Case Studies
Proven Outcomes
Console Server Management using RS-232 over Fibre
Simplying Console Server Management with RS-232 media converters
Console servers play an essential role in managing and monitoring network devices within data centers. They provide secure remote access to console ports, enabling engineers to configure, troubleshoot, and maintain their network equipment. However, many data center engineers still face the challenge of integrating legacy devices that depend on RS-232 serial interfaces.
iConverter RS-232 media converters provide a practical solution by bridging the gap between modern network infrastructure and serial-based devices. These converters transform RS-232 signals into formats compatible with various transmission media, such as UTP or fiber optic cabling. By deploying RS-232 media converters, data center engineers can achieve seamless connectivity and interoperability for their console servers, regardless of the interface types used by their network devices.
The following example illustrates how data centers can centralize management through a console server using iConverter RS-232 media converters installed in a 19-module chassis.
The console server on the far right can manage connectivity for up to 96 network devices. A dedicated workstation or laptop can connect to the console server using a UTP cable with RJ-45 connectors.
Management data from the devices in Equipment Racks 1 and 2 is transmitted via serial cables to the RS-232 media converters. These converters then send the data over fiber optic cables to another chassis of RS-232 media converters, which may be located at the end of the row or on a different floor within the data center.
This setup reduces the number of IP addresses required for console management and simplifies the mapping of network devices.
It also enables centralized management of equipment distributed across multiple racks, rows, or floors of a data center.
Using Omnitron’s RS-232 plug-in media converters, network administrators can remotely access the console server through its network interface—enhancing remote management, monitoring, and troubleshooting efficiency.
The high-density chassis design maximizes conversion capacity while conserving valuable rack space within the data center.
Product Link here: https://www.comtrol.co.uk/distribution/omnitron/iconverter/iconverter-rs232/