Lantronix SLC 16 Lantronix SLC - User Guide - Page 18

2: Overview SLC console managers are members of a secure IT management family of products. These products offer systems administrators and other IT professionals a variety of tools to securely access and manage their resources. Lantronix has been an innovator in this market with terminal servers and secure console servers, as well as other remote access devices. The SLC console managers build on that foundation and offer new features and capabilities. IT equipment can be configured, administered, and managed in a variety of ways, but most devices have one method in common: an RS-232 serial port, sometimes called a console, auxiliary, or management port. These ports are often accessed directly by connecting a terminal or laptop to them, meaning that the administrator must be in the same physical location as the equipment. SLC console managers give the administrator a way to access them remotely from anywhere there is a network or modem connection. Many types of equipment can be accessed and administered using Console Managers including:  Servers: Unix, Linux, Windows 2003, and others.  Networking equipment: Routers, switches, storage networking.  Telecom: PBX, voice switches.  Other systems with serial interfaces: Heating/cooling systems, security/building access systems, UPS, medial devices. The key benefits of using Console Managers:  Saves money: Enables remote management and troubleshooting without sending a technician onsite. Reduces travel costs and downtime costs.  Saves time: Provides instant access and reduces response time, improving efficiency.  Simplifies access: Enables you to access equipment securely and remotely after hours and on weekends and holidays-without having to schedule visits or arrange for off-hour access.  Protects assets: Security features provide encryption, authentication, authorization, and firewall features to protect your IT infrastructure while providing flexible remote access. SLC console servers provide features such as convenient text menu systems, break-safe operation, port buffering (logging), remote authentication, and Secure Shell (SSH) access. Dial-up modem support ensures access when the network is not available. This chapter contains the following sections:  SLC Models and Part Numbers  System Features  Hardware Features SLC Models and Part Numbers The SLC models offer a compact solution for remote and local management of up to 48 devices, for example, servers, routers, and switches with RS-232C (now EIA-232) compatible serial consoles in a 1U-tall rack space. All models have two Ethernet ports called Eth1 and Eth2 in this document. There are two groups of models with different part numbers - one group of models with a USB port (part number -03) and one group of models with PC Card slots (part number -02). SLC™ Console Manager User Guide 18