Opengear Console Server

Opengear Console Server is built to defend uptime and accelerate incident response in data centers, campuses, and remote sites. Designed for environments where network outages and management windows are the norm, this appliance delivers class-leading performance and a broad feature set that makes out-of-band management practical, reliable, and secure. With support for a large number of serial ports and a robust hardware foundation, it provides a scalable platform to remotely access, monitor, and recover Cisco-style serial consoles, servers, and network devices even when the primary network path is down. The Opengear Console Server is purpose-built to simplify complex cabling, streamline remote troubleshooting, and give IT teams a single, centralized point of control for critical infrastructure. It integrates seamlessly into existing operations, enabling faster mean time to repair (MTTR), improved change governance, and predictable, auditable access that reduces risk across multi-site deployments.

• Scalable serial port coverage from 16 to 48 ports lets you support large fleets of Cisco-style console devices and other serial equipment without needing to replace hardware as your network grows. This scalable architecture means you can consolidate remote access points and reduce management silos, all while maintaining low latency and reliable connections across the entire stack.
• Out-of-band management of network gear and servers ensures you have secure, independent access to devices even when the primary network is unavailable. This capability is essential for remote sites, disaster recovery scenarios, and situations requiring reboot, reconfiguration, or operating system recovery without onsite visits.
• Simple straight-through cabling to Cisco-style serial consoles reduces setup complexity and potential mis-wiring. The platform is designed for plug-and-play compatibility with standard console cables, enabling engineers to connect gear quickly and begin remote management with minimal configuration.
• Dual Gigabit Ethernet and dual AC power supplies provide built-in redundancy for network paths and power. This dual-homing approach keeps management access up during power outages, network segments failures, or during maintenance windows, helping teams maintain visibility and control when it matters most.
• Audit trail logging captures comprehensive records of console activity, user actions, and configuration changes. With a detailed, tamper-evident log, teams can meet compliance requirements, perform forensic analysis after incidents, and demonstrate accountability across multi-site operations.

Technical Details of Opengear Console Server

• Ports: 16–48 serial ports for remote device access and control
• Management: Out-of-band management of network gear and servers for reliable recovery
• Cabling: Simple straight-through cabling to Cisco-style serial consoles for quick deployment
• Networking: Dual Gigabit Ethernet interfaces to support management, monitoring, and failover
• Power: Dual AC power supplies to sustain operation through power disturbances or equipment maintenance
• Security and Audit: Audit trail logging for compliance, investigations, and governance

How to install Opengear Console Server

• Prepare the installation site: Place the Opengear Console Server on a stable rack or shelf in a controlled environment. Ensure adequate airflow and access to power outlets and network cabling. If you are deploying in a data center, position the unit to minimize cable length and maximize cable management efficiency for both power and network connections.
• Connect power and network: Attach both AC power cables to reliable outlets or a UPS to ensure uninterrupted operation during events. Connect the dual Gigabit Ethernet ports to your management network, using separate VLANs or subnets if needed to isolate out-of-band traffic from user data traffic. Power-on and confirm the device boots normally, watching the console port for any initialization messages.
• Attach your serial devices: Use standard Cisco-style console cables to connect routers, switches, servers, and other serial gear to the Opengear ports. Map each device to a port or group within the Opengear interface, labeling them clearly to simplify ongoing management and disaster recovery workflows.
• Access the management interface: From a workstation on the management network, open a browser and enter the Opengear management IP address. Log in with the default credentials, then immediately change the password to a strong, unique credential. Enable TLS encryption and review security settings to align with your organization’s policies.
• Configure discovery, policies, and alerts: Create device groups, define discovery rules, and set up automatic remediation or reboot policies where appropriate. Establish alerting to notify operators via email, SMS, or integrated incident management systems when a device becomes unreachable or a console session is initiated. Configure role-based access controls to limit actions by user and scope.
• Test failover, backups, and logging: Conduct a controlled test to verify that remote access remains possible when the primary path is disrupted. Verify that audit logs are captured correctly for each action and that backup configurations are stored securely. Document the process so teams can replicate it during real outages or when onboarding new staff.

Frequently asked questions

• What is the Opengear Console Server used for? It provides reliable out-of-band remote management for network devices and servers, enabling secure access and recovery when the primary network path is unavailable. This reduces downtime and speeds up incident resolution across distributed environments.
• How many serial ports can I deploy with the Opengear Console Server? The platform supports a scalable range from 16 to 48 serial ports, allowing organizations to tailor the system to the size of their estate without sacrificing performance or manageability.
• What type of cabling is required to connect devices? The Opengear Console Server uses simple straight-through cabling to Cisco-style serial consoles, which minimizes installation complexity and ensures compatibility with standard equipment in most data centers.
• Does the device offer redundancy for network and power? Yes. Dual Gigabit Ethernet interfaces provide network redundancy and management path failover, while dual AC power supplies enable continuous operation even in the event of a single power failure or maintenance cycle.
• Is activity logged for compliance and security? Absolutely. The system includes audit trail logging that records console access, user actions, and configuration changes, supporting governance, troubleshooting, and post-incident analysis.
• Can I manage this device remotely and securely? Yes. The Opengear Console Server is designed for secure remote management, with features like encrypted communication, role-based access controls, and centralized monitoring to protect sensitive infrastructure data while enabling rapid response.