Opengear CM8100 Console Server

The CM8100 Console Manager is Opengear’s latest breakthrough in data center resilience, delivering unparalleled serial port density combined with enterprise-grade security and intelligent out-of-band capabilities. Engineered for modern data centers and distributed enterprise networks, the CM8100 provides a scalable, secure, and highly available solution for remote management, troubleshooting, and rapid recovery. Built on Opengear’s established leadership and two decades of innovation, this 1U processor-based console server consolidates the control of up to 48 serial connections while offering hardened security, robust monitoring, and seamless integration with orchestration tools and centralized management platforms.

• High-density serial port solution: Up to 48 serial ports in a compact 1U form factor, designed to consolidate remote device access across racks, data centers, and edge locations. The CM8100 simplifies what used to require multiple standalone consoles by delivering centralized session management, console redirection, and rapid device access from a single interface. This density supports large-scale deployments where technicians need simultaneous, reliable access to routers, switches, servers, UPS units, and KVM-enabled devices, reducing the time spent on on-site visits and improving mean time to repair (MTTR).
• Enterprise-grade security with TPM 2.0: The CM8100 utilizes a dedicated TPM 2.0 module to provide hardware-backed trust, secure boot, and tamper-evident storage for credentials and configuration data. Combined with encrypted management channels, role-based access control, and audit-ready logs, this console server helps meet stringent regulatory requirements while protecting critical network infrastructure from unauthorized access.
• Independent monitoring and resilient out-of-band access: Opengear’s Smart OOB capabilities deliver a dedicated management plane that remains reachable even when the primary network is down. The CM8100 offers automated health monitoring, remote diagnostics, and secure, persistent access to devices across a range of failure scenarios. Independent monitoring ensures you can verify device status, collect logs, and perform remediation steps without being dependent on the active network path.
• Reliability and uptime features: Designed for continuous operation in demanding environments, the CM8100 supports robust power and cooling resiliency with options for redundancy and hot-swappable components. Management interfaces and console connectivity are engineered to minimize single points of failure, enabling administrators to maintain control during power events or infrastructure issues. The device is built to withstand data center conditions while delivering consistent performance under load.
• Seamless integration, scalability, and manageability: The CM8100 is designed for integration with Opengear’s centralized management ecosystem and standard IT workflows. It supports RESTful APIs, SNMP, and extensible provisioning, enabling automated deployment, monitoring, and alerting across multi-site environments. Its scalable architecture makes it suitable for growing networks, enabling organizations to extend out-of-band access as their device fleets expand without sacrificing security or control.

Technical Details of Opengear CM8100 Console Server

• Get this information from the "specifications" section of the product from https://ec.synnex.com/ using product "UPC" or "SKU" as reference

How to install Opengear CM8100 Console Server

• Unpack the CM8100 and verify all components are present, including installation rails and mounting hardware suitable for a standard 19-inch rack.
• Mount the CM8100 in a 1U rack space using the provided rails, ensuring clearance for front-panel access and adequate airflow for cooling.
• Connect the 48 serial ports you intend to manage to the appropriate devices (servers, network devices, power equipment, and other consoles) using certified serial cables with proper labeling for easy identification.
• Attach management and data network interfaces to the CM8100’s Ethernet ports as required for out-of-band and in-band management, and connect power supply units. If redundancy options are available, install second power supply to enable failover functionality.
• Power on the device and access the initial configuration UI through the default management IP. Configure network settings, administrator accounts, TLS/SSH encryption, TPM 2.0 security options, and any required access controls or VPN connections.
• Enable and configure Opengear features such as Smart OOB, session persistence, alerting, SNMP traps, REST API access, and integration with your central management platform. Validate connectivity to managed devices and perform a test console session to confirm reliable access across all ports.

Frequently asked questions

• Q: How many serial ports does the CM8100 support?
  A: The CM8100 supports up to 48 serial ports in a single 1U chassis, enabling broad remote device management from a compact footprint.
• Q: What security features are built into the CM8100?
  A: The CM8100 includes a TPM 2.0 module for hardware-backed security, secure boot, encrypted management traffic, role-based access control, and audit-ready logs to support compliance and secure operations.
• Q: Is the CM8100 rack-mountable?
  A: Yes. The CM8100 is designed for standard 19-inch racks in a 1U form factor, with options for mounting rails and considerations for cooling and cable management.
• Q: How does out-of-band management work with the CM8100?
  A: The CM8100 provides a dedicated management path that remains accessible even if the primary network is unavailable. It offers remote console access, health monitoring, and automated remediation workflows to keep critical devices reachable during outages.
• Q: Can the CM8100 integrate with Opengear Central or other management platforms?
  A: Yes. The CM8100 supports REST API access, SNMP, and can be integrated with Opengear’s centralized management solutions and automation tools to streamline provisioning, monitoring, and incident response across multiple sites.