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Management Networks for Dell EMC Networking Configuration Guide
Notes, cautions, and warnings Introduction Management Network Selection Console Management
Console Management
Connecting a single switch
Using a console server
Out-of-band Management Networks In-band Management Networks Managing Dell EMC Servers Remote Access Security Considerations Using a Terminal Emulator Connecting to Upstream Management LCD Panel Glossary Components Used in the Examples Technical Resources Fabric Design Center Support and Feedback

Console Management

Home > Networking Solutions > Enterprise/Data Center Networking Solutions > SmartFabric OS10 Networking Solutions > Guides > Management Networks for Dell EMC Networking Configuration Guide > Console Management

Console Management

  • Before discussing console servers, you must understand how a single console port is used. Console ports on a switch allow users to access the Command Line Interface (CLI) and to configure the switch. Using a cable and physical access to the switch, users can configure the system right out of the box. A computer with an installed terminal emulator is required.

    Ethernet switches generally require VLANs, IP addresses, security, and other settings to properly communicate with the network. The console port may be used to make these initial settings before adding a switch to the existing Ethernet network.

    Most switches have a console port as shown in Table 3. A console port cable usually ships in the box with the switch that enables you to connect the switch directly into your workstation for initial configuration. For switches that do not ship with a cable, standard serial cables are typically used.

    Note: The documentation included with your device is the best source to identify the exact cable and any required adapter that you should use.

    The Connecting a single switch section discusses how to connect to a single switch using its console port. The same information is needed when deploying a console server. The Using a console server section discusses how to set up a console server. The table below shows the capabilities of each method.

     Table 4.  Features of console ports and console servers 
    FeatureConsole port (local access)Console server (over the network)
    Accessible when the managed device has power
    Operates during POST
    View logs during boot
    OOB network
    Uses the serial console ports of managed devices
    Ideal for out-of-the-box, local configurations
    Accessible without an Ethernet network
    No console server required
    SSH and Telnet may be supported
    HTTP and HTTPS may be supported
    Provides one-to-many access to managed devices
    Ideal for long-term access to managed devices
    Remote management of devices

    Some switches (with or without a console port) can be preconfigured with an IP address, or have DHCP enabled to allow users to begin configuring the switch with IP, bypassing the initial need for a console port. Check the documentation that came with your device for more information.

    Note: A console server is also known as a terminal server, console switch, serial server, and serial concentrator. For consistency, this document only refers to it as a console server.