Vertiv Avocent ACS8000 Serial Console 8 Port | Dual AC Power | AT&T+Verizon

The Vertiv Avocent ACS8000 Serial Console is an enterprise-grade solution designed to deliver secure, reliable, and scalable out-of-band management for critical IT infrastructure. Built for data centers, edge deployments, and cloud environments, the ACS8000 consolidates access to multiple devices—from servers and storage arrays to network gear and power controllers—under a single, secure management interface. With eight independent serial ports, dual redundant power, and enterprise-grade security, this console server keeps you connected to your devices when it matters most. Whether you are performing routine maintenance, troubleshooting outages, or conducting firmware upgrades, the ACS8000 provides fast, safe access to your devices without requiring on-site visits. In today’s fast-paced IT landscape, this eight-port serial console helps IT teams reduce mean time to repair (MTTR), improve change control, and maintain strong governance over critical infrastructure across on-premises data centers and hybrid environments.

• Eight-port serial console access: Manage up to eight devices simultaneously from a single console server. The ACS8000 centralizes console sessions for servers, network switches, storage systems, KVM switches, and other management endpoints, enabling rapid remote interventions and streamlined maintenance windows.
• Secure out-of-band management: Independent management pathways and secure access control ensure that maintenance can be performed even during network outages. SSH, TLS encryption, and a robust authentication framework help protect access to device consoles and prevent unauthorized sessions.
• Dual redundant power with hot-swappable capability: Built for high availability, the ACS8000 supports dual AC power supplies that can be swapped without downtime. This redundancy minimizes the risk of a single point of failure during critical operations and allows maintenance without interrupting console access.
• Enterprise-grade security and access control: Role-based access control, SNMPv3, TACACS+/RADIUS integration, and HTTPS-based management provide layered security. Administrators can enforce strict login policies, detailed auditing, and centralized authentication for compliant operations.
• Designed for data centers and cloud environments: The ACS8000 is optimized for enterprise deployments, with rack-friendly packaging, scalable console management, and compatibility with service-provider environments (including AT&T and Verizon networks) for remote management across distributed infrastructure.

Technical Details of Vertiv Avocent ACS8000 Serial Console

• Ports: 8 x RS-232 serial console ports (commonly via RJ-45 connectors) for simultaneous device access
• Management interface: 1 x Ethernet management port dedicated to secure out-of-band access
• Power: Dual redundant AC power supplies with hot-swappable design for maximal uptime
• Form factor: 1U rack-mountable chassis suitable for standard 19-inch racks
• Security: SSH, TLS, HTTPS management, SNMPv3, TACACS+/RADIUS support for centralized authentication and auditing
• Management features: Web GUI and CLI access, centralized session monitoring, and audit logging for compliance and operational visibility
• Reliability: Redundant power topology and durable hardware designed for continuous operation in demanding data-center environments
• Environment: Built to operate within typical data-center temp and humidity ranges, with airflow considerations for optimal cooling

How to install Vertiv Avocent ACS8000 Serial Console

• Prepare the rack space: Select a clean, ventilated 19-inch rack location. Allow adequate room for cabling and airflow around the unit to prevent overheating during intensive console activity.
• Mount the unit: Secure the ACS8000 in a 1U rack slot using compatible rack ears or mounting hardware. Verify that the chassis is level and firmly anchored to avoid vibration during operation.
• Connect power: Attach both dual AC power cords to redundant power sources or a PDU. Ensure that power indicators show healthy operation and that the power rails are stable before configuring the device.
• Link management network: Connect the dedicated Ethernet management port to your management network or isolated management VLAN. Configure IP addressing, subnet mask, gateway, and any required VLAN tagging to ensure secure and reliable remote access.
• Attach console devices: Connect your eight target devices to the eight serial ports using appropriate RS-232 cables. Label each port clearly to map physical connections to devices for easier future maintenance.
• Initial configuration: Access the ACS8000 via the web UI or CLI. Create administrator accounts, configure SSH/TLS settings, set up SNMPv3 communities, and enable TACACS+/RADIUS authentication as required. Establish logging, alerting, and audit settings to support governance and incident response.
• Security hardening: Enforce access controls, disable unused services, and enable encryption for all management traffic. Apply firmware updates from Vertiv’s official repository to ensure you’re protected against known vulnerabilities.
• Validation and testing: Verify that each serial port provides console access to its connected device. Test failover scenarios, such as power loss on one supply, to confirm continued console reachability and proper failover behavior.

Frequently asked questions

• Q: What is the primary use case for the ACS8000 Serial Console?
  A: It provides secure, out-of-band console access to multiple IT devices (servers, switches, storage, and other equipment), enabling maintenance, troubleshooting, and firmware updates without depending on the primary network path.
• Q: How many devices can be managed through the ACS8000?
  A: Eight independent serial console ports allow simultaneous access to eight devices, simplifying large-scale maintenance windows and troubleshooting workflows.
• Q: What security features does the ACS8000 include?
  A: It supports SSH and TLS for encrypted access, HTTPS management, SNMPv3 for secure monitoring, and TACACS+/RADIUS for centralized authentication and accounting, along with robust logging and role-based access controls.
• Q: Is dual power supply standard on the ACS8000?
  A: Yes, the unit is designed with dual redundant AC power supplies that are hot-swappable, providing uninterrupted console access and high availability in data-center environments.
• Q: Can the ACS8000 integrate with service-provider networks like AT&T or Verizon?
  A: The device is built for enterprise deployments and can be integrated into diverse network environments, including service-provider contexts. For specific provisioning with AT&T, Verizon, or other providers, refer to your service-provider guidelines and Vertiv documentation.