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Opengear Makes Managing Cisco Serial Consoles a Remote Affair

By Rory Lidstone TMCnet Contributing Writer

Opengear (News - Alert), a top provider of critical infrastructure management solutions, knows that maintaining a distributed computing infrastructure requires a lot of effort. However, the most important element is being able to access the serial RS-232 port that is located on almost all core communications equipment as this is the most direct method for diagnosing or fixing problems for a quick recovery.

As such, Opengear console servers offer secure access to the Cisco serial console port both in band and out of band using built-in modem, wireless 3G or redundant path, making its connectivity solutions ideal for both data center and remote branch office use. On top of that, Opengear console servers boast a number of unique features for greater convenience and network stability.

For example, a feature called Automated Remote Management and Support can help to proactively tackle issues with Cisco (News - Alert) network infrastructure. By way of Auto Response, an Opengear console server can strengthen network and systems management by sounding an alert when network issues are detected and even taking immediate local action to remedy such issues.

USB Flash, meanwhile, can store local copies of TFTP server configs on a USB flash drive for disaster recovery. That way, if something goes awry when making configuration changes, rolling back to a previous config is quick and easy.

Other such features include offline logs stored on a USB flash drive, Pattern Match Alerting, Hotkey Power on RPS/PDU and many more.

Serial console ports provide system administrators with a way to monitor and manage network devices, whether or not the device is working. Opengear takes this crucial element one step further by providing secure, redundant connectivity for remote access to system console ports, helping to avoid unplanned downtime and maintain network operation even during outages.

Earlier in the month, Opengear released the ACM5504-5-G-W-I as part of its ACM5500 family of remote infrastructure management (RIM) gateways. This new device in the series is the first to feature an integrated wireless access point.

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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