Opengear OM2200: Operations Manager with Smart Out-of-Band Management

The Opengear OM2200 Operations Manager is a purpose-built appliance designed to keep critical data-center systems accessible, monitored, and recoverable no matter what. Engineered for data centers and high-density locations, this device is managed through Lighthouse software and is integrated into Opengear's Network Resilience Platform. It creates a separate, secure management plane that powers advanced automation applications, enabling rapid failover, resilient remote access, and automated remediation. With the OM2200, you gain reliable out-of-band capabilities that reduce mean time to repair, improve service continuity, and simplify complex data-center workflows.

• Smart Out-of-Band Management for Uninterrupted Access: The OM2200 delivers a dedicated management plane that remains reachable even when the primary network is down. This empowers operators to access consoles, reconfigure devices, and diagnose issues without affecting production traffic, dramatically shortening downtime in critical environments.
• Flexible Serial Port Options for High-Density Deployments: Available with 16, 32, or 48 serial ports, the OM2200 is designed to scale with dense server rooms and large deployments. This abundance of serial interfaces makes it ideal for managing a broad fleet of servers, network devices, and KVM consoles from a single appliance.
• Integrated with Lighthouse and the Network Resilience Platform: Managed via Lighthouse software, the OM2200 sits at the core of Opengear’s Network Resilience Platform. This integration enables centralized orchestration, automation workflows, health monitoring, and policy-driven recovery across your infrastructure.
• Secure, Separate Management Plane: By separating the management plane from the data plane, the OM2200 minimizes risk and enhances security. Administrators can apply strict access controls, encryption, and role-based permissions while performing out-of-band operations safely.
• Automation-First Design for Faster Recovery: The appliance supports advanced automation applications that automate routine recovery tasks, console-based remediation, and firmware updates. This reduces manual intervention, accelerates recovery, and improves consistency across devices and sites.

Technical Details of Opengear OM2200

• Serial port options: 16, 32, or 48 ports (model-dependent)
• Management: Lighthouse software integration for centralized control
• Platform: Opengear Network Resilience Platform for secure, automated out-of-band operations
• Deployment focus: Data centers and high-density environments requiring resilient remote access
• Security: Separate management plane with reinforced access controls

How to Install Opengear OM2200

Installing the OM2200 is a straightforward process designed for data-center professionals. Follow these high-level steps to deploy effectively and start leveraging Smart Out-of-Band Management from day one:

1) Rack and power the appliance: Mount the OM2200 in a standard 19-inch server rack in a secure data-center cabinet. Connect redundant power supplies if available to ensure continuous operation. Verify power indicators and confirm that the unit powers up correctly.

2) Connect management and out-of-band networks: Attach the appliance to the management network used by your Lighthouse deployment and to the out-of-band network that will carry console access and remote management traffic. Use segregated networks as recommended to maximize security and performance.

3) Access the initial configuration: Use the OM2200’s console or a supported management interface to begin the initial setup. Configure system time, administrator credentials, and network settings in alignment with your organization’s security policies.

4) Integrate with Lighthouse and the Network Resilience Platform: In Lighthouse, register the OM2200 as a managed device. Establish connection profiles, service checks, and automation policies that will govern how the appliance responds to incidents and orchestrates recovery across the environment.

5) Define device inventory and automation workflows: Catalog the servers, network devices, and consoles connected to the OM2200. Create automation playbooks to handle routine tasks such as serial console access, remote power cycles, and scripted remediation steps, ensuring consistent responses to incidents.

6) Validate operational readiness: Run a controlled test to simulate a failover or loss of connectivity. Confirm that the OM2200 can reach the remote end-points, execute recovery actions, and report status back through Lighthouse. Tweak policies as needed for optimal performance.

7) Establish ongoing maintenance procedures: Schedule firmware updates, security audits, and routine backups of configuration data. Set alert thresholds and monitoring dashboards to remain proactive about potential issues before they impact services.

With these steps, the OM2200 becomes an integral part of your data-center resilience strategy, delivering rapid, reliable, and auditable out-of-band management operations. The device is designed to scale with growing environments, providing the foundation for automated remediation and safer remote access across complex infrastructures.

Frequently asked questions

• What is the Opengear OM2200? The OM2200 is an operations manager appliance that delivers smart out-of-band management, designed for data centers and high-density locations. It integrates with Lighthouse software and the Network Resilience Platform to provide a secure, separate management plane and automated recovery capabilities.
• What does out-of-band management mean for my data center? Out-of-band management enables remote access and control of devices even when the primary network is down. This capability is essential for diagnosing issues, performing maintenance, and recovering systems without requiring on-site visits.
• How many serial ports does the OM2200 offer? The OM2200 is available with 16, 32, or 48 serial ports, making it suitable for environments that require extensive console access to servers, network devices, and other infrastructure units.
• How does the OM2200 integrate with Lighthouse? Lighthouse provides centralized management and orchestration. The OM2200, when integrated, allows you to deploy automation, monitor health, and execute remediation workflows across your devices from a single interface.
• Who should consider the OM2200? Data-center operators, IT administrators, and facilities teams who need robust remote management, rapid recovery capabilities, and scalable out-of-band access will benefit from the OM2200’s security and automation features.
• Is the management plane secure? Yes. The OM2200 uses a separate, secure management plane to reduce risk and isolate administrative actions from production traffic, with policy-driven access controls and encryption options as part of the platform's security model.