ConsoleMate: 1RU serial console server with 4G out-of-band access

ConsoleMate is a 1RU serial console server from Cloudtronics. It provides reliable remote access to the serial console ports of switches, routers, firewalls and servers, creating a secure bridge between physical infrastructure and remote administration teams so they can manage and troubleshoot from any location.

Network and server equipment usually has a console port, a direct management port that engineers use to configure and troubleshoot the device. Without a console server, using it means being physically at the device. A serial console server connects to the console ports of many devices and makes them accessible remotely.

Out-of-band management means reaching and managing equipment through a path that is separate from the primary network it runs on. ConsoleMate provides out-of-band management capabilities, including 4G cellular connectivity and out-of-band SMS functions, so critical infrastructure remains accessible even during primary network outages.

In-band management reaches equipment through the same production network it serves, so if that network fails, management access is lost with it. Out-of-band management uses a separate path, such as a cellular connection or a dedicated management network, so engineers can still reach devices during an outage. ConsoleMate supports out-of-band access over 4G with single or dual SIM, as well as WAN or broadband.

In networking, yes: many engineers, particularly in Cisco environments, call a console server a terminal server. Both terms describe a device that connects to the serial console ports of network equipment for remote access. In Microsoft Windows, Terminal Server means Remote Desktop Services, which is unrelated. ConsoleMate is a serial console server in the networking sense.

A serial-to-Ethernet converter, or device server, typically makes one or a few serial devices available over a network, often industrial equipment. A console server is built for managing IT and network equipment: it connects to many console ports at once and adds tools for remote administration. ConsoleMate has up to 24 serial ports, 4G cellular failover, VPN, a backup battery and out-of-band SMS functions in 1RU.

A cellular console server is a console server with a built-in mobile data connection, so it can still be reached when the site's primary internet or WAN link is down. ConsoleMate has 4G with single or dual SIM support.

ConsoleMate combines built-in VPN connectivity, cellular failover options with single or dual SIM support, backup battery support and out-of-band management capabilities, including remote reboot and remote internet status monitoring (WAN, broadband or 4G) via out-of-band SMS.

ConsoleMate provides remote access to the serial console ports of switches, routers, firewalls and servers. Contact our team to confirm compatibility with your specific equipment.

ConsoleMate is available with 8, 16 or 24 serial ports, each in a single SIM or dual SIM version: CLD-CON-8P-4G-1S, CLD-CON-16P-4G-1S, CLD-CON-24P-4G-1S, CLD-CON-8P-4G-2S, CLD-CON-16P-4G-2S and CLD-CON-24P-4G-2S. All models have 4G / WAN connectivity and battery support.

ConsoleMate has 1 x 1Gbps Ethernet, 1 x 100Mbps Ethernet, 1 x USB 2.0 Type-A, 4G cellular with single or dual SIM support, and secure VPN connectivity.

ConsoleMate supports 12VDC to 48VDC power inputs for compatibility with datacenter backup power systems, and has an integrated backup battery.

The cloud functions include real-time device online status monitoring, remote reboot via HTTP, remote reboot via out-of-band SMS, a web-based CLI interface for direct access to connected serial devices, and remote internet status monitoring (WAN, broadband or 4G) via out-of-band SMS.

Each serial port has TX and RX traffic LED indicators. They allow administrators to quickly identify communication activity and assist with fault diagnosis.

ConsoleMate is a 1RU unit measuring 469 mm wide, 44 mm high and 237 mm deep. It can be installed directly within a rack to provide centralised console access.

ConsoleMate is ideal for deployment in data centres, exchanges and telecommunications facilities.

Fill in the enquiry form on this page, call us free on 1800 876 642 or email sales@cloudtronics.com.au.