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Network Virtualization Platforms: Benefits & Best Practices

by | Oct 11, 2024 | Application Hosting, Consolidation, EdgeOps, Improve Network Security, Out of Band Management, Remote Network Management, SD-WAN, Secure Access Service Edge (SASE), Simplify Branch Infrastructure, Streamline Deployments, Vendor Neutral Platform, Virtualization

Network Virtualization Platforms: Benefits & Best Practices

Simulated network virtualization platforms overlaying physical network infrastructure.

Network virtualization decouples network functions, services, and workflows from the underlying hardware infrastructure and delivers them as software. In the same way that server virtualization makes data centers more scalable and cost-effective, network virtualization helps companies streamline network deployment and management while reducing hardware expenses.

This guide describes several types of network virtualization platforms before discussing the benefits of virtualization and the best practices for improving efficiency, scalability, and ROI.

What do network virtualization platforms do?

There are three forms of network virtualization that are achieved with different types of platforms. These include:

Type of Virtualization Description Examples of Platforms
Virtual Local Area Networking (VLAN) Creates an abstraction layer over physical local networking infrastructure so the company can segment the network into multiple virtual networks without installing additional hardware.

SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager

ManageEngine Network Configuration Manager
Software-Defined Networking (SDN) Decouples network routing and control functions from the actual data packets so that IT teams can deploy and orchestrate workflows across multiple devices and VLANs from one centralized platform.

Meraki

Juniper
Network Functions Virtualization (NFV) Separates network functions like routing, switching, and load balancing from the underlying hardware so teams can deploy them as virtual machines (VMs) and use fewer physical devices.

Red Hat OpenStack

VMware vCloud NFV

While network virtualization is primarily concerned with software, it still requires a physical network infrastructure to serve as the foundation for the abstraction layer (just like server virtualization still requires hardware in the data center or cloud to run hypervisor software). Additionally, the virtualization software itself needs storage or compute resources to run, either on a server/hypervisor or built-in to a networking device like a router or switch. Sometimes, this hardware is also referred to as a network virtualization platform.

The benefits of network virtualization

Virtualizing network services and workflows with VLANs, SDN, and NFVs can help companies:

  • Improve operational efficiency with automation. Network virtualization enables the use of scripts, playbooks, and software to automate workflows and configurations. Network automation boosts productivity so teams can get more work done with fewer resources.
  • Accelerate network deployments and scaling. Legacy deployments involve configuring and installing dedicated boxes for each function. Virtualized network functions and configurations can be deployed in minutes and infinitely copied to get new sites up and running in a fraction of the time.
  • Reduce network infrastructure costs. Decoupling network functions, services, and workflows from the underlying hardware means you can run multiple functions from once device, saving money and space.
  • Strengthen network security. Virtualization makes it easier to micro-segment the network and implement precise, targeted Zero-Trust security controls to protect sensitive and valuable assets.

Network virtualization platform best practices

Following these best practices when selecting and implementing network virtualization platforms can help companies achieve the benefits described above while reducing hassle.

Vendor neutrality

Ensuring that the virtualization software works with the underlying hardware is critical. The struggle is that many organizations use devices from multiple vendors, which makes interoperability a challenge. Rather than using different virtualization platforms for each vendor, or replacing perfectly good devices with ones that are all from the same vendor, it’s much easier and more cost-effective to use virtualization software that interoperates with any networking hardware. This type of software is called ‘vendor neutral.’

To improve efficiency even more, companies can use vendor-neutral networking hardware to host their virtualization software. Doing so eliminates the need for a dedicated server, allowing SDN software and virtualized network functions (VNFs) to run directly from a serial console or router that’s already in use. This significantly consolidates deployments, which saves  money and reduces the amount of space needed This can be a lifesaver in branch offices, retail stores, manufacturing sites, and other locations with limited space.

A diagram showing how multiple VNFs can run on a single vendor-neutral platform.

Virtualizing the WAN

We’ve mostly discussed virtualization in a local networking context, but it can also be extended to the WAN (wide area network). For example, SD-WAN (software-defined wide area networking) streamlines and automates the management of WAN infrastructure and workflows. WAN gateway routing functions can also be virtualized as VNFs that are deployed and controlled independently of the physical WAN gateway, significantly accelerating new branch launches.

Unifying network orchestration

The best way to maximize network management efficiency is to consolidate the orchestration of all virtualization with a single, vendor-neutral platform. For example, the Nodegrid solution from ZPE Systems uses vendor-neutral hardware and software to give networking teams a single platform to host, deploy, monitor, and control all virtualized workflows and devices. Nodegrid streamlines network virtualization with:

  • An open, x86-64bit Linux-based architecture that can run other vendors’ software, VNFs, and even Docker containers to eliminate the need for dedicated virtualization appliances.
  • Multi-functional hardware devices that combine gateway routing, switching, out-of-band serial console management, and more to further consolidate network deployments.
  • Vendor-neutral orchestration software, available in on-premises or cloud form, that provides unified control over both physical and virtual infrastructure across all deployment sites for a convenient management experience.

Want to see vendor-neutral network orchestration in action?

Nodegrid unifies network virtualization platforms and workflows to boost productivity while reducing infrastructure costs. Schedule a free demo to experience the benefits of vendor-neutral network orchestration firsthand.

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PDU Remote Management

by | Oct 11, 2024 | Consolidation, Edge Computing, Failover Connectivity, Minimize Impact of Disruptions, Monitoring & Reporting, Out of Band Management, Power Management, Remote Network Management, Serial Consoles, Simplify Branch Infrastructure, Streamline Deployments, Vendor Neutral Platform, Virtualization

PDU Remote Management

The Hive SR PDU remote management solution from ZPE Systems.

PDUs (power distribution units) and busways are critical network infrastructure devices that control and optimize how power flows to equipment like servers, routers, firewalls, and switches. They’re difficult to manage remotely, so configuring and updating new devices or fixing problems typically requires tedious, on-site work. This difficulty is magnified in complex, distributed networks with hundreds of individual power devices that must be managed one at a time. What’s needed is a PDU remote management solution that unifies control over distributed devices. It should also streamline infrastructure management with an open architecture that supports third-party power software and automation.

The problem: PDU management is cumbersome for large, distributed networks

PDUs and busways are deployed across remote and distributed locations beyond the central data center, including edge computing sites, automated manufacturing plants, and colocations. They typically aren’t network-connected and do not come with up-to-date firmware at deployment time, requiring on-site technicians for maintenance. Upgrading and managing thousands of PDUs and busways requires hundreds of work hours from on-site IT teams who must manually connect to each unit.

The current solution: PDU remote management with jump boxes or serial consoles

Since most PDUs and busways can’t connect to the network, the only way to remotely manage them is to physically connect them via serial (a.k.a., RS-232) cable to a device that can be remotely accessed, such as an Intel NUC jump box or a serial console.

Unfortunately, jump boxes usually aren’t set up to manage more than one serial connection at a time, so they only solve the remote access problem without providing any centralized management of multiple PDUs or multiple sites. Jump boxes are often deployed without antivirus or other security software installed and with insecure, unpatched operating systems containing potential vulnerabilities, leaving branch networks exposed.

On the other hand, serial consoles can manage multiple serial devices at once and provide remote access, but they often don’t integrate with PDU/busway software and only support a few chosen vendors, which limits their control capabilities and may prevent remote firmware updates. They’re also usually single-purpose devices that take up valuable rack space in remote sites with limited real estate and don’t interoperate with third-party software for automation, monitoring, and security.

The Hive SR + ZPE Cloud: A next-gen PDU remote management solution

The ZPE Cloud and Nodegrid Hive SR solutions for PDU remote management.
The Hive SR is an integrated branch services router from the Nodegrid family of vendor-neutral infrastructure management solutions offered by ZPE Systems. The Hive automatically discovers power devices and provides secure remote access, eliminating the need to manage PDUs and busways on-site. The ZPE Cloud management platform gives IT teams centralized control over power devices and other infrastructure at all distributed locations so they can update or roll-back firmware, configure and power-cycle equipment, and see monitoring alerts.

The ZPE Cloud PDU remote management solution from ZPE Systems.

In addition to integrated branch networking capabilities like gateway routing, switching, firewall, Wi-Fi access point, 5G/4G cellular WAN failover, and centralized infrastructure control, the Hive SR and ZPE Cloud also deliver vendor-neutral out-of-band (OOB) management. ZPE’s Gen 3 OOB solution creates an isolated management network that doesn’t rely on production resources and, as such, remains remotely accessible during major outages, ransomware infections, and other adverse events. This gives IT teams a lifeline to perform remote recovery actions, including rolling-back PDU firmware updates, power-cycling hung devices, and rebuilding infected systems, without the time and expense of an on-site visit.

A diagram showing how the Nodegrid Hive SR can be deployed for PDU remote management.

The Hive and ZPE Cloud have open architectures that can host or integrate other vendors’ software for PDU/busway management, NetOps automation, zero-trust and SASE security, and more. Administrators get a single, unified, cloud-based platform to orchestrate both automated and manual workflows for PDUs, busways, and any other Nodegrid-connected infrastructure at all distributed business sites. Plus, all ZPE solutions are frequently patched and protected by industry-leading security features to defend your critical branch infrastructure.

 

 

Download our Automated PDU Provisioning and Configuration solution guide to learn more about vendor-neutral PDU remote management with Nodegrid devices like the Hive SR.
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Download our Centralized IT Infrastructure Management and Orchestration solution guide to learn how ZPE Cloud can improve your operational efficiency and resilience.
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3 Reasons to Use Starlink for Out-of-Band (and How to Set it Up)

by | Sep 6, 2024 | Consolidation, Data Center Resilience, Failover Connectivity, Minimize Impact of Disruptions, Modernize Legacy Environments, Monitoring & Reporting, Out of Band Management, Power Management, Remote Network Management, Simplify Branch Infrastructure, Streamline Deployments, Vendor Neutral Platform, Zero Touch Provisioning (ZTP)

ZPE Systems and Starlink setup guide

Most organizations rely on critical IT in order to serve their essential business functions. A reliable method to maintain critical IT is to use dedicated out-of-band (OOB) management networks, which traditionally have relied on plain old telephone service (POTS) lines or dedicated telephony circuits for remote access. However, these traditional links come with high costs, lots of complexity, and slow performance, which make them difficult to deploy and maintain.

Enter Starlink, a satellite-based Internet service that offers a cost-effective and scalable alternative for out-of-band remote access. This post discusses how Starlink solves these common problems and gives you a free guide that walks you through the setup process.

 

Problem: POTS and Telephony Lines Are Expensive

For decades, IT professionals have relied on POTS and telephony lines for OOB management, mainly because these lines remain operational even when the primary data network goes down. A major problem is that POTS lines are increasingly expensive to install and maintain, particularly in remote or rural areas. Additionally, 4G/5G LTE options aren’t always available due to coverage limitations or large enough data plans. The shift towards VoIP (Voice over IP) and digital communications has made POTS lines even less relevant, with many service providers phasing out support. This leaves businesses with fewer options and higher costs for maintaining these legacy systems.

Solution: Starlink is Cost-Effective

Starlink offers a much more cost-effective solution. You can use off-the-shelf routers to set up an OOB management network for a fraction of the cost of traditional methods. Starlink also has a relatively low monthly subscription fee and straightforward pricing model, which make it easy to budget and plan IT expenditures. If components fail or break, you can typically repair or replace them yourself to get back up and running quickly.

An image of a Starlink dish

Figure 1: Starlink requires only a dish, router, and few other components, making it a cost-effective alternative to expensive POTS lines.

Problem: Traditional Lines Are Difficult To Scale

Traditional POTS-based systems are notoriously difficult to scale, often requiring significant infrastructure investments and complex configurations. Copper wiring is expensive to install and maintain, and as more connections come online, switching systems must be upgraded. On top of this, POTS lines are being phased out, which means there are fewer resources being devoted to scaling and maintaining them.

Solution: Starlink is Simple to Set Up and Scale

Starlink entirely eliminates the need for telephony lines, and is a simple and scalable solution for OOB remote access. You can find the full list of components in our setup guide below, but with a Starlink terminal, compatible router, and minimal configuration, you can scale your OOB network wherever you have Starlink coverage. This ease-of-use extends to day-to-day management as well. Starlink’s satellite service offers global coverage, meaning you can manage your network devices, servers, and other critical infrastructure from virtually anywhere in the world.

The setup process for Starlink includes simple instructions that you can follow on your smartphone

Figure 2: Starlink comes with a straightforward out-of-box experience and step-by-step instructions. You can set up an out-of-band network in about one hour.

Problem: POTS Lines Lack Performance

POTS is designed primarily for voice communication and offers extremely limited bandwidth. It can’t support modern data services (such as video or high-speed internet) efficiently. As out-of-band management advances with data and video monitoring capabilities (such as AI computer vision), POTS infrastructure just doesn’t have the bandwidth to keep up.

Solution: Starlink Meets Modern Performance Requirements

Starlink provides high-speed internet, at speeds that typically range from 50 to 200Mbps. The connection handles much larger volumes of data than POTS lines are capable of, and Starlink’s low-Earth orbit satellites reduce latency to as low at 25ms compared to the typical 150ms of POTS lines. Out-of-band using Starlink means that IT teams can manage more systems and data, and have a more responsive experience, whether they’re managing edge routers across their bank branches or monitoring the cooling systems in their distributed colocations.

Image of the Starlink speed test performed on a smartphone

Figure 3: Starlink provides high-speed connectivity, with speeds ranging from 50 to 200Mbps.

Get Started With Starlink Using Our Setup Guide

We created this step-by-step walkthrough that shows how to set up Starlink for out-of-band. It instructs how to connect the components according to a wiring diagram, configure your ZPE Nodegrid hardware, and test your connection performance using free tools. Read it now using the button below.

Get Starlink Setup Guide

Starlink setup guide

What is Passive Optical Networking?

by | Sep 6, 2024 | Consolidation, Data Center Management, Data Center Resilience, Modernize Legacy Environments, Monitoring & Reporting, Out of Band Management, Power Management, Remote Network Management, Serial Consoles, Simplify Branch Infrastructure, Streamline Deployments, Vendor Neutral Platform, Zero Touch Provisioning (ZTP)

What is Passive Optical Networking (PON)?

Passive optical networking (PON) is a high-speed broadband technology that enables the delivery of multiple services over a single fiber optic cable. XGS-PON – 10G Symmetrical PON –  offers speeds of up to 10 Gbps downstream and 10 Gbps upstream (hence the term ‘symmetrical’), making it ideal for applications such as video streaming, online gaming, and cloud computing.

 

What Problems Does PON Solve for Out-of-Band Management?

PON addresses the issue of efficiency in terms of both uplink costs and bandwidth usage. Traditional POTS lines and dedicated circuits rely on legacy infrastructure that requires regular maintenance. This infrastructure must scale as more out-of-band devices are added to the network, which increases costs and energy consumption. On top of this, using a 10G uplink for a serial console’s 10K traffic is like throwing away 99% of that high bandwidth. Per Gartner’s Market Guide for Optical Transport Systems report (Published 20 November 2023) the best way to “lower cost and energy per transported bit” is by using technologies such as passive optical networking.

Because PON uses passive optical splitters that have no moving parts or powered components between the central hub and end users, PON is much more efficient for deploying serial consoles close to target assets. These out-of-band devices can be deployed in large quantities and close to the network edge, with up to 256 devices sharing one uplink. This reduces cabling and power requirements, and is ideal for MSP and campus operators, where there are many out-of-band devices distributed over long distances. 

 

More About PON: GPON and XGS-PON Technologies

Passive Optical Networking (PON) leverages time-division multiplexing (TDM) and different wavelengths of light to transmit and receive data on a single fiber strand. This allows efficient communication among up to 256 devices over a single fiber. Initially developed for fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) deployments, PON technology has evolved to facilitate the addition of network nodes with minimal infrastructure changes. GPON (gigabit-capable PON) and XGS-PON use different frequencies for upstream and downstream data transmission. The upstream headend, known as the Optical Line Terminal (OLT), manages and coordinates the time slots allocated to downstream Optical Network Units (ONUs) for data transmission.

 

GPON and XGS-PON Support on ZPE Systems’ Nodegrid SR Gateway

ZPE Systems’ Nodegrid SR appliances, which are used as out-of-band access nodes or complete branch gateways, now support GPON and XGS-PON technology (patent pending) via SFP and SFP+ ports. The Nodegrid SR family is offered in multiple form factors to be right-sized for deployments in branch offices, factories, smart buildings, and industrial environments (such as for SCADA).

Having support for GPON and XGS-PON means network engineers now have a flexible choice of high-speed uplink technologies. This versatility makes the Nodegrid SR gateway suitable for edge deployments, where it can establish an OOBI-WAN™ (out-of-band infrastructure WAN) link, and for data centers, where it enhances uplink efficiency. Given the low bandwidth requirements of serial console and out-of-band communications, PON technology is well-suited for these applications. A single fiber strand can be shared among hundreds of out-of-band and serial console devices using passive optical splitters. Organizations can deploy out-of-band devices close to the racks and edges of the network in a cost- and energy-efficient manner. Additionally, ZPE devices support ONU SFPs compatible with third-party OLT headends, ensuring broad interoperability and integration.

 

Benefits of Using XGS-PON with ZPE Systems’ Nodegrid SR Gateway

The benefits of using XGS-PON with ZPE Systems’ Nodegrid SR gateway include:

  • High-Speed Connectivity: XGS-PON delivers symmetrical speeds of up to 10 Gbps, making it ideal for high-bandwidth applications like video streaming, online gaming, and cloud computing. This ensures consistent and high-quality service for end-users.
  • Cost-Effectiveness: Deploying XGS-PON is a cost-effective solution for delivering high-speed broadband services, especially in scenarios where upgrading existing infrastructure may be challenging.
  • Scalability: The Nodegrid SR Gateway, acting as an ONU, can connect up to 256 serial consoles through a single fiber strand. PON’s use of asymmetric wavelengths and TDM enables multiple devices to share the same fiber strand efficiently. Optical splitters, which require no external power, facilitate the sharing of fiber between multiple ONUs, which makes scaling much more cost and energy efficient.
  • Reliability: The Nodegrid SR gateway is proven by service providers worldwide. Its robust design and compatibility with various network configurations make it a reliable choice for delivering high-quality broadband services.

A network diagram showing a PON Uplink on Nodegrid SR Gateway

Figure 1: ZPE Nodegrid SR gateway with XGS-PON ONU support

 

XGS-PON Enhances Efficiency of Out-of-Band

XGS-PON is a significant advancement over traditional, copper-based uplinks. The integration of XGS-PON support in the ZPE Systems Nodegrid SR Gateway allows network architects to deploy a dedicated out-of-band ring that is not only high-speed but also cost-effective, energy-efficient, and capable of covering longer distances. PON technology, with its ability to handle the lower data rates of out-of-band transmissions, is an ideal uplink medium for serial console transmission. The combination of XGS-PON and the Nodegrid SR Gateway provides a powerful and flexible solution for modern network infrastructure.

Be one of the first to try PON on the Nodegrid SR Gateway

Set up a demo for a deeper dive into PON use cases and how it can benefit your organization.

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Comparing Console Server Hardware

by | Sep 4, 2024 | Consolidation, Data Center Management, Data Center Resilience, Increase Productivity, Modernize Legacy Environments, Monitoring & Reporting, Network Automation, Out of Band Management, Power Management, Remote Network Management, Scripting, Serial Consoles, Streamline Deployments, Vendor Neutral Platform, Virtualization, Zero Touch Provisioning (ZTP), Zero Trust Security

Console servers – also known as serial consoles, console server switches, serial console servers, serial console routers, or terminal servers – are critical for data center infrastructure management. They give administrators a single point of control for devices like servers, switches, and power distribution units (PDUs) so they don’t need to log in to each piece of equipment individually. It also uses multiple network interfaces to provide out-of-band (OOB) management, which creates an isolated network dedicated to infrastructure orchestration and troubleshooting. This OOB network remains accessible during production network outages, offering remote teams a lifeline to recover systems without costly and time-consuming on-site visits. 

Console server hardware can vary significantly across different vendors and use cases. This guide compares console server hardware from the three top vendors and examines four key categories: large data centers, mixed environments, break-fix deployments, and modular solutions.

Console server hardware for large data center deployments

Large and hyperscale data centers can include hundreds or even thousands of individual devices to manage. Teams typically use infrastructure automation, like infrastructure as code (IaC), because managing devices at such a large scale is impossible to do manually. The best console server hardware for high-density data centers will include plenty of managed serial ports, support hundreds of concurrent sessions, and provide support for infrastructure automation.

Click here to compare the hardware specs of the top providers, or read below for more information.

Nodegrid Serial Console Plus (NSCP)

The Nodegrid Serial Console Plus (NSCP) from ZPE Systems is the only console server providing up to 96 RS-232 serial ports in a 1U rack-mounted form factor. Its quad-core Intel processor and robust (as well as upgradable) internal storage and RAM options, as well as its Linux-based Nodegrid OS, support Guest OS and Docker containers for third-party applications. That means the NSCP can directly host infrastructure automation (like Ansible, Puppet, and Chef), security (like Palo Alto’s next-generation firewalls and Secure Access Service Edge), and much more. Plus, it can extend zero-touch provisioning (ZTP) to legacy and mixed-vendor devices that otherwise wouldn’t support automation.

The NSCP also comes packed with hardware security features including BIOS protection, UEFI Secure Boot, self-encrypted disk (SED), Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0, and a multi-site VPN using IPSec, WireGuard, and OpenSSL protocols. Plus, it supports a wide range of USB environmental monitoring sensors to help remote teams control conditions in the data center or colocation facility.

Advantages:

  • Up to 96 managed serial ports in a 1U appliance
  • Intel x86 CPU and 4GB of RAM for 3rd-party Docker and VM apps
  • Extends ZTP and automation to legacy and mixed-vendor infrastructure
  • Robust on-board security features like BIOS protection and TPM 2.0
  • Supports a wide range of USB environmental monitoring sensors
  • Wi-Fi and 5G/4G LTE options available
  • Supports over 1,000 concurrent sessions

Disadvantages:

  • USB ports limited on 96-port model

Opengear CM8100

The Opengear CM8100 comes in two models: the 1G version includes up to 48 managed serial ports, while the 10G version supports up to 96 serial ports in a 2U form factor. Both models have a dual-core ARM Cortex processor and 2GB of RAM, allowing for some automation support with upgraded versions of the Lighthouse management software. They also come with an embedded firewall, IPSec and OpenVPN protocols for a single-site VPN, and TPM 2.0 security.

Advantages:

  • 10G model comes with software-selectable serial ports
  • Supports OpenVPN and IPSec VPNs
  • Fast port speeds

Disadvantages:

  • Automation and ZTP require Lighthouse software upgrade
  • No cellular or Wi-Fi options
  • 96-port model requires 2U of rack space

Perle IOLAN SCG (fixed)

The IOLAN SCG is Perle’s fixed-form-factor console server solution. It supports up to 48 managed serial ports and can extend ZTP to end devices. It comes with onboard security features including an embedded firewall, OpenVPN and IPSec VPN, and AES encryption. However, the IOLAN SCG’s underpowered single-core ARM processor, 1GB of RAM, and 4GB of storage limit its automation capabilities, and it does not integrate with any third-party automation or orchestration solutions. 

Advantages:

  • Supports ZTP for end devices
  • Comprehensive firewall functionality

Disadvantages

  • Very limited CPU, RAM, and flash storage
  • Does not support third-party automation

Comparison Table: Console Server Hardware for Large Data Centers

Nodegrid NSCP Opengear CM8100 Perle IOLAN SCG
Serial Ports 16 / 32 / 48 / 96x RS-232 16 / 32 / 48 / 96x RS-232 16 / 32 / 48x RS-232
Max Port Speed 230,400 bps 230,400 bps 230,000 bps
Network Interfaces

2x SFP+ 

2x ETH

1x Wi-Fi (optional)

2x Dual SIM LTE (optional)

 2x ETH 1x ETH
Additional Interfaces

1x RS-232 console

2x USB 3.0 Type A

1x HDMI Output

1x RS-232 console

2x USB 3.0

1x RS-232 console

1x Micro USB w/DB9 Adapter
Environmental Monitoring Any USB sensors – –
CPU Intel x86_64 Quad-Core ARM Cortex-A9 1.6 GHz Dual-Core ARM 32-bit 500MHz Single-Core
Storage 32GB SSD (upgrades available) 32GB eMMC 4GB Flash
RAM 4GB DDR4 (upgrades available) 2GB DDR4 1GB
Power

Single or Dual AC

Dual DC

Dual AC

Dual DC

 Single AC
Form Factor 1U Rack Mounted

1U Rack Mounted (up to 48 ports)

2U Rack Mounted (96 ports)

 1U Rack Mounted
Data Sheet Download

CM8100 1G

CM8100 10G

 Download

Console server hardware for mixed environments

Data center deployments that include a mix of legacy and modern solutions from multiple vendors benefit from console server hardware that includes software-selectable serial ports. This feature allows administrators to manage devices with straight or rolled RS-232 pinouts from the same console server. 

Click here to compare the hardware specs of the top providers, or read below for more information.

Nodegrid Serial Console S Series

The Nodegrid Serial Console S Series has up to 48 auto-sensing RS-232 serial ports and 14 high-speed managed USB ports, allowing for the control of up to 62 devices. Like the NSCP, the S Series has a quad-core Intel CPU and upgradeable storage and RAM, supporting third-party VMs and containers for automation, orchestration, security, and more. It also comes with the same robust security features to protect the management network.

Advantages:

  • Includes 14 high-speed managed USB ports
  • Intel x86 CPU and 4GBof RAM for 3rd-party Docker and VM apps
  • Supports a wide range of USB environmental monitoring sensors
  • Extends ZTP and automation to legacy and mixed-vendor infrastructure
  • Robust on-board security features like BIOS protection and TPM 2.0
  • Supports 250+ concurrent sessions

Disadvantages

  • Only offers 1Gbps and Ethernet connectivity for OOB

Opengear OM2200

The Opengear OM2200 comes with 16, 32, or 48 software-selectable RS-232 ports, or, with the OM2224-24E model, 24 RS-232 and 24 managed Ethernet ports. It also includes 8 managed USB ports and the option for a V.92 analog modem. It has impressive storage space and 8GB of DDR4 RAM for automated workflows, though, as with all Opengear solutions, the upgraded version of the Lighthouse management software is required for ZTP and NetOps automation support.

Advantages:

  • Optional managed Ethernet ports
  • Optional V.92 analog modem for OOB
  • 64GB of storage and 8GB DDR4 RAM

Disadvantages:

  • Automation and ZTP require Lighthouse software upgrade
  • No cellular or Wi-Fi options

Comparison Table: Console Server Hardware for Mixed Environments

  Nodegrid S Series Opengear OM2200
Serial Ports

16 / 32 / 48x Software Selectable RS-232

14x USB-A serial

 16 / 32 / 48x Software Selectable RS-232
8x USB 2.0 serial

 

 

 

(OM2224-24E) 24x Software Selectable RS-232 and 24x Managed Ethernet
Max Port Speed

230,400 bps (RS-232)

921,600 bps (USB)

 230,400 bps
Network Interfaces 2x1Gbps or 2x ETH

2x SFP+ or 2x ETH

1x V.92 modem (select models)
Additional Interfaces

1x RS-232 console

1x USB 3.0 Type A

1x HDMI Output

1x RS-232 console

1x Micro USB

2x USB 3.0
Environmental Monitoring Any USB sensors –
CPU Intel x86_64 Dual-Core AMD GX-412TC 1.4 GHz Quad-Core
Storage 32GB SSD (upgrades available) 64GB SSD
RAM 4GB DDR4 (upgrades available) 8GB DDR3
Power

Single or Dual AC

Dual DC

Dual AC

Dual DC
Form Factor 1U Rack Mounted 1U Rack Mounted
Data Sheet Download Download

Console server hardware for break-fix deployments

A full-featured console server solution may be too complicated and expensive for certain use cases, especially for organizations just looking for “break-fix” OOB access to remotely troubleshoot and recover from issues. The best console server hardware for this type of deployment provides fast and reliable network access to managed devices without extra features that increase the price and complexity.

Click here to compare the hardware specs of the top providers, or read below for more information.

Nodegrid Serial Console Core Edition (NSCP-CE)

The Nodegrid Serial Console Core Edition (NSCP-CE) provides the same hardware and security features as the NSCP, as well as ZTP, but without the advanced automation capabilities. Its streamlined management and affordable price tag make it ideal for lean, budget-conscious IT departments. And, like all Nodegrid solutions, it comes with the most comprehensive hardware security features in the industry. 

Advantages:

  • Up to 48 managed serial ports in a 1U appliance
  • Extends ZTP and automation to legacy and mixed-vendor infrastructure
  • Robust on-board security features like BIOS protection and TPM
  • Supports a wide range of USB environmental monitoring sensors
  • Analog modem and 5G/4G LTE options available
  • Supports over 100 concurrent sessions

Disadvantages

  •  Supports automation only via ZPE Cloud

Opengear CM7100

The Opengear CM7100 is the previous generation of the CM8100 solution. Its serial and network interface options are the same, but it comes with a weaker, Armada 800 MHz CPU, and there are options for smaller storage and RAM configurations to reduce the price. As with all Opengear console servers, the CM7100 doesn’t support ZTP without paying for an upgraded Lighthouse license, however.

Advantages:

  • Can reduce storage and RAM to save money
  • Supports OpenVPN and IPSec VPNs
  • Fast port speeds

Disadvantages:

  • Automation and ZTP require Lighthouse software upgrade
  • No cellular or Wi-Fi options
  • 96-port model requires 2U of rack space

Comparison Table: Console Server Hardware for Break-Fix Deployments

  Nodegrid NSCP-CE Opengear CM7100
Serial Ports 16 / 32 / 48 / RS-232 16 / 32 / 48 / 96x RS-232
Max Port Speed 230,400 bps 230,400 bps
Network Interfaces

2x SFP ETH

1x Analog modem (optional)

2x 5G/4G LTE (optional)

 2x ETH
Additional Interfaces

1x RS-232 console

2x USB 3.0 Type A

1x RS-232 console

2x USB 2.0
Environmental Monitoring Any USB sensors Smoke, water leak, vibration
CPU Intel x86_64 Dual-Core Armada 370 ARMv7 800 MHz
Storage 16GB Flash (upgrades available) 4-64GB storage
RAM 4GB DDR4 (upgrades available) 256MB-2GB DDR3
Power

Dual AC

Dual DC

 Single or Dual AC
Form Factor 1U Rack Mounted

1U Rack Mounted (up to 48 ports)

2U Rack Mounted (96 ports)
Data Sheet Download Download

Modular console server hardware for flexible deployments

Modular console servers allow organizations to create customized solutions tailored to their specific deployment and use case. They also support easy scaling by allowing teams to add more managed ports as the network grows, and provide the flexibility to swap-out certain capabilities and customize their hardware and software as the needs of the business change. 

Click here to compare the hardware specs of the top providers, or read below for more information.

Nodegrid Net Services Router (NSR)

The Nodegrid Net Services Router (NSR) has up to five expansion bays that can support any combination of 16 RS-232 or 16 USB serial modules. In addition to managed ports, there are NSR modules for Ethernet (with or without PoE – Power over Ethernet) switch ports, Wi-Fi and dual-SIM cellular, additional SFP ports, extra storage, and compute. 

The NSR comes with an eight-core Intel CPU and 8GB DDR4 RAM, offering the same vendor-neutral Guest OS/Docker support and onboard security features as the NSCP. It can also run virtualized network functions to consolidate an entire networking stack in a single device. This makes the NSR adaptable to nearly any deployment scenario, including hyperscale data centers, edge computing sites, and branch offices.

Advantages:

  • Up to 5 expansion bays provide support for up to 80 managed devices
  • 8GB of DDR4 RAM
  • Robust on-board security features like BIOS protection and TPM 2.0
  • Supports a wide range of USB environmental monitoring sensors
  • Wi-Fi and 5G/4G LTE options available
  • Optional modules for various interfaces, extra storage, and compute

Disadvantages

  • No V.92 modem support

Perle IOLAN SCG L/W/M

The Perle IOLAN SCG modular series is customizable with cellular LTE, Wi-Fi, a V.92 analog modem, or any combination of the three. It also has three expansion bays that support any combination of 16-port RS-232 or 16-port USB modules. Otherwise, this version of the IOLAN SCG comes with the same security features and hardware limitations as the fixed form factor models.

Advantages:

  • Cellular, Wi-Fi, and analog modem options
  • Supports ZTP for end devices
  • Comprehensive firewall functionality

Disadvantages

  • Very limited CPU, RAM, and flash storage
  • Does not support third-party automation

Comparison Table: Modular Console Server Hardware

  Nodegrid NSR Perle IOLAN SCG R/U
Serial Ports

16 / 32 / 48 / 64 / 80x RS-232 with up to 5 serial modules

16 / 32 / 48 / 64 / 80x USB with up to 5 serial modules

Up to 50x RS-232/422/485

Up to 50x USB
Max Port Speed 230,400 bps 230,000 bps
Network Interfaces

1x SFP+ 

1x ETH with PoE in

1x Wi-Fi (optional)

1x Dual SIM LTE (optional)

 2x SFP or 2x ETH
Additional Interfaces

1x RS-232 console

2x USB 2.0 Type A

2x GPIO

2x Digital Out

1x VGA

Optional Modules (up to 5):

16x ETH

8x PoE+

16x SFP

8x SFP+

16x USB OCP Debug

1x RS-232 console

1x Micro USB w/DB9 adapter

 
Environmental Monitoring Any USB sensors –
CPU Intel x86_64 Quad- or Eight-Core ARM 32-bit 500MHz Single-Core
Storage 32GB SSD (upgrades available) 4GB Flash
RAM 8GB DDR4 (upgrades available 1GB
Power

Dual AC

Dual DC

Dual AC

Dual DC
Form Factor 1U Rack Mounted 1U Rack Mounted
Data Sheet Download Download

Get the best console server hardware for your deployment with Nodegrid

The vendor-neutral Nodegrid platform provides solutions for any use case, deployment size, and pain points. Schedule a free Nodegrid demo to learn more.

Want to see Nodegrid in action?

Watch a demo of the Nodegrid Gen 3 out-of-band management solution to see how it can improve scalability for your data center architecture.

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Data Center Scalability Tips & Best Practices

by | Aug 22, 2024 | Application Hosting, Consolidation, Data Center Management, Data Center Resilience, Increase Productivity, Modernize Legacy Environments, Monitoring & Reporting, Network Automation, Out of Band Management, Power Management, Remote Network Management, Scripting, Serial Consoles, Streamline Deployments, Vendor Neutral Platform, Virtualization, Zero Touch Provisioning (ZTP), Zero Trust Security

Data center scalability is the ability to increase or decrease workloads cost-effectively and without disrupting business operations. Scalable data centers make organizations agile, enabling them to support business growth, meet changing customer needs, and weather downturns without compromising quality. This blog describes various methods for achieving data center scalability before providing tips and best practices to make scalability easier and more cost-effective to implement.

How to achieve data center scalability

There are four primary ways to scale data center infrastructure, each of which has advantages and disadvantages.

 

4 Data center scaling methods

Method Description Pros and Cons
1. Adding more servers Also known as scaling out or horizontal scaling, this involves adding more physical or virtual machines to the data center architecture. ✔ Can support and distribute more workloads

✔ Eliminates hardware constraints

✖ Deployment and replication take time

✖ Requires more rack space

✖ Higher upfront and operational costs
2. Virtualization Dividing physical hardware into multiple virtual machines (VMs) or virtual network functions (VNFs) to support more workloads per device. ✔ Supports faster provisioning

✔ Uses resources more efficiently

✔ Reduces scaling costs

✖ Transition can be expensive and disruptive

✖ Not supported by all hardware and software
3. Upgrading existing hardware Also known as scaling up or vertical scaling, this involves adding more processors, memory, or storage to upgrade the capabilities of existing systems. ✔ Implementation is usually quick and non-disruptive

✔ More cost-effective than horizontal scaling

✔ Requires less power and rack space

✖ Scalability limited by server hardware constraints

✖ Increases reliance on legacy systems
4. Using cloud services Moving some or all workloads to the cloud, where resources can be added or removed on-demand to meet scaling requirements. ✔ Allows on-demand or automatic scaling

✔ Better support for new and emerging technologies

✔ Reduces data center costs

✖ Migration is often extremely disruptive

✖ Auto-scaling can lead to ballooning monthly bills

✖ May not support legacy software

It’s important for companies to analyze their requirements and carefully consider the advantages and disadvantages of each method before choosing a path forward. 

Best practices for data center scalability

The following tips can help organizations ensure their data center infrastructure is flexible enough to support scaling by any of the above methods.

Run workloads on vendor-neutral platforms

Vendor lock-in, or a lack of interoperability with third-party solutions, can severely limit data center scalability. Using vendor-neutral platforms ensures that teams can add, expand, or integrate data center resources and capabilities regardless of provider. These platforms make it easier to adopt new technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) while ensuring compatibility with legacy systems.

Use infrastructure automation and AIOps

Infrastructure automation technologies help teams provision and deploy data center resources quickly so companies can scale up or out with greater efficiency. They also ensure administrators can effectively manage and secure data center infrastructure as it grows in size and complexity. 

For example, zero-touch provisioning (ZTP) automatically configures new devices as soon as they connect to the network, allowing remote teams to deploy new data center resources without on-site visits. Automated configuration management solutions like Ansible and Chef ensure that virtualized system configurations stay consistent and up-to-date while preventing unauthorized changes. AIOps (artificial intelligence for IT operations) uses machine learning algorithms to detect threats and other problems, remediate simple issues, and provide root-cause analysis (RCA) and other post-incident forensics with greater accuracy than traditional automation. 

Isolate the control plane with Gen 3 serial consoles

Serial consoles are devices that allow administrators to remotely manage data center infrastructure without needing to log in to each piece of equipment individually. They use out-of-band (OOB) management to separate the data plane (where production workflows occur) from the control plane (where management workflows occur). OOB serial console technology – especially the third-generation (or Gen 3) – aids data center scalability in several ways:

  1. Gen 3 serial consoles are vendor-neutral and provide a single software platform for administrators to manage all data center devices, significantly reducing management complexity as infrastructure scales out.
  2. Gen 3 OOB can extend automation capabilities like ZTP to mixed-vendor and legacy devices that wouldn’t otherwise support them.
  3. OOB management moves resource-intensive infrastructure automation workflows off the data plane, improving the performance of production applications and workflows.
  4. Serial consoles move the management interfaces for data center infrastructure to an isolated control plane, which prevents malware and cybercriminals from accessing them if the production network is breached. Isolated management infrastructure (IMI) is a security best practice for data center architectures of any size.

How Nodegrid simplifies data center scalability

Nodegrid is a Gen 3 out-of-band management solution that streamlines vertical and horizontal data center scalability. 

The Nodegrid Serial Console Plus (NSCP) offers 96 managed ports in a 1RU rack-mounted form factor, reducing the number of OOB devices needed to control large-scale data center infrastructure. Its open, x86 Linux-based OS can run VMs, VNFs, and Docker containers so teams can run virtualized workloads without deploying additional hardware. Nodegrid can also run automation, AIOps, and security on the same platform to further reduce hardware overhead.

Nodegrid OOB is also available in a modular form factor. The Net Services Router (NSR) allows teams to add or swap modules for additional compute, storage, memory, or serial ports as the data center scales up or down.

Want to see Nodegrid in action?

Watch a demo of the Nodegrid Gen 3 out-of-band management solution to see how it can improve scalability for your data center architecture.

Watch a demo