Digi Connect IT 16: Console Access Server with 16 Serial Ports

Meet the Digi Connect IT 16, a high-availability Console Access Server designed to centralize and streamline management of critical IT infrastructure. With 16 serial ports, it lets you securely access routers, firewalls, servers, and other networking gear from anywhere on the network or over LTE, reducing downtime and accelerating change management. This device is built for enterprise environments that demand robust remote management, scalable cabling, and simplified maintenance—minimizing onsite visits and speeding up incident response. The Connect IT 16 is engineered with redundancy at its core, delivering resilient operation in even demanding edge or data center deployments. Whether you’re supporting a distributed campus, a remote branch, or a centralized data center, this console server makes serial console access reliable, secure, and easy to manage.

• 16 dedicated serial console ports: Connect and manage a wide range of devices—routers, switches, firewalls, servers, and appliances—from a single, centralized interface. Each port supports common serial protocols and is optimized for low latency, reliable console access, and consistent performance across distributed sites.
• Dual network paths and high-availability design: Experience improved uptime with dual Ethernet interfaces and dual SFP+ uplinks, helping keep management traffic separate from data traffic and enabling fast failover in congested or failed links. This design supports enterprise WAN or data center deployments with mission-critical reliability.
• Redundant, field-replaceable power: Dual power supplies, designed for hot-swap operation in the field, provide continuous management even during a power event. This feature minimizes downtime and makes troubleshooting easier in environments where uptime matters most.
• Out-of-band and secure remote access: Access devices remotely via secure channels, with support for SSH, TLS, and robust authentication. Centralized access reduces the need for on-site visits and strengthens security across geographically dispersed networks.
• LTE and enterprise WAN compatibility: The Digi Connect IT 16 supports connectivity over LTE for remote sites or when an enterprise WAN is unavailable, ensuring you can reach network devices anytime, anywhere, and maintain consistent change control even at the edge.

Technical Details of Digi Connect IT 16

• Serial ports: 16 console ports for direct, in-band, or out-of-band management of network devices
• Network interfaces: Dual Ethernet and dual SFP+ uplinks for flexible and redundant networking
• Power: Dual, hot-swappable power supplies to maximize uptime in live environments
• Management features: Web UI, secure CLI, SNMP support, and API access for automation and integration
• Connectivity options: LTE cellular connectivity in addition to traditional WAN pathways for remote sites
• Form factor: 1U rack-mount chassis suitable for standard data center racks and telecom closets

How to Install Digi Connect IT 16

• Plan placement in a standard 19-inch rack and verify available space for 1U height, taking into account airflow and cable management requirements.
• Mount the Connect IT 16 securely in the rack using the included rails or mounting hardware, ensuring stable support for future cable connections and maintenance access.
• Install both power supplies and connect to appropriate power sources. If available, configure hot-swap readiness and label power cables for quick replacement during maintenance windows.
• Connect network uplinks: attach the dual Ethernet interfaces to your management network and assign the appropriate VLANs or IP addressing to ensure out-of-band management remains isolated from regular data traffic. Connect the dual SFP+ ports as needed for uplink redundancy or high-speed paths.
• Attach the 16 serial devices to ports 1 through 16 using console cables that match device requirements (RJ-45 or DB-9 adapters as needed). Keep cables neat and labeled for ease of troubleshooting and future changes.
• Power on the unit and access the default IP address via a web browser or the CLI. Complete the initial setup: configure network parameters, enable LTE or WAN connectivity as required, update firmware, and set up user accounts with appropriate access levels. Establish security policies (SSH, TLS, and IP-based access controls) and enable logging, SNMP, and syslog options for centralized monitoring.
• Test connectivity to all connected devices by cycling through ports and validating console access. Confirm that remote access via LTE or WAN works as intended and that failover mechanisms operate correctly during simulated outages.
• Document configuration changes and integrate the device into your change-management workflows. Consider automating routine tasks with the available API or automation tools to reduce manual effort and improve consistency across sites.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: What is the Digi Connect IT 16 used for?
  A: It is a dedicated Console Access Server designed to centrally manage and monitor multiple devices via serial console ports. It enables remote problem diagnosis, configuration, and maintenance for routers, switches, firewalls, servers, and other network equipment, reducing downtime and onsite visits.
• Q: How many serial ports does it offer?
  A: The Digi Connect IT 16 provides 16 independent serial console ports, allowing you to connect and manage a broad set of devices from a single management point.
• Q: Does it support LTE connectivity?
  A: Yes. The Connect IT 16 supports LTE-based connectivity for remote sites or when enterprise WAN connectivity is temporarily unavailable, ensuring continuous access to critical devices.
• Q: What about redundancy?
  A: The unit features dual Ethernet interfaces, dual SFP+ uplinks, and dual hot-swappable power supplies, delivering high availability and minimizing maintenance windows due to hardware failures.
• Q: How is management performed?
  A: Management is performed through a secure web UI and CLI, with support for SSH, TLS, SNMP, and API-based automation. This enables centralized control, monitoring, and integration with existing IT workflows.
• Q: Is the device rack-mountable?
  A: Yes. It is designed as a 1U rack-mount appliance, suitable for standard data center racks and telecom rooms, with thoughtful cable management and airflow considerations.