User`s manual

NPort 6000 Series User’s Manual Introducing Serial Port Operation Modes
4-7
Reverse Terminal Applications
TCP/IP
Router Server Server
RS-232
Unix Windows NT
tenleT
NPort 6000
Series
Reverse terminal applications are similar to terminal applications in that they involve using the
NPort 6000 to manage the connection between a terminal and a server. The difference is that with
reverse terminal applications, the terminal is connected through the network and the server is
connected through the serial port, rather than the other way around. In practice, a reverse terminal
session typically involves a network administrator telnetting to a device that has a dedicated serial
console port used specifically for configuration purposes.
For example, many routers, switches, UPS units, and other devices (including the NPort 6000)
have Console/AUX or COM ports to which a terminal can be physically connected for console
management. With the NPort 6000, the device’s console port can be connected to a serial port on
the NPort 6000, allowing a network administrator to telnet to the device remotely through the
network. Although modern network equipment generally allows other options for remote
configuration through the network, there are situations in which it is necessary or desirable to
configure a device by serial console (e.g., for security reasons, when using older-generation
equipment, or as a backup configuration method when the network is down).
NPort 6000 reverse terminal modes allow the use of the NPort 6000 User Table or a RADIUS
server for identity verification purposes. Please refer to the Misc. Network Settings section in
Chapter 9, System Management Settings, for instructions on setting up the NPort 6000 User Table.
Reverse Telnet
Reverse Telnet mode is widely used for device management in telecommunication control rooms.
The system waits for a host on the network to initiate a connection. Since TCP Server mode does
not assist with conversion of CR/LF commands, reverse terminal applications that require this
conversion should use Reverse Telnet mode.
Reverse SSH
The NPort 6000 also offers a Reverse SSH mode so you can use SSH utilities such as PuTTY to
connect to remote servers.