Opengear CM8100 Console Server

The CM8100 Console Server from Opengear is engineered to deliver unstoppable out-of-band management for data centers and enterprise networks. Building on nearly two decades of Opengear innovation, the CM8100 unifies secure, remote access to critical devices across large-scale environments. With up to 48 serial ports, enterprise-grade security powered by a TPM 2.0 module, and independent monitoring that keeps you informed even when the primary network is compromised, this console manager is designed to maximize uptime, speed incident response, and simplify complex infrastructure management. Whether you’re monitoring racks in a flagship data center or managing distributed edge sites, the CM8100 provides a scalable, secure, and resilient foundation for your remote-access strategy.

• Up to 48 serial ports for scalable console access. Centralize management of servers, network devices, and remote sites from a single appliance. The expansive port count reduces the need for multiple devices, speeds incident response, and simplifies configuration, commissioning, and ongoing administration across large environments.
• Enterprise-grade security with TPM 2.0. The CM8100 integrates a hardware-based security module to protect credentials, keys, and configurations at rest and during remote sessions. This strong root of trust helps defend against tampering and ensures trusted access for administrators and automation workflows.
• Advanced out-of-band management at scale. Enable secure remote console access, power-control actions, and real-time remediation for devices that may be unreachable over the primary network. This capability minimizes on-site visits and accelerates mean time to repair (MTTR) for outages and configuration issues.
• Independent monitoring to maximize uptime. Health checks and monitoring operate independently from the primary network to provide continuous visibility and alerts even when network connectivity is disrupted. This separation improves reliability and keeps operators informed during outages.
• Optimized for data centers and edge deployments. The CM8100 is designed for rack deployment in modern data centers and distributed enterprise networks, offering a compact footprint, robust operation, and compatibility with Opengear’s centralized management ecosystem for seamless deployment at scale.

Technical Details of Opengear CM8100

• Ports: Up to 48 serial console ports (RS-232/RS-422/RS-485 compatible) to support large-scale device access from a single device.
• Security: TPM 2.0 hardware security module for credential and configuration protection, enabling secure boot, trusted updates, and encrypted sessions.
• Management: Robust out-of-band management capabilities with secure remote access to serial consoles, KVM control, and centralized policy enforcement.
• Monitoring: Independent monitoring features that operate even if the primary data path is down, with proactive alerts and health checks.
• Networking: Enterprise-grade networking support suitable for data center environments, designed to integrate with Opengear management software and dashboards.
• Form factor: Rack-mountable chassis designed for 19-inch racks, enabling clean integration into standard data center infrastructure.

How to install Opengear CM8100

• Prepare your environment. Verify rack space, power availability, and network access. Confirm you have the required cables, adapters, and authentication credentials ready for initial setup.
• Unbox and inspect. Check the CM8100 and included accessories for any shipping damage, and confirm the serial numbers and firmware versions align with your deployment plan.
• Rack-mount or place on a secure surface. Install the CM8100 in a standard 19-inch rack or position it in a secure location with proper ventilation and cable management for reliable operation.
• Connect power and network. Attach the power supply and connect the management interfaces to your network. Use quality cables to ensure stable connectivity for remote access and management traffic.
• Initial secure configuration. Access the management console via the default interface, configure administrator credentials, enable TPM 2.0 protections, and set up the first management policies. Enroll the device in your Opengear Central or local management system for ongoing oversight and updates.

Frequently asked questions

• What is the CM8100 Console Server? The CM8100 is Opengear’s high-port console manager designed for data centers and enterprise networks, delivering scalable, secure out-of-band access to serial consoles on a wide range of devices.
• How many serial ports does it provide? It supports up to 48 serial ports, enabling centralized management of multiple servers, network devices, and remote sites from a single unit.
• What security features are included? The CM8100 incorporates a TPM 2.0 hardware security module to protect credentials and configurations, along with encrypted remote access and secure boot capabilities to harden the device against tampering.
• How does it help with uptime and outages? By offering out-of-band management and independent monitoring, administrators can access consoles and perform remediation even if the primary network is unavailable, reducing downtime and MTTR.
• How do I install and manage the CM8100? Install in a data center or edge location, connect to power and network, configure admin credentials and TPM settings, and enroll the device in Opengear Central or your preferred management platform for ongoing monitoring and software updates.