[c-nsp] Remote management console servers?

[Rich Davies]

All,

We have been using WTI console servers for many years and so far I have no
issue with them.   The older models had DB9 serial connections and newer
models have RJ-45.   You can pin them out to any serial based console
device.   WTI has been very helpful with assistance on custom pinouts even
when the device is out of warranty.   Also WTI was one of the few remote
console servers which have NEBS compliancy (on their -48 vdc powered
models).    One note I will say with these is firewall them otherwise I've
seen a few go unreachable.   After proper firewalling they are stable.


Rich


On Tue, Jul 14, 2015 at 1:03 PM, Scott Granados <scott at granados-llc.net>
wrote:

> Hi,
>
> Wondering what people are doing / best practices for remote management
> generally in datacenter environments.  We have several datacenter with a
> mix of Cisco, F5, Juniper and Palo Alto equipment in each.  All have a
> similar RJ45 type console port and all are pretty much your garden variety
> devices.  Looking for a good solution to gain access when primary
> connectivity is disrupted.  I know back in the day we used 2610XM routers
> with the octopus cables but I’m wondering if there is better available now
> or is this still a good solution?  Do you all use out of band loops for
> remote management like DS1 / DS3 circuits from diverse providers, dial in,
> what’s the standard for remote management?  Do you also have your
> management networks isolated on their own (could be the same) management
> network or do you do some sort of VPN / VRF deal for normal non emergency
> management connectivity?  Any thoughts on the subject would be most
> appreciated.  The last time I built one of these was with 2610XM routers in
> the pops and 7206 routers as aggregation points in each geographic region
> linked together with different T1s and multiplexed to the 7206 regional
> routers with backhaul loops to the NOC.  Seems like a bit of overkill for
> my application now but if this is still the best practice then it might be
> worth while.  Any pointers or other suggestions would be most appreciated.
>
> Thank you
> Scott
>
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