Network Technologies CS-16/8 - Manual (Page 7)

NTI RACK MOUNT CONSOLE TERMINAL WITH CONSOLE SWITCH
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Console Switch
The Console Switch (SERIMUX) includes a text-based menu for easy connection management for administrators. Using a
terminal emulator the menu provides a quick means for user serial connection changes and device control.
The Console Switch (SERIMUX) is a serial port router that allows links (or connections) between multiple pairs of RS-232
asynchronous serial ports. The main purpose of the switch is to enable users to manage several serial devices from local or
remote locations (using external modems). Devices include routers, DSU's, servers, switches or any other equipment allowing
serial operation using RS232 interface. Users can work locally (using the integral TERMINAL) or from remote locations.
Each SERIMUX port has to be configured for serial communication (baud rate, parity, etc) within the specifications of the attached
serial device, but the configurations of the two devices linked by the SERIMUX do not need to match. Various parameters
(communication speed, hardware and/or software flow control, timeout, etc) can be selected for each SERIMUX port. Devices
may be either locally connected or connected through attached modems.
Each SERIMUX port can be configured as either a host or user port. Serial hosts (such as servers, switches etc.) are connected to
host ports, while serial user devices (such as a terminal or serial console) are connected to user ports.
The SERIMUX Console Switch supports two operator levels: user and administrator. Users login at user ports and connect to
serial devices attached at host ports. The administrator (logged in at any user port) and users with administrative privileges can
connect to serial devices attached to host ports and see and/or modify various port or user parameters.
Features
The SERIMUX provides secure, flexible management of servers, routers, switches, and other networked devices. Key features
include:
• Eliminates the need to connect each device to an ASCII terminal or PC
• Connect up to 16 devices with different baud rates, parity, and character length.
• Provides out-of-band access to network devices (servers, routers, network switches, and any other network devices
allowing console operation using RS232)
• No inadvertent "break" signals are generated to cause unintentional rebooting of SUN computers
• Two operator levels (administrator and user)
• Switching is simplified with programmable device names and menu-driven device selection
• Built-in data buffers save the most recent RS232 console output from each connected device, which simplifies
troubleshooting failures
• The SERIMUX can be power cycled without halting a SUN host computer
• Gain access to servers without interrupting service to end-users; maintain optimal up-time
• Manage server farms or data centers via serial ports and standard external modems
• Connects to console serial ports using standard CAT5/5e/6 cables and cable adapters.
o Maximum cable length is 100 feet.