Console servers are an integral part of any computer network. A console server makes it possible to manage monitor servers and other network devices by allowing access to these gadgets. This is achieved through console ports of the devices or over the computer network. Access to the network devices and servers is coordinated by a console manager, even if the network is experiencing a downtime. Access to the console is of utmost importance because in most computer systems, error messages are sent to the console in case of a breakdown.
Some critical tasks need to be carried out on the console which further stresses the importance of gaining access to a console irrespective of the status of the network. Some of the critical tasks that are usually carried out on the console include Operating System (OS) upgrading, installation and sorting out boot related problems. UNIX systems have the uncanny ability of allowing the breaking out of consoles and subsequent display of instructions in a ROM monitor. In some instances, this can be the only alternative of sorting out non responsive or hung machines. In such an instance, line breaks are usually sent via the serial port of the console.
There are several things that you should know about consoles if you are going to be dealing with them on a day to day basis.
A console manager ensures that all consoles in a particular office or network can be accessed remotely from one point without necessarily having to pay the computer room a visit. Remote access is an important aspect since the console servers are usually offsite. They might even be situated in a foreign country, hundreds of miles away which would make urgent visits impossible or tricky.
An ordinary console's screen gives you readout of the last 25 lines. Consoles capable of giving more than this are the best since they give a better clue of what went wrong in case of logging difficulties. The 25 lines output are a description of the last console output.
Nothing illustrates the ingenuity of consoles than failed networks. A solution to network downtime can only be administered via console managers. With proper working consoles and a manager to boot, the independence of a network is guaranteed. Nothing beats an independent network with remote access.
Good console systems do not bring down every machine in the network in case of a failure. There are systems that interpret every powered-off terminal to be a break which results in the system reverting to the services of the ROM monitor. A good console system should leave several machines functioning properly in case of downtime for ease of applying corrective procedures. A good console manager will help you access various network devices remotely and ease the process of interfacing with peripheral devices such as pagers.
Some critical tasks need to be carried out on the console which further stresses the importance of gaining access to a console irrespective of the status of the network. Some of the critical tasks that are usually carried out on the console include Operating System (OS) upgrading, installation and sorting out boot related problems. UNIX systems have the uncanny ability of allowing the breaking out of consoles and subsequent display of instructions in a ROM monitor. In some instances, this can be the only alternative of sorting out non responsive or hung machines. In such an instance, line breaks are usually sent via the serial port of the console.
There are several things that you should know about consoles if you are going to be dealing with them on a day to day basis.
A console manager ensures that all consoles in a particular office or network can be accessed remotely from one point without necessarily having to pay the computer room a visit. Remote access is an important aspect since the console servers are usually offsite. They might even be situated in a foreign country, hundreds of miles away which would make urgent visits impossible or tricky.
An ordinary console's screen gives you readout of the last 25 lines. Consoles capable of giving more than this are the best since they give a better clue of what went wrong in case of logging difficulties. The 25 lines output are a description of the last console output.
Nothing illustrates the ingenuity of consoles than failed networks. A solution to network downtime can only be administered via console managers. With proper working consoles and a manager to boot, the independence of a network is guaranteed. Nothing beats an independent network with remote access.
Good console systems do not bring down every machine in the network in case of a failure. There are systems that interpret every powered-off terminal to be a break which results in the system reverting to the services of the ROM monitor. A good console system should leave several machines functioning properly in case of downtime for ease of applying corrective procedures. A good console manager will help you access various network devices remotely and ease the process of interfacing with peripheral devices such as pagers.
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