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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

Using a console server

Home > Networking Solutions > Enterprise/Data Center Networking Solutions > SmartFabric OS10 Networking Solutions > Guides > Management Networks for Dell EMC Networking Configuration Guide > Using a console server

Using a console server

  • A console server can be used to simultaneously access the console ports of many switches on the network from one or more locations. This allows network administrators to access devices console ports remotely, without having to be physically next to the devices they are managing. In general, a console server is used for long-term access to many devices in a production network, whereas local access to a console port, using a direct cable from a workstation to the device, is used for short-term access to a single device.

    Note: For an example of a console server, see https://www.dell.com/en-us/work/shop/accessories/apd/a7832029.

    The figure below shows how a console server can attach to and manage all devices with console ports in a rack.

    Figure 6. Console port management network in a single rack
    Note: SSH/Telnet/HTTP/HTTPS is only used to connect to the console server which provides the user with console port access to the managed devices.

    Setting up a console server

    Installing and configuring the console server to connect to the Ethernet network, and the switches to be managed, consists of the following basic steps. Consult the documentation provided with the console server for the exact requirements for that device.

    Note: Some console servers offer wizards and automatic discovery applications to assist with the steps in this section.

    1. Mount the console server into the rack using the instructions.
    2. Cable the console server to the Ethernet management network (in-band or OOB).
    3. Use cables to connect the console server to each device to be managed.
    4. Install the console management software that comes with the console server onto a workstation or NMS (network management system) used to manage the console server.
    5. Configure IP information on the console server using the server’s documentation.
    6. Ping the console server from the management station to confirm that a successful connection is made.
    7. If not already done, install a terminal emulator program to a workstation or NMS on the network.
    8. Open the terminal emulator from the remote system.
    9. Ping the console server from the system where the terminal emulator is installed to confirm that a successful connection is made.

    The information that is used in the Connecting a single switch section for connecting to a single console port, applies when connecting the console ports to the console server. Consult the documentation that is provided with the console server hardware for additional instructions or troubleshooting.

    Note: Appendix A provides an example of configuring and using a terminal emulator.