Opengear CM8100 Console Server – 48-Port Data Center Console Manager

The CM8100 is Opengear's newest console manager for data centers and enterprise networks. Building on 18 years of Opengear product innovation and leadership, the CM8100 Console Manager provides up to 48 serial ports, enterprise-grade security using a TPM 2.0 module, and independent monitoring designed to keep critical infrastructure accessible and protected. This console server is engineered to simplify remote access, accelerate incident response, and reduce downtime by delivering reliable, scalable console management for your servers, networking gear, storage devices, and edge equipment.

• Up to 48 configurable serial ports deliver scalable out-of-band management for servers, network gear, storage devices, and edge appliances, enabling rapid console access without hopping between devices. This density supports growing data centers and branch deployments while simplifying cabling and inventory. Each port supports common console standards (RS-232/RS-422/RS-485) and can be grouped for efficient monitoring and control, reducing the time your operations teams spend on manual maintenance.
• Enterprise-grade security with a TPM 2.0 hardware module ensures secure boot, attestation, and hardware-backed trust for remote access. This security foundation helps protect against firmware tampering and unauthorized configurations, giving IT teams confidence that only authenticated software and administrators can interact with sensitive devices through the CM8100.
• Independent monitoring and health checks provide proactive alerts and rapid issue isolation, improving uptime and mean time to repair. With built-in status sensors, health analytics, and event logging, you can detect anomalies early, trigger auto-remediation workflows, and route tickets to the right teams before problems affect end users.
• Robust remote management capabilities enable secure, authenticated access from anywhere, with centralized policy enforcement and integration with Opengear management platforms. IT staff can monitor, configure, and remediate devices remotely — even during network outages — via a browser GUI, SSH/TLS, and API-driven automation, all governed by granular access controls and audit trails.
• Designed for data centers and enterprise networks with a rack-ready 1U form factor, streamlined deployment, and easy integration with existing IT workflows. The CM8100 is built for high-density environments, featuring clear LED indicators, thoughtful cabling options, and compatibility with standard rack installations to minimize deployment friction.

Technical Details of Opengear CM8100 Console Server

• Serial Ports: Up to 48 serial console ports for direct access to devices across the data center, edge, and remote locations, enabling centralized control without on-site visits.
• Security: TPM 2.0 hardware security module provides secure boot, attestation, and hardware-backed cryptographic operations to protect firmware integrity and administrator credentials.
• Management and Access: Out-of-band management with secure remote access (SSH/TLS), role-based access control, centralized policy management, and audit-ready activity logs for regulatory compliance.
• Connectivity: Ethernet-based management interface designed for reliable, encrypted communications; supports dedicated management paths and failover options to maintain access during network disruptions.
• Form Factor: 1U rack-mountable chassis intended for dense data center deployments, with scalable cabling and straightforward integration into standard IT environments.
• Monitoring: Independent monitoring and health checks with alerting and integration capabilities to support proactive maintenance, incident response, and uptime optimization.

How to install Opengear CM8100 Console Server

Proper installation unlocks the CM8100’s full value. Follow these practical steps to deploy quickly, securely, and with minimal downtime:

• Prepare the rack and workspace by ensuring adequate ventilation, clearance for cable management, and a clean, organized environment to simplify future maintenance tasks.
• Mount the CM8100 in a standard 19-inch rack using included rails. Level the chassis, secure it with screws, and verify that power and network cables have sufficient slack for service loops and future re-cabling.
• Connect your serial devices to the 48 console ports you intend to manage. Use appropriate null-modem adapters or terminators as required by your devices, and label cables for clear identification in your asset management system.
• Establish management connectivity by connecting the CM8100 to your secure management network. Configure IP addressing (static or DHCP as appropriate), VLANs, and any required routing to ensure reachability from your network operations centers and monitoring tools.
• Power on the unit and run through the initial configuration wizard via the web GUI or console. Create an administrator account, set up authentication methods (for example, local accounts or integration with your directory service), and configure basic security settings such as SSH access controls and TLS configurations.
• Define access policies, user roles, and device groups to align with your organization’s security and operational workflows. Integrate with your existing monitoring and ticketing systems, and validate remote access by connecting from a secured workstation to verify console connectivity across multiple ports.
• Perform a practical test by initiating a few console sessions to representative devices to confirm reliability, latency, and path robustness. Review logs and alerts to ensure that events are captured and routed to the appropriate teams.
• Document the deployment in your asset and change-management systems, and establish a routine for firmware updates, health checks, and observability dashboards. Schedule periodic reviews to ensure the CM8100 continues to meet evolving network and security requirements.

Frequently asked questions

• What is the Opengear CM8100 Console Server? The CM8100 is Opengear's high-density console manager designed for data centers and enterprise networks, delivering reliable out-of-band access to devices through up to 48 serial ports, with enterprise-grade security and independent monitoring to support uptime and rapid issue resolution.
• How many serial ports does it have? It supports up to 48 serial console ports, enabling centralized management of a large number of servers, network gear, and other critical hardware from a single appliance.
• What security features are included? The CM8100 incorporates a TPM 2.0 hardware security module for secure boot, attestations, and hardware-backed trust, along with role-based access control, encrypted management channels (SSH/TLS), and audit logging to protect administrative actions.
• What management capabilities are available? Out-of-band console management, secure remote access, centralized policy enforcement, and integration with Opengear management platforms for automation, alerting, and inventory management.
• Is it suitable for data centers? Yes. The CM8100 is purpose-built for data centers and enterprise networks, delivering scalable density, robust security, and independent monitoring to help keep critical services available even during network or device failures.