Reference Guide
11 Management Networks for Dell EMC Networking
Console management
Before discussing console servers, it is important to understand how a single console port is used. Console
ports on a switch allow users to access the command line interface (CLI) and to configure the switch. Using a
cable and physical access to the switch, users can configure the system right out of the box. A computer with
an installed terminal emulator is required.
Ethernet switches generally require VLANs, IP addresses, security, and other settings to properly
communicate with the network. The console port may be used to make these initial settings before adding a
switch to the existing Ethernet network.
Most switches have a console port as shown in Table 3. A console port cable usually ships in the box with the
switch that enables you to connect the switch directly into your workstation for initial configuration. For
switches that do not ship with a cable, standard serial cables are typically used.
Note: The documentation that came with your device is the best source to identify the exact cable (and any
required adapter) that should be used.
Section 3.1 discusses how to connect to a single switch using its console port. The same information is
needed when deploying a console server. Section 3.2 discusses how to set up a console server. Table 4
shows the capabilities of each method.
Features of console ports and console servers
Feature
Console port
(local access)
Console server
(over the network)
Accessible when the managed device has power
Operates during POST
View logs during boot
OOB network
Uses the serial console ports of managed devices
Ideal for out-of-the-box, local configurations
Accessible without an Ethernet network
No console server required
SSH and Telnet may be supported
HTTP and HTTPS may be supported
Provides one-to-many access to managed devices
Ideal for long-term access to managed devices
Remote management of devices
Some switches (with or without a console port) can be preconfigured with an IP address, or have DHCP
enabled to allow users to begin configuring the switch with IP, bypassing the initial need for a console port.
Check the documentation that came with your device for more information.
Note: A console server is also known as a terminal server, console switch, serial server, and serial
concentrator. For consistency, this document only refers to it as a console server.
3.1 Connecting a single switch
Connecting to a single switch can be done by using the switch’s console port and connecting it directly to a
portable device (such as a laptop). A console server is not used in this case. The console port connector on