets containing ser vers, UPSs,
PDUs, and net work devices like Cisco
®
Integrated
Service Routers.
» Set up a centralized in-band and out-of-band
management gateway for local and remote serial
port management—especially for satellite offices
with little or no IT staff on-site.
» Ensure maximum system uptime for sales offices,
the customer-facing points crucial to the bottom
line of many business enterprises.
» Give off-site techs 24/7 access to integrated small
business server applications, those that branch
offices often depend on for e-mail, printing, file
storage, Web access, and more.
In smaller service provider applications, use them to:
» Better serve the IT needs of clients in different
offices by keeping servers and equipment up and
running on a continuous basis.
» Support new services while at the same time
reducing the need for on-site service calls and
increasing profitability.
» Avoid the need for numerous high-priced
management devices (dedicated power switch
controllers, service processor management units,
KVMoIP switches, etc.) at the client site.
» Proactively diagnose client-side equipment
problems, setting up notification alarms and alerts
to notify you of pending IT disasters.
LES1208A
Through a serial connection, you can access a menu to select your type of
RPC device. The console servers support most popular network and serial
PDUs. If your PDU isn’t on the list, then you can add support directly.
Both administrators and users can access and control serial- and networkattached PDU power strips. By outlet, you can initiate the action you want
to take, whether it’s turning it on or off, cycling, or checking its status.
Advanced power and hotkey PDU or RPS control.
Because an Advanced Console Server can be used to manage ports
on PDUs, UPSs, and environmental monitoring devices—and, in the
process, cut power consumption and lessen environmental impac t—it’s
a great addition to any IT department or company wanting to initiate
“clean tech” energy conservation. It’s also a great way to unify power
and IT resources while controlling data centers anywhere in the world.
The console server comes with UPS monitoring tools and supports
complex power architectures in modern data centers and N OCs where
there’s a mix of UPSs from various manufacturer s. You can not only more
easily manage UPS hardware connected to your expensive devices, you
can ensure a safe shutdown of systems, too. It can also be used for outof-band access to a “dead” communications device— one that’s entirely
locked up in a frozen condition.
Using a hotkey from the command line interface via SSH or Telnet,
you simply launch the console server’s remote power control ( RPC) menu
to turn power on (or off), power cycle, or just check the power status of
a particular device. Or you activate power status control and monitoring
through SNMP. The Advanced Console Servers support thousands of
PDU or RPS units, for both serial- and SNMP- connected control.
Also see our Value Line Console Servers ( LE S110 8 A /111 6A / 114 8A ) , wi t h
a single 10/100 interface, a single power supply, 8 or 16 MB of embedd ed
flash memory, no built-in modem, and “classic” RJ -45 serial por ts.
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