Vertiv Avocent ACS8000 Serial Console – 32-Port, Dual AC Power

The Vertiv Avocent ACS8000 Serial Console is an enterprise-grade solution designed to deliver robust, out-of-band management for critical IT infrastructure. With 32 serial console ports, dual AC power inputs for high availability, and a compact 1U, rack-mountable chassis, the ACS8000 centralizes access to servers, switches, power controllers, and other serial devices across data centers, cloud facilities, and colocation environments. This console server is built to minimize downtime by enabling IT teams to monitor, configure, and troubleshoot devices from a single interface—whether you’re in the data center, remote location, or integrating with centralized management platforms. The ACS8000 supports secure remote access, policy-driven governance, and scalable deployment, making it a dependable cornerstone for modern IT operations. In addition, its carrier-ready connectivity options align with enterprise networks, including AT&T+Verizon, providing flexible remote reach while preserving security and performance across distributed environments.

• Centralized, scalable console management: The ACS8000 consolidates access to 32 serial ports across racks and data centers, delivering a single web or CLI interface to monitor device health, initiate remote sessions, and rapidly isolate issues. Administrators can group ports, script routine tasks, and assign devices to teams, significantly reducing time spent locating individual connections. This centralized approach enhances uptime, accelerates incident response, and supports automated workflows across large-scale deployments—helping teams maintain service levels in busy environments.
• Redundant power and reliability: Dual AC power inputs are engineered for high availability, enabling continuous operation even if one power source or circuit experiences an issue. The ACS8000 is designed with robust fault isolation, thermal monitoring, and safe restart behavior to ensure management access remains available during power events or maintenance windows, a critical advantage for 24/7 data center operations.
• Secure access and governance: The device enforces policy-based control with role-based access, strong authentication, and encrypted management sessions (SSH/TLS). Comprehensive logs, auditing capabilities, and SNMP support provide visibility for compliance programs, while granular permissions protect critical infrastructure from unauthorized changes across diverse teams and projects.
• Flexible deployment and integration: Built as a 1U, rack-mountable chassis, the ACS8000 integrates with existing data center ecosystems using standard management protocols (SSH, Telnet, HTTP/HTTPS). It plays well with DCIM and ITSM tools and supports multi-session console management, enabling administrators to manage multiple devices concurrently. Its scalable design accommodates growing rack densities and the addition of new devices without sacrificing control or security.
• Carrier-ready remote connectivity: Engineered to fit enterprise networks, the ACS8000 supports connectivity options suitable for remote access through carrier networks. With AT&T+Verizon compatibility, organizations gain flexible, secure channels for administrators to reach devices across distributed environments, enabling centralized control without compromising data security or access governance.

Technical Details of Vertiv Avocent ACS8000 Serial Console

• Port count: 32 serial console ports for simultaneous management sessions across servers, switches, and other serial devices.
• Power: Dual AC power inputs providing redundancy to support high-availability deployments.
• Form factor: 1U rack-mountable chassis designed for standard 19-inch racks with minimal footprint in busy data centers.
• Management interfaces: Web-based GUI and CLI access, with secure protocols including SSH and TLS; SNMP support for integration with monitoring systems.
• Network capabilities: Dedicated Ethernet management port for out-of-band access; basic IP networking support for management traffic; IPv4/IPv6 compatibility as applicable.
• Security and governance: Role-based access control, centralized authentication options, and comprehensive logging to support compliance requirements across teams.

how to install Vertiv Avocent ACS8000 Serial Console

• Prepare the rack, ensure clearance for cable routing, and mount the 1U ACS8000 securely in a standard 19-inch rack using the provided rails and fasteners.
• Connect up to 32 serial devices to the appropriate ports on the ACS8000 with the proper console cables (for example, DB9 or RJ-45 as required by each device). Label cables to simplify future maintenance and troubleshooting.
• Connect the Ethernet management port to your administrative network, and plug both AC power cords into dedicated circuits or a power distribution unit with redundancy. Ensure grounding and appropriate cable management in the rack.
• Power on the unit and perform the initial configuration via the web UI or CLI. Create a strong administrator account, enforce secure password practices, and enable SSH/TLS for encrypted management sessions.
• Configure network settings for management traffic, including IP address, subnet, gateway, DNS, and any required VLANs. Isolate management traffic from production networks to improve security and reduce risk.
• Define user roles and authentication sources (local accounts, or integrate with LDAP/Active Directory if supported by your environment) to enforce least-privilege access across operators and admins.
• Connect to DCIM or monitoring systems by enabling SNMP, syslog, and appropriate traps or alerts. Verify that devices on each port report status correctly and that event streams are being captured for proactive maintenance.
• Test the reachability of devices by initiating sample console sessions, checking response times, and validating stability under typical workloads. If you have redundant PSUs, test automatic failover during a controlled power event to confirm high-availability behavior.
• Document the final configuration, including port assignments and management credentials, and establish a firmware update plan with vendor resources to keep the system protected against known vulnerabilities.

Frequently asked questions

• What is the Vertiv Avocent ACS8000 Serial Console? A centralized 32-port serial console server that provides out-of-band access to IT infrastructure, enabling administrators to manage servers, network gear, and other serial devices from a single interface.
• How many ports does the ACS8000 offer? It provides 32 serial console ports for simultaneous connections to multiple devices.
• Does the ACS8000 support dual power? Yes, it features dual AC power inputs for redundancy and high availability.
• What management options are available? The device supports a web-based GUI, CLI, SNMP, and secure remote sessions via SSH and TLS.
• Can it integrate with carrier networks like AT&T or Verizon? It is designed to fit enterprise network architectures and can be deployed in environments that leverage carrier connectivity options for remote access.
• Is rack-mount installation supported? Yes, the ACS8000 is a 1U rack-mountable chassis designed for standard 19-inch racks.
• What environments is it best suited for? Enterprise data centers, cloud facilities, and colocation environments requiring reliable, centralized serial console management.
• How do I ensure security and compliance? Use role-based access, strong authentication, encrypted management sessions (SSH/TLS), and maintain audit logs for governance and compliance requirements.