[j-nsp] Console server recommendations

[joel jaeggli]

On 9/7/13 12:30 AM, Saku Ytti wrote:
> On (2013-09-07 04:23 +0000), Luechtefeld, Daniel G wrote:
> 
>> My QFabric will need at least 24 terminal server ports for all the console ports. I'd like one with options for an OOB POTS and/or cellular modem. What are your recommendations?
> 
> This is quite common question, but more rarely are people listing features
> they think are important in OOB. I'd love to hear that.

we use advocent 6048. imho they cost more than they should, but they do
the business.


> For me
> 
> a) persistently log what console ports output (good for post-mortem)
> 
> b) does not block connection to console, when one user connects (maybe NOC
> guy connected there, and went to lunch, very handy if device will upon
> connect offer a) share b) snoop c) disconnect existing user)
> 
> c) allows assigning IPv6 address to the console port and doing automatic
> ssh forward to it, so if 'ssh box' is dead, connecting to console is as
> easy as 'ssh box.oob', no need for training
> 
> d) allows easy way to send break, if JunOS is completely dead, you can get
> to debugger via break and powercycle box, without physical access. However,
> also it should guard from accidental breaks, maybe programmable
> key-sequence which causes break to be send, but nothing else (I use ^B^R^K
> in crisco)
> 
> e) way to monitor that when you'll need the OOB, it will actually work
> (this probably is very hard to guarantee by vendor, you'll probably need to
> just make script to periodically 'ssh box.oob, login, logout'. 
> 
> f) device itself supports tacacs and CLI dumping+storing of config, for
> easy replacement of defective unit
> 
> g) auto-sensing and/or software configurable pin-out
> 
> 
> 
> 
> And long term, please include in your RFQ scoring item for _proper_ OOB,
> separate OOB/MGMT CPU (like ilmi, cmp) not fate-sharing the control-plane.
> Which has ethernet port, sshd, dhcp-client. So you'll just ssh in, reset
> control-plane or for fresh box of factory, you ssh in, copy image and
> base-config.
>