SLC™ 8000 Advanced Console Manager User Guide 232: IntroductionThe SLC 8000 advanced console manager enables IT system administrators to manage remoteservers and IT infrastructure equipment securely over the Internet.IT equipment can be configured, administered, and managed in a variety of ways, but mostdevices have one of two methods in common: via USB port and/or via an RS-232 serial port,sometimes called a console, auxiliary, or management port. These ports are often accesseddirectly by connecting a terminal or laptop to them, meaning that the administrator must be in thesame physical location as the equipment. The SLC 8000 advanced console manager gives theadministrator a way to access them remotely from anywhere there is a network or modemconnection. The SLC 8000 unit can accommodate up to three I/O modules (16-port USB I/Omodule and/or 16-port RJ45 I/O module.)Many types of equipment can be accessed and administered using console managers including: Servers: Unix, Linux, Windows, and others. Networking equipment: Routers, switches, storage networking. Telecom: PBX, voice switches. Other systems with serial interfaces: Heating/cooling systems, security/building accesssystems, UPS, medical devices.The key benefits of using console managers: Saves money: Enables remote management and troubleshooting without sending atechnician onsite. Reduces travel costs and downtime costs. Saves time: Provides instant access and reduces response time, improving efficiency. Simplifies access: Enables you to access equipment securely and remotely after hours andon weekends and holidays—without having to schedule visits or arrange for off-hour access. Protects assets: Security features provide encryption, authentication, authorization, andfirewall features to protect your IT infrastructure while providing flexible remote access.The SLC advanced console manager provides features such as convenient text menusystems, break-safe operation, port buffering (logging), remote authentication, and SecureShell (SSH) access. Dial-up modem support ensures access when the network is notavailable.FeaturesConsole Management Up to 48 serial RJ45 RS-232 and/or USB type A ports for console connectivityNote: USB ports are generally intended to connect directly to USB console ports. Itis also possible to connect a USB to serial adapter to them to connect to serialconsole ports, if needed. Enables system administrators to remotely manage devices with serial and/or USB consoleports, e.g., Linux, Unix, and recent versions of Windows servers, routers, telecom, andswitches with RS-232C (now EIA-232) or USB compatible serial consoles in a 1U-tall rackspace. All models have two Ethernet ports, called Eth1 and Eth2 in this document. Provides data logging, monitoring, and secure access control via the Internet
