Vertiv Avocent ACS8000 Serial Console - 16 Port Console Server | Dual AC

The Vertiv Avocent ACS8000 Serial Console is a state-of-the-art 16-port console server engineered to simplify and strengthen the remote management of IT assets across data centers, enterprise networks, and edge environments. With its dual AC power supply, this robust console server is built for reliability and uptime, catering to mission-critical infrastructure where uninterrupted access to serial consoles is essential for configuration, monitoring, and troubleshooting. Designed to streamline operations, the ACS8000 consolidates multiple serial connections into a single, secure management point, enabling IT teams to securely access, control, and automate devices from anywhere in the world. Whether you’re managing racks of servers, switches, storage arrays, or network appliances, this device delivers fast, dependable access to every serial console in your environment.

• 16-port serial console management: Centralize access to servers, network gear, and other serial-enabled devices from a single interface. Each port supports reliable console redirection, enabling firmware updates, configuration changes, and on-demand troubleshooting without physical visits to the data center.
• Dual AC power supply for maximum uptime: Redundant, hot-swappable power supplies ensure continuous operation. Automatic failover protects against power events, maintenance downtime, and unexpected outages, so devices remain reachable even during power cycles.
• Secure, remote access and authentication: Enterprise-grade security features include SSH, HTTPS/TLS encryption, SNMPv3, and robust authentication options (RADIUS/TACACS+), plus granular role-based access control and comprehensive audit logs to support compliance and traceability.
• Flexible, scalable management tooling: Designed for growth, the ACS8000 supports centralized management across multiple chassis, streamlined provisioning, firmware updates, and proactive alerting that integrates with ITSM workflows and monitoring platforms for faster incident response.
• Rack-ready design and straightforward deployment: A compact 1U form factor with front-facing ports simplifies installation in any data center rack. The durable chassis, efficient cooling, and straightforward cabling reduce deployment time and optimize space efficiency.

The ACS8000 is built for organizations that demand reliable, secure access to the devices that power their networks. Its robust hardware and flexible software capabilities deliver a dependable platform for out-of-band management, disaster recovery planning, and scalable administration across multiple locations. Administrators can leverage serial console access to perform critical tasks during maintenance windows, resolve configuration conflicts, and monitor device health without depending on in-band connectivity alone. The device’s dual power supply architecture, paired with redundant management paths, minimizes single points of failure and supports business continuity objectives in high-demand environments.

Technical Details of Vertiv Avocent ACS8000 Serial Console

• Serial ports: 16 RS-232 console ports for direct, out-of-band control of servers, storage devices, network switches, and other serial-enabled equipment.
• Management interfaces: Dual Ethernet management interfaces for redundancy and reliable remote access, enabling separate data plane and management traffic where appropriate.
• Power and redundancy: Dual AC power supplies with hot-swappable capability and automatic failover to maximize uptime and minimize maintenance impact.
• Form factor and mounting: 1U rack-mountable chassis designed for dense data center racks, with front-access ports to simplify installation and servicing.
• Security features: SSH, HTTPS/TLS, and SNMPv3 support; enterprise authentication options including RADIUS and TACACS+; granular role-based access control; comprehensive event logging for auditing and compliance.
• Management and integration: Centralized management capabilities compatible with existing monitoring tools and ITSM platforms; supports firmware updates, alerting, and scalable deployment across multiple chassis.
• Environmental and compliance: Engineered for typical data center temperatures with standard safety certifications (UL/CE), ensuring reliability in demanding environments.
• Operating considerations: Designed for continuous operation with efficient cooling and low acoustic signature suitable for data center floors and remote sites.
• Compatibility: Works with standard terminal emulation tools and integrates into standard IT workflows for change control and remote problem resolution.

How to install Vertiv Avocent ACS8000 Serial Console

Setting up the ACS8000 is a straightforward process designed to minimize downtime and maximize productive use of your serial infrastructure. Start by planning the rack layout and cabling, then follow these general steps to deploy the unit securely and efficiently:

• Rack placement and mounting: Position the ACS8000 in a suitable 1U rack slot with clear access to power, network, and console cabling. Secure the chassis with the provided rails or mounting hardware, ensuring adequate airflow around the device.

• Power connections and redundancy: Connect both redundant AC power cables to independent power sources or circuits. Verify that your power sources meet the device’s voltage and amperage requirements for stable operation.

• Network integration: Attach the dual management Ethernet ports to your management network or a dedicated out-of-band network. Configure IP addressing (static or DHCP, as your policy dictates) and confirm network reachability from your IT management subnet.

• Initial access and authentication: Use the console interface to perform the initial setup, creating administrator accounts with strong credentials. Enable SSL/TLS, SSH, and SNMPv3 as required by your security policy, and configure RADIUS/TACACS+ if you centralize authentication.

• Firmware and devices provisioning: Update the ACS8000 to the latest firmware version before attaching devices to the console server. Begin registering serial devices, assign port mappings, and set access controls for users and groups. Establish device profiles for common categories (servers, switches, storage) to speed future deployments.

• Monitoring and alerting configuration: Integrate with your monitoring system to receive alerts on port activity, temperature, power status, and connection health. Define thresholds and escalation paths to ensure timely responses to issues.

• Security hardening and documentation: Enforce access controls, enable audit logging, and document port assignments and user roles. Regularly review logs and rotate credentials per your security policy to maintain a hardened environment.

Frequently asked questions

What is the ACS8000 best suited for? The ACS8000 is ideal for data centers, enterprise IT environments, and edge deployments requiring centralized, reliable serial console access to many devices. It’s especially beneficial for administrators coordinating firmware updates, network changes, or remote troubleshooting where in-band management may be limited or unavailable.

Can the ACS8000 operate with redundant power? Yes. It features dual AC power supplies designed for hot-swapping and automatic failover, ensuring continued console access even during power events or maintenance activities. This is critical for high-availability environments that cannot tolerate single-point failures.

What security features does the ACS8000 provide? The device offers SSH and HTTPS/TLS encryption, SNMPv3 for secure monitoring, and integration with enterprise authentication services such as RADIUS or TACACS+. It supports role-based access control and keeps an auditable log of actions for compliance and security review.

How scalable is the ACS8000 for growing networks? With 16 serial ports per unit and centralized management capabilities, the ACS8000 is designed to grow across multiple chassis. It supports provisioning, firmware updates, and alerting in a way that aligns with broader ITSM and monitoring strategies, allowing you to expand your out-of-band management without sacrificing control or security.

What installations environments are recommended? The ACS8000 is designed for data centers and network closets where rack space is at a premium and reliable serial console access is required. It performs well in standard data center temperatures with proper cooling and ventilation and is built to withstand the rigors of continuous operation in demanding environments.