Opengear CM8100 Console Server

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 TPM 2.0 module, and independent monitoring to deliver resilient, always-on access to critical infrastructure. Designed to scale from small server rooms to expansive multi-site deployments, the CM8100 empowers IT teams with secure, out-of-band management that helps reduce mean time to repair (MTTR), minimize downtime, and streamline operations across your digital backbone. This console server is built for reliability in demanding environments, offering robust hardware, scalable management options, and a focus on security, accessibility, and automation that modern data centers demand.

• Up to 48 serial ports on a single appliance translates into scalable, centralized access to servers, network devices, and other critical equipment from a single management point. This breadth of ports reduces cabling complexity and simplifies console access across dense racks, making it ideal for data centers, campuses, and labs where rapid terminal access is essential for maintenance, troubleshooting, and recovery operations.
• Enterprise-grade security features are anchored by a TPM 2.0 module, providing hardware-backed key storage, secure boot, and integrity-protected firmware updates. These capabilities help prevent firmware tampering, protect against unauthorized access, and support compliance requirements, giving IT teams confidence that console-level access remains secure even in high-threat environments.
• Independent monitoring delivers continuous visibility into the health and status of the console infrastructure. The CM8100 monitors power conditions, environmental factors such as temperature and fan speed, and connectivity status, delivering alerts and logs that empower proactive remediation and faster fault isolation during outages or maintenance windows.
• Engineered for data centers and enterprise networks, the CM8100 combines rugged, reliable hardware with scalable deployment options. It supports secure remote out-of-band access even when the primary management network is unavailable, enabling IT staff to reach and recover devices from anywhere, at any time, without on-site visits.
• Centralized management and automation-ready capabilities enable policy-driven control, remote access, and simplified multi-site administration. Integrations with Opengear’s management ecosystem support automated workflows, scheduled firmware updates, role-based access, and consistent security policies across distributed infrastructure, helping IT teams enforce standards and reduce manual overhead.

Technial Details of Opengear CM8100 Console Server

• Serial ports: up to 48
• Security: TPM 2.0 module for secure key storage and firmware integrity
• Monitoring: independent health monitoring with alerts and reporting
• Intended use: data centers and enterprise networks requiring robust out-of-band management
• Management: supports centralized administration and policy-driven operations

How to install Opengear CM8100 Console Server

• Plan the deployment by mapping rack space, determining power and cooling requirements, and identifying the management network paths. Prepare the necessary serial cabling, Ethernet connectivity, and any console cables required to interface with your server and network devices. Ensure your environment has a stable power source and appropriate grounding to maximize reliability.
• Install the CM8100 in a standard 19-inch rack or freestanding cabinet, secure the chassis, and connect power using the appropriate electrical outlets. If available, configure redundant power inputs for higher availability. Route network cables to the management network, keeping cables organized and labeled to simplify maintenance and future expansions.
• Perform the initial power-on and connect to the management interface. Access the out-of-band management console via the default IP address or console port as specified in the user guide. Establish the basic network settings, including IP, subnet, gateway, and NTP synchronization to ensure accurate timestamps on logs and alerts.
• Create administrator accounts with strong passwords and enable multi-factor authentication where supported. Apply role-based access controls to limit permissions based on job function, and integrate with your directory services if applicable to streamline user management and auditing.
• Enable security and compliance features, such as TPM-based security, secure boot settings, encrypted management traffic (SSH/HTTPS), and appropriate firewall rules. Configure monitoring, alerting thresholds, and notification channels so your operations team receives timely information about device health and potential issues.
• Set up device discovery and policy-based automation. Define which connected devices are reachable via the CM8100, configure automatic firmware updates and maintenance windows, and establish recovery workflows for common outage scenarios. Run a verification test by initiating a remote console session to a connected device to confirm reliable access and control.

Frequently asked questions

• Q: What is the Opengear CM8100 best used for? A: It is designed for centralized out-of-band management of servers, networking gear, and other critical equipment across data centers and enterprise networks, enabling remote access even when the primary network is down.
• Q: How many devices can CM8100 manage? A: The CM8100 supports up to 48 serial console ports, allowing scalable control across multiple devices from a single appliance.
• Q: What security features does the CM8100 include? A: It features a TPM 2.0 module for hardware-backed security, secure boot, and encrypted management communications to protect against tampering and unauthorized access.
• Q: How do I install and configure the CM8100? A: Follow the guided setup to connect power, network, and serial consoles; configure management interfaces and user roles; enable security policies; and integrate with your existing IT management tools for centralized control.
• Q: Can CM8100 work across multiple sites? A: Yes. It is designed for scalable deployment in data centers and distributed environments, with centralized management and automation options to simplify multi-site administration.
• Q: Does the CM8100 support firmware updates? A: Yes. It supports remote firmware updates and policy-driven deployment to keep devices current without requiring on-site intervention.