Out-of-Band Management

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Opengear Allows SMS to Trigger Out-of-Band Connections

By Rory Lidstone TMCnet Contributing Writer

Opengear (News - Alert) is a leading provider of enterprise grade console servers, cellular routers and remote management solutions. However, the company has stated that the fastest growing segment of its business is its cellular-enabled out-of-band solutions. As such, Opengear receives a lot of calls from customers looking to replace POTS lines connected to an external modem.

While such a setup is now considered practically antiquated, a modem does enable remote admin access during an outage. As such, most customers, when presented with a cellular alternative to their POTS line solution, tend to ask upfront if they can dial this cellular option like a modem.

The short answer the company provides is "yes," but the long answer is a bit more complicated. While such a service can be implemented with a cellular POTS alternative, most carriers stopped supporting CSD (circuit switched data) equipment, which allows cellular connections to answer like a modem.

Fortunately, Opengear has a more up-to-date alternative in the form of SMS texting. Users can send an SMS to trigger the cellular radio signal, effectively providing the same functionality as a modem but in a more modern, convenient manner. As such, technicians can swap out their modems for a smartphone or tablet to access remote sites.

The whole process is explained in greater detail in this Opengear blog post, with links to further reading.

Recently, Opengear introduced a new member to its ACM5500 family of remote infrastructure management (RIM) gateways: the ACM5504-G-W-I. This gateway offers integrated cellular, wired and wireless access, offering a range of connectivity options and making it easier to manage critical infrastructure at local and remote sites.

In October, the company appointed networking industry veteran Christian Cowan as director of global product management. Cowan boasts over 20 years of experience and has served in product management and marketing roles within the physical security, IT networking and energy industries.

Want to learn more about the latest in communications and technology? Then be sure to attend ITEXPO Miami 2013, Jan 29- Feb. 1 in Miami, Florida.  Stay in touch with everything happening at ITEXPO (News - Alert). Follow us on Twitter.

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