Specifications

©
2002, David K. Z. Harris
10
Pg. 10
© 2002
David K. Z. Harris
Terminal Servers help reach
Ø One terminal server can support
many devices in one area.
Ø Connections are costly, but can
be worth it!
Ø Saves time running between data
centers.
Ø Cheaper than extending many
serial lines.
If you have a bunch of devices at a remote location, you likely have a network
already in place for the devices. Usually these are hosts in a remote data
center, but they could include network gear in wiring closets, or even a remote
site with telemetry and control equipment. In these cases, the terminal server
becomes one more addressed device on the network, and it can connect to
dozens of devices at one time.
The cost for a 10/1000 switch port is currently cheaper than a serial port some
of the expensive terminal servers. However, the costs for the serial ports are
beginning to drop. (And they are still cheaper than gigabit ethernet ports!)
The value of deploying terminal servers is from the reduced downtime because
technical staff can fix problems more quickly when they can get to the
consoles of ailing devices more quickly.
You can use serial extenders, if you have plenty of fiber between the main and
remote console locations, but that fiber has value to you as well, which affects
your cost equation.