Description
Black Box LES1700 Series Console Server - POTS Modem, Dual 10/100/1000
In today’s distributed IT environments, tight budgets and lean staff make reliable out-of-band management essential. The Black Box LES1700 Series Console Server delivers robust remote access to your critical equipment—network gear, servers, and power infrastructures—so IT teams can troubleshoot and manage devices from anywhere, at any time. By combining a built-in POTS modem with dual gigabit-capable Ethernet ports, this console server offers a flexible, secure, and scalable solution that helps preserve enterprise uptime even when the primary network is down or undergoing maintenance. It’s designed to simplify remote administration, reduce on-site visits, and accelerate mean time to repair (MTTR) for mission-critical operations.
- Out-of-band management enables centralized, remote access to your network devices, servers, and power infrastructure, allowing IT staff to diagnose and remediate issues without dispatching on-site personnel.
- A built-in POTS modem provides dial-in connectivity for sites with limited or unreliable network access, delivering a proven fallback path to reach devices when network paths are compromised or unavailable.
- Dual 10/100/1000 Ethernet interfaces give you flexible network topology options—separate management networks, redundant links, or high-performance paths for console data and device control.
- Security and reliability features support enterprise-grade uptime, including centralized access controls, activity logging, and remote power management capabilities to safeguard critical infrastructure.
- Versatile deployment suited for a range of environments—from small branch offices to larger data centers—offering scalable, remote-ready management without adding complexity to your IT stack.
Technical Details of Black Box LES1700 Series Console Server
- Product: LES1700 Series Console Server
- Interfaces: POTS Modem, Dual 10/100/1000 Ethernet
- Primary purpose: Out-of-band management for network devices, servers, and power infrastructure
- Management capabilities: Remote console access to serial devices, centralized login, and secure session handling to facilitate troubleshooting from anywhere
- Deployment scope: Designed to support enterprise uptime across distributed environments with straightforward integration into existing IT processes
How to install Black Box LES1700 Series Console Server
Setting up the LES1700 Series Console Server is designed to be intuitive and fast, so you can establish reliable remote access with minimal downtime. Follow these practical steps to begin leveraging out-of-band management today.
Step 1: Prepare the site and power. Ensure the installation area has adequate ventilation and a stable power source. Have your network cables, a telephone line for the POTS modem, and any serial cables ready for device connections. Clear labeling of ports will simplify ongoing maintenance and future expansions.
Step 2: Connect network interfaces. Attach the two Ethernet ports to your management network or to separate networks if you are establishing redundant paths or segregating console traffic from data traffic. Confirm the switch or router ports are configured to permit the console server’s management traffic and that backlog or latency won’t impede remote sessions.
Step 3: Wire the serial and POTS connections. Attach any serial devices you want to manage through the LES1700 to the available serial console ports. Connect the POTS modem to a landline if you plan to support dial-in access from remote sites. Verify that all cables are securely seated and that adapters (if used) are of the correct type for your equipment.
Step 4: Apply power and access the management interface. Power on the console server and use your browser or the supported local console port to reach the initial setup interface. Log in with the administrator credentials provided by your installation team or the default credentials documented in your internal security policies. If there is a default credential, make sure to change it during first login to align with your security standards.
Step 5: Configure basic network and user settings. Assign IP addresses for the management interfaces, enable appropriate access controls, and establish secure authentication methods for remote sessions. Create user accounts with the minimum necessary privileges and implement logging, alerting, and event retention policies to support monitoring and compliance needs.
Step 6: Integrate with existing monitoring and ITSM tools. If you use centralized monitoring, ticketing, or incident management platforms, connect the LES1700 to your ecosystem. This may include exporting session data, setting up alert triggers for device availability, and validating that remote sessions can be initiated and terminated reliably without on-site intervention.
Step 7: Test end-to-end access. From a remote location, initiate a management session to a connected device (network gear, server, or power controller) via the console server. Verify that you can access the serial console, issue commands, and perform basic remote tasks. Confirm that dial-in access to the POTS modem functions as expected if your deployment relies on that mode of connection.
Step 8: Harden the device and document the configuration. Apply security best practices—disable unused services, enforce strong passwords, implement access controls, and log administrative actions. Document the asset’s configuration, IPs, port mappings, and user roles so future IT staff can maintain and extend the deployment without ambiguity.
Properly installing the LES1700 Series Console Server establishes a resilient, scalable foundation for out-of-band management across your enterprise. By enabling remote access to critical devices, you reduce risk, shorten repair times, and keep business operations running even in the face of network outages or maintenance windows. The device’s dual Ethernet options and POTS modem provide a versatile solution that can adapt to both traditional and evolving IT environments, ensuring that your most important infrastructure remains within reach when it matters most.
Frequently asked questions
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Q: What is the primary function of the LES1700 Series Console Server?
A: Its main purpose is to provide out-of-band management for remote IT infrastructure, including network gear, servers, and power devices. This enables administrators to access and control devices even when the primary network is unavailable, improving uptime and troubleshooting speed.
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Q: Does the LES1700 support both POTS modem access and Ethernet-based management?
A: Yes. The LES1700 combines a POTS modem for dial-in access with dual 10/100/1000 Ethernet interfaces, giving you flexible options for remote management and redundant connectivity.
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Q: How does the dual Ethernet configuration benefit my environment?
A: Dual Ethernet interfaces allow you to segment console traffic from data traffic, create redundant management paths, or dedicate a dedicated management network. This flexibility helps reduce bottlenecks and enhances reliability for critical management tasks.
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Q: Is the LES1700 suitable for large-scale deployments?
A: The LES1700 is designed to support enterprise uptime across distributed environments. It is adaptable for diverse deployments—from smaller branch offices to larger data centers—by providing scalable, remote-access management that can grow with your IT footprint.
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Q: How should I approach installing and securing the LES1700?
A: Start with a clear plan for network addressing and access controls. After connecting the device to power, network, and the POTS line if needed, configure strong administrator credentials, enable logging, and establish access policies. Finally, test remote sessions to ensure reliable connectivity and document all settings for ongoing maintenance.
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