Newsletter - January 2011

Console Server Buying Guide - What to look for when purchasing a console server.

Now that you have determined your need of a console server, there are so many available in the market. Which one do you choose?

This article will help you decide by highlighting the top considerations in selecting the right console server for your needs.

P.S. If you are unsure of your need for a console server, please speak to a Mirapath solution specialist. We would love to help.

• Console Server Buying Guide
• Tech Tip
• Avocent ACS v6000
• Custom Serial Adapters
• Technology Convergence Conference
• Recent Articles

Top considerations in selecting the right console server:

1. In what environment are you using the console server? (i.e. In a data center? In remote offices? Network closets? Test lab?)
   In our experience, the environment will determine some of the feature requirements.
   
   
2. What are you connecting the console server to? Is it mostly Linux servers? Or network equipment?
   There might be the need for specific adapters depending on the target devices and brand of console server. On Linux servers, there is also a need to redirect the BIOS messages to the console port.
   
   
3. How many total ports do you need? And, how many ports per device?
   This will depend on how you are racking your equipment. In general, the higher the port density the less expensive it will be per port.
   
   
4. Do you need port buffering?
   This is an important feature for troubleshooting and automation. It captures the output of the console port continuously even if you are not connected on that port. Also, what port log storage options do you need? The options range from a local storage for log files to Syslog to NFS. How are log files created and stored? And, how can you access these files?
   
   
5. Do you need multi-user read and write functionality to the same port?
   Customers use this functionality for training purposes, collaboration across geographic locations, and to speed up troubleshooting.
   
   
6. Do you need a built-in modem or GPRS/CDMA?
   This is particularly important at mission critical facilities where external modems and phone jacks are not readily available.
   
   
7. Should you use the dual power supply model?
   Since the console server might be your back door/emergency access your infrastructure, redundancy is very important.
   
   
8. Do you need dual network ports? Are they configurable for fail-over or parallel operation?
   
   
9. How secure do you need the console server to be? What are the security options available? Does it support SSHv2? Centralized authentication to LDAP or RADIUS?
   
   
10. My servers are mostly virtual now. How do I access the virtual console port?
    
    
11. Do you or will you have too many console servers to manage? Some console servers support centralized access and management.
    
    
12. Do you need the CLI to be friendly and scriptable? Is there a menu system?
    This is important for datacenter and lab managers who prefer working with the command line over the Web GUI. Also, it can speed up your troubleshooting and test cycles.
    
    
13. Have you considered integrated power management? Would it be beneficial for you to control the power state of target devices from a console session? Which power strips do you normally use? Which power strips support this functionality and with which console servers?

If any of the questions above apply to you, our solution specialists can help! Please feel free to contact us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Old firmware is the cause of many performance issues on console servers. So get your console server to the latest firmware. Here is the list of the latest firmware from the different manufacturers:

We will be pleased to assist during the upgrade process to ensure success. If performing the upgrade on your own, please read the release notes as there might be special steps required. But please reach out to us. We'll be glad to help. Contact our solution specialists at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call (877) 647-2728.

Console Server for your Virtual Servers

• Virtual appliance to enable dependable connectivity and management of virtual IT assets such as servers (Windows EMS, UNIX, Linux and Solaris).
• Fully integrates into a VMware environment - When a virtual server is moved within the environment, the ACS v6000 console server can maintain a persistent connection throughout the move process.
• Captures entire state of a virtual machine and rolls back at any time with the click of a single button

See detailed specifications for the Avocent ACS v6000 here. If you would like to learn more about how the ACS v6000 might benefit your specific application, give us a call at (877) 647-2728 or send an email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it !

Mirapath can custom make serial console cables. We have made them with USB and micro DB9 with custom pin outs depending on your equipment.

Let us know what you need! Contact a solution specialist today at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Mirapath will be exhibiting at the Technology Convergence Conference. We'd like to encourage our customers and end users to attend the 2011 Technology Convergence Conference on February 23, 2011 at the Santa Clara Convention Center in the heart of Silicon Valley.

Technology and Facilities professionals will come together at this educational conference to exchange ideas regarding the latest advancements in Data Centers, Telecommunications, Building Management Systems, Building Security, and Networking.

Gain in-the-trenches tactics to deal with the top data center and infrastructure challenges affecting your facilities today. Be apart of roundtable discussions focusing on solutions for your top Data Center challenges. Learn about the latest technology trends affecting your facilities infrastructure. Exchange ideas and best practices with other IT, Facilities, and Data Center Professionals. This must attend conference will give you a vision of where technology is headed in the next decade and get a glimpse at the building of the future!

Click here to view details of the event.

Qualifying For Energy Rebates - Read This First!
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates data center energy consumption should reach $7.4 billion in 2011. While this number is frightening for both the environment and companies' bottom line, energy efficiency opportunities exist to help alleviate these costs. And, even better, your local utility company can help fund your energy efficiency projects via rebates. read more.

Experiencing cooling issues? Want to minimize cooling expenses?
You are not alone. Cooling accounts for 37% of energy consumption in a typical data center and as many as 50% of data centers are experiencing operational deficiencies due to cooling issues1. Here are a number of industry proven strategies to maximize your cooling infrastructure: read more.

Top 10 Considerations When Selecting Power Strips
Power strips are becoming a strategic asset in the data center. There are a number of considerations that can aid data center managers, facilities managers, IT managers and systems administrators in making better decisions for capacity planning, manageability, automation and security. read more.