Specifications

©
2002, David K. Z. Harris
39
Pg. 39
© 2002
David K. Z. Harris
Free software adds value
Ø Logging
Ø Forensics data
Ø Mentoring
Ø Data for other Apps
² Netcool
² Swatch
Terminal servers give you easy access to the serial ports around your
networks. A logging console server will open a reverse telnet session to each
of the serial ports that you care about, and log any data sent by the attached
devices, even if nobody is connected.
Logs provide good forensic data after a crash, break-in, or other problems,
especially if nobody was looking when it occurred.
A good console server allows many users to watch a session at the same
time,while allowing only one session to write, allowing junior and senior level
staff to work together, creating a great mentoring environment.
Each device being logged has a separate log file, which can be easily searched
(if you have proper access privileges). Scripts can do this automatically. Some
applications (SystemEDGE, from http://www.empire.com) can watch logs for
specific messages, and then send alerts or alarms to administrators, or even to
other applications, such as network management workstations.