Benj wrote: > What are the pros and cons of using a console server with respect to > alternatives such as SSH for remote administration of hosts? > > What are the other alternatives to a console server aside from SSH? > > What would you like to say about your experience with console servers?
Some advantages I've seen so far from my reading is that 1. You save space in your data center by replacing monitors and keyboards directly connected to the host machines. An alternative is a KVM switch, but you'd still need one monitor, keyboard and mouse. The switch is also more expensive, I think. 2. Access to hosts are centralized, secured, and logged. You can use at least password authentication as part of security. SSH can do these too, but I'm not sure how it can centralize access or how it can do that any simpler. A disadvantage of console servers is its complicated installation. You have to know about DTE/DCE adapters, RS-232, DB-9 and DB-25 and such to set up the serial connections. This is no problem for a techie, but simpler is better if you can do it no simpler than necessary. This is what I've drawn from my reading of documents only, as I've said. No hard-knocks lessons for me yet with regard to this. Benj _ Philippine Linux Users Group. Web site and archives at http://plug.linux.org.ph To leave: send "unsubscribe" in the body to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Fully Searchable Archives With Friendly Web Interface at http://marc.free.net.ph To subscribe to the Linux Newbies' List: send "subscribe" in the body to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
