[clug] serial port server

[Stephen Jenkin]

On Mon, 5 Apr 2004, Michael Still wrote:

> david howe wrote:
> 
> > I run a variety of servers, all of which are addressable and
> > controllable by ethernet connections, however I would like to also be
> > able to access these machines from their respective serial ports. 
> 
> ...
> 
> > does anyone know of anything "off the shelf" that fits the bill?

Look for 'console servers'.  Any site running a number of servers,
especially if they are doing 'lights out' operating, will be using them.
Cyclades are some of the best - they're an embedded Linux box.
But don't think _cheap_.  If you want 32 or 64 ports, then the price per
port is reasonable, but a single port device is over $500.
[They have an office in Brisbane. They are OK people to ring]
http://www.cyclades.com.au I think.

There are others that do more interesting things, like keeping a buffer on
every line so you can page back...  Can't remember product names just now.
Not sure if Axis, as in print servers and web camera servers, have a
console server.

> 
> We had devices like this in the computer room a few years ago. Try 
> googling for "terminal server" and see if they still exist...
> 
> Cheers,
> Mikal
> 
> -- 
> 
> Michael Still (mikal at stillhq.com) | "All my life I've had one dream,
> http://www.stillhq.com            |  to achieve my many goals"
> UTC + 11                          |    -- Homer Simpson
> 


Steve Jenkin, Unix Sys Admin
0412 786 915 (+61 412 786 915)
PO Box 48, Kippax ACT 2615, AUSTRALIA