Terminal Switch Applications and Features
August 12, 2010
A terminal switch allows administrators to perform remote networking tasks from one single location. Other names for this device are serial port switch, console switch, and serial switch box. They can control multiple network devices though a dial-up or local access connection from one terminal. This switching system has intelligent programming which provides a convenient way to connect to multiple devices that can be located all over the world.
While using a terminal switch, network administrators are able to manage data centers or server farms from standard external modems and serial ports. Many of them provide out-of-band access, meaning that administrators can control and configure multiple computers, even if the network connection is not working. If used properly, a user can manage servers, diagnose problems, and obtain status without having to shut down a device. Troubleshooting is also made simpler with data buffers, which can save recent server activity from each connected device.
Accessing devices remotely can be both convenient and secure, providing the administrator is using appropriate firewalls and passwords. If security measures are not used, it can be easy for hackers to intercept remote transmissions and gain access to the server. The terminal switch is controlled from push buttons on the panel or a menu driven program. Most new devices have both software controls and console buttons so administrators can access the software control remotely if they are not near the console switch. Using a switching device eliminates the need to connect every device to a PC, and allows them to be accessed from multiple locations.
@chels I know what you mean, its hard to find good help these days. People now days just don’t have the work ethic they used to have. I mean consider whoever wrote this post, they must have been working hard to write that good and it took a good bit of their time I am sure. I work with people who couldn’t write like this if they tried, and getting them to try is hard enough as it is.