A console server is software that is run on UNIX machines with several serial ports. Consoles of other machines are then plugged into these serial ports and the software on the original console server allows access to all of the machines from anywhere on the network. This lets system administrators and network administrators access any problems that might arise on the network wherever they are, instead of having to move to the physical location of the machine. In addition to access across the network using the server, the console server logs all of the lines for detailed reports of what data is being sent and received across the lines. While many consoles have multiple connections in this form, only one connection is allowed to take control of a server. The rest of the connections are read only, though it is possible to assume control of the connection.
What are the benefits of this type of console control?
Now days, multi-million dollar corporations run their own intranet and web of computers that must be maintained by systems administrators and IT administrators. These networks may have thousands of computers that need to be tended to, spread across several floors in a building, or even across the city. Paying system administrators for their time to travel to these locations and fix problems can create a massive amount of overhead on running the network, especially if there are several systems administrators with salaries to be paid.
Cutting down on traveling costs by having all computers on the network accessible by a console server or two means your systems administrators can diagnose and correct problems on the network directly from their central location, instead of having to move out to the physical location of the problem. By cutting out travel time, more problems can be diagnosed in the day which leads to a smoother network. Since computers connected to the console server through serial ports can be remotely accessed, any problems can be diagnosed in this manner.
What are the startup costs of running a network using a console server?
Because of the benefits they provide and the connections required via the network, a console server can be a very expensive investment initially. However, with access to all the servers on the network, this cost can be quickly recouped in salary savings over the period of just a few years. By offering remote access to the network via a console switch, one system admin can do the job that would normally take several different administrators to do. This lower operating cost in running and maintaining the network means you have paid for the console server in salary savings. If the network is extremely large, two or three servers might be needed which can boost the startup cost as well.
