Minicom and Digi: Successful Remote Serial Access Management

In-band and out-of-band access of network devices such as routers, switches and servers are critical in designing and maintaining robust data centers. Console servers offer a secure method of accessing these devices, either through a web-based interface, or a serial or modem connection when the network is down or unavailable.

In order to deliver a high level of IT service and to reduce downtime, IT managers need a secure, efficient way of remotely managing access to their many console servers, such as Digi Passport, as well as their PDUs, KVM switches, and software access services. Using Minicom’s AccessIT, IT personnel get consolidated and seamless remote access to all their servers, routers, switches, firewalls and other network devices from one intuitive management console.

One click brings users directly to the desired serial device. IT staff does not have to maintain databases and spreadsheets listing the IP addresses and passwords for each Digi Passport anymore. They log in once, and get a “single pane of glass view” of all their computer systems and network devices.

Check out the application note for pretty pictures and more details.

Support Report: Managing the Access to Console Servers on the Port Level

In a recent project I was involved with, the customer had an interesting request… His company has multiple consoles servers which allows remotely secured access to their serial devices across their network.

(Photo: Serial Switch)

Their IT manager often allows individual users remote access to selected ports of these serial console servers. Until now, this action required him to log into the configuration settings of each console servers and manage its access individually.

With the KVM.net II remote access service open architecture, he can now configure the access permission to a remote serial device behind the console server for each individual port. In other words, he can set up user "A" with permission to access port 1 & 3 of console server one, and port 5 & 8 of console server two at the same time.

(Photo: KVM.net II screenshot - Access Service open architecture - click to enlarge)

From now on all users will connect to one IP address and according to their log-in information they will see a list of all remote managed serial devices they have permission to connect with. With the KVM.net II, the user just points and clicks to get seamless access…

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Thanks to Nir Dary, Minicom's Technical Support Manager for this Support Report!

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