Comparing the Best Console Servers for Data Centers in 2023
Console servers are critical for data center infrastructure management and remote out-of-band (OOB) connectivity. At a minimum, your console server should give you remote access to and control over your data center devices. However, your enterprise needs more than just the minimum—you need a console server that delivers fast, reliable network access, robust security functionality, and support for infrastructure and network automation. This guide compares the best console servers for data centers in 2023, so you can choose the right solution for your environment.
Please note that over the years these terms have been used to refer to what we are now calling Console Servers:
1. Serial Console | 2. Serial Console Switch | 3. Serial Console Server | 4. Serial Console Router |
Key Takeaways
Disclaimer: This comparison was written by 3rd party in collaboration with ZPE Systems using data gathered from publicly available data sheets and admin guides, as of 3/31/2023. A dash (-) indicates that information was not publicly available or we were not able to find it. Please email us if you have corrections or edits, or want to review additional attributes: Matrix@zpesystems.com |
ZPE Nodegrid Serial Console Plus (NSCP) |
Perle IOLAN SCG LWM |
Opengear CM8100 |
Lantronix Uplogix LM83X |
Avocent ACS8000 |
Gen 3 out-of-band (OOB) connectivity with failover to 5G/4G/LTE, WiFi, and V.92 modem | OOB management with 4G LTE cellular, WiFi, or V.92 modem failover | “Smart” OOB with automatic port discovery | Three expansion bays for up to 104 managed serial ports | 4G cellular WAN, failover, and OOB |
Intel X86, 64-bit processor optimized for running VMs and automation tools | Embedded firewall with advanced security features | Gateway router capabilities like DHCP server and port forwarding | OOB management with 4G LTE, V.92 modem, fiber, DSL, or satellite | Environmental sensor port |
Hardened device security with features like TPM 2.0, encrypted solid-state disk, UEFI BIOS with protection, secure boot (signed OS), and geofencing | LLDP auto-discovery and ZTP automated provisioning | Embedded firewall with support for RADIUS, TACACS+, and Kerberos authentication | Comprehensive data logging and analysis | Fast port speeds |
Zero touch provisioning (ZTP) and auto-discovery with secure boot, hardware unlock, and boot sequences for quick deployments and configurations | Modular access interface cards | Open architecture with support for third-party automation and orchestration | Continuous performance monitoring of network traffic | Automated power management for major power strip manufacturers |
Flexible, 64-bit Nodegrid OS that’s optimized for integration with third-party automation and orchestration tools like Docker, Ansible, and Puppet | Uniquely supports over 100 power vendors’ equipment. | |||
Vendor-neutral platform lets you manage other vendor devices and consoles without learning their programming language |
Download and use this Access Code: “S22”
Comparing the best console servers for data centers in 2023 in alphabetical order
Let’s take an in-depth look at the hardware, features, and functionality of the best console servers for data centers in 2023.
Avocent ACS8000
The Avocent ACS8000, an advanced serial console server from Vertiv, comes in 8, 16, 32, and 48 serial ports RJ45 models with USB. For the ACS8000 series, Avocent added new features such as 4G LTE connectivity for WAN, OOB, and failover, as well as few environmental sensors to provide visibility into data center operating conditions.
The ACS8000’s internal hardware leaves little headroom to grow and is optimized for cost, with a dual-core ARM 766MHz CPU, and a max of 1GB RAM and 16GB flash storage. Its minimum port speeds are faster than average at 1200 bps. Security-wise, ACS8000 serial consoles lack an embedded firewall, advanced authentication features, and VPN functionality, though they do support FIPS 410-2 cryptography.
Avocent console servers come with an updated Linux OS and the proprietary DSViewTM software to help you manage and monitor your OOB solution. This includes console event logging and notifications, such as “dying gasp” alarms when systems unexpectedly lose power. However, though the ACS8000 supports ZTP for automation, due to its ARM CPU architecture it doesn’t integrate with Docker or VMs to run third-party orchestration solutions.
Avocent ACS8000 Pros:
- 4G LTE WAN, OOB, and failover support
- Environmental sensor port
- Faster than average minimum port speeds
Avocent ACS8000 Cons:
- CPU, RAM, and flash storage are under par
- Lacks embedded firewall and advanced security features
- No support for Docker or third-party orchestration
Avocent ACS8000 Technical Breakdown:
Notable Serial Console Features |
SSH direct to consoles Keystroke logging Telnet, SSH, or a serial terminal connection Alert on cable disconnects Multiple concurrent sessions Automatic device name discovery |
Hardware | |
CPU | Dual-core ARM® Cortex™-A9 MPCore™ with CoreSight™ |
Remote Out-of-Band Management | 4G/LTE (LTE category and speed unknown) |
Network Failover | 4G/LTE (LTE category and speed unknown) |
Software | |
Automation |
RESTful API Python |
Automation for End Devices |
Avocent Power Management Vertiv MPH2 Rack PDU Cyclades PM Intelligent PDU Avocent SPC power control devices Server Technology Sentry Power Tower Eaton Raritan APC |
Guest OS | No |
Vendor-Neutral Platform | No |
Power Management |
Supports major power strip manufacturers Power management integrated with serial session as well as the Vertiv GXT UPS |
Security | |
Hardware Security | Fast port speeds |
Zero Touch Provisioning | Yes |
Lantronix Uplogix LM83X
The Lantronix Uplogix LM83X console server comes with three expansion bays which make it capable of managing up to 104 devices over serial. It uses 4G LTE cellular, V.92 modem, fiber, DSL, or satellite for OOB and failover, providing a lot of flexibility for data centers in hard-to-reach areas. The LM83X comes with some built-in security features, including secure SSH tunnels, remote authentication (via LDAP, RADIUS, or TACACS+), and IP and caller ID filtering.
Since Lantronix purchased Uplogix, the LM83X can be managed using the Lantronix Control Center on-premises software, which includes comprehensive device monitoring capabilities such as monitoring for device CPU and memory utilization, interface status and statistics, and terminal session commands. Control Center also provides some automation and playbook capabilities using the Lantronix Rules engine for routine management, monitoring, and recovery workflows. However, it does not support any third-party network automation tools or custom scripts.
Additionally, while the LM83X has 256 GB of NVMe storage, its ARM CPU architecture prevents it from running VMs, Docker containers, and third-party automation and orchestration solutions. Another thing to keep in mind is that Uplogix was purchased by Lantronix, one of their biggest competitors, which makes the future of LM83X support and integration uncertain.
Lantronix Uplogix LM83X Pros:
- Three expansion bays to support up to 104 serial devices
- Flexible OOB and failover options
- Robust device monitoring tools
Lantronix Uplogix LM83X Cons:
- No support for third-party automation or orchestration
- Can’t run Guest OSes or third-party apps
- Future of support is uncertain
Lantronix Uplogix LM83X Technical Breakdown:
Notable Serial Console Features |
SSH direct to consoles Keystroke logging |
Hardware | |
CPU | 1.2 GHz Quad Core ARM® Cortex™-A72 64bit |
Remote Out-of-Band Management |
4G/LTE (LTE category and speed unknown) Ethernet V.92 modem |
Network Failover |
4G/LTE (LTE category and speed unknown) Ethernet V.92 modem |
Software | |
Automation | Lantronix rules engine |
Automation for End Devices | Lantronix rules engine |
Guest OS | – |
Vendor-Neutral Platform | – |
Power Management | Monitors power utilization and control power to remotely restart a managed device |
Security | |
Hardware Security |
SSH encryption Granular access control |
Zero Touch Provisioning | Yes |
Opengear CM8100
The Opengear CM8100 line of Smart OOB™ console servers comes with 16, 32, 48, or 96* RJ45 serial ports and dual USB 2.0 console ports for a maximum of 98 managed devices. Their “smart” OOB solution is so named because it includes automatic port discovery and VLAN support. None of the CM8100 models support cellular access, so OOB and failover is provided via dual LAN ports or dual LAN/SFP ports.
Note *: 96-port model is a 2RU (two rack unit) serial console server
The CM8100 offers some security features such as IPsec & OpenVPN, SSL tunnels, and Secure Shell (SSHv2), as well as advanced authentication via TACACS+, Kerberos, RADIUS, and more. In addition, the CM8100 provides some gateway router features like DDNS, DHCP server, and stateful firewall with IP filtering and port forwarding. However, it does not support 2FA, SAML 2.0 (via providers like Okta, Duo, or PingID), or multi-site IPsec VPN.
The CM8100 uses ZTP and RESTful APIs for automation, and the embedded Linux operating system is programmable and extensible with third-party integrations. In addition, their Lighthouse management software can be upgraded to the enterprise edition, which supports Docker containers and Python scripts.
Opengear CM8100 Pros:
- Automatic port discovery
- Gateway router features
- Extensible OS
- Automation support via ZTP and Lighthouse Enterprise software
Opengear CM8100 Cons:
- No cellular access
- No support for 2FA or SAML 2.0
Opengear CM8100 Technical Breakdown:
Notable Serial Console Features |
SSH direct to consoles Keystroke logging Multiple concurrent sessions Automatic device name discovery |
Hardware | |
CPU | 1.6 GHz Dual-Core ARM Cortex-A9 SoC |
Remote Out-of-Band Management | Dual Ethernet |
Network Failover | Dual Ethernet |
Software | |
Automation |
Opengear NetOps modules API access Docker support Python Perl and bash support ZTp SNMP-Standard MIBs |
Automation for End Devices | – |
Guest OS | Docker support |
Vendor-Neutral Platform | – |
Power Management |
Control PDU outlets via serial, USB, and Ethernet Uniquely supports over 100 power vendors’ equipment |
Security | |
Hardware Security |
TPM 2.0 Embedded firewall |
Zero Touch Provisioning | Yes |
Perle IOLAN SCG LWM
The Perle IOLAN SCG LWM console server is a robust solution that improves upon older models with on-board 2.4 and 5 GHz WiFi, integrated RJ11 V.92 modem failover, and built-in 4G LTE failover. The SCG LWM model has a modular design that supports any “mix-and-match” combination of 16 serial RJ45 or USB 3.0 interface cards up to 48 total ports.
Perle IOLAN console servers come with embedded firewall and security features such as two-factor authentication (2FA), remote RADIUS, TACACS+, and LDAP authentication, and both IPsec VPN and OpenVPN. However, the SCG LWM’s internal CPU, RAM, and flash storage are the least impressive on our list.
In addition, the Perle IOLAN SCG LWM supports zero touch provisioning, but does not integrate with third-party automation or orchestration solutions. On the plus side, it does come with device auto-discovery via LLDP (Link Layer Discovery Protocol), as well as a lifetime limited warranty.
Perle IOLAN SCG LWM Pros:
- On-board WiFi, dial-up, and 4G LTE failover
- Comprehensive firewall and security features
- ZTP and LLDP auto-discovery for some automation support
- Modular mix-and-match interface cards
Perle IOLAN SCG LWM Cons:
- Very limited CPU, RAM, and flash storage
- No third-party integrations with Docker, orchestration, etc.
Perle IOLAN SCG LWM Technical Breakdown:
Notable Serial Console Features | LLDP auto-discovery |
Hardware | |
CPU | 500 MHz core 32-bit ARM processor, with integrated hardware encryption processor |
Remote Out-of-Band Management |
4G/LTE (LTE category and speed unknown) WiFi V.92 modem |
Network Failover |
4G/LTE (LTE category and speed unknown) WiFi V.92 modem |
Software | |
Automation | No support |
Automation for End Devices | – |
Guest OS | – |
Vendor-Neutral Platform | – |
Power Management | Manage AC power of external equipment using Perle RPS power management products |
Security | |
Hardware Security | Embedded firewall with advanced security features |
Zero Touch Provisioning | Yes |
ZPE Nodegrid Serial Console Plus (NSCP)
The Nodegrid Serial Console (NSC) family of console servers helps consolidate and streamline your data center management by providing up to 96 serial RJ45 ports in a 1U form factor device. ZPE holds the patent for 96 port serial consoles in patent (Patent No. 9,905,980). The Nodegrid Serial Console Plus (NSCP) comes with built-in 4G/5G LTE and WiFi for failover and OOB access, as well as device auto-discovery via network scan and custom probes.
The NSCP really shines when it comes to security and automation and hosting apps and VMs. It is built with CPU and memory headroom and boasts on-board hardware security features like BIOS protection, TPM 2.0, UEFI Secure Boot, and geofencing. Plus, the embedded firewall offers advanced features like selectable cryptographic protocols and cypher suite levels, multi-site IPsec VPN, AD/LDAP, RADIUS, TACACS+, and Kerberos authentication, as well as 2FA and SAML 2.0.
Another major benefit of the NSCP serial switch is that it runs on the open, Linux-based Nodegrid OS with full support for NetOps automation solutions like Ansible, Chef, Docker, and Puppet. Because ZPE hardware uses Intel X86 CPUs, it can natively run VM and Docker applications that run on Linux OS. In addition, you can monitor and administer your Nodegrid appliances with ZPE Cloud, a vendor-neutral, web-based infrastructure management solution. ZPE Cloud consolidates all your data center and cloud appliances behind one pane of glass for efficient management, automation, and orchestration.
ZPE Nodegrid Serial Console Plus Pros:
- Up to 96 managed serial RJ45 ports in a 1U form factor appliance
- Fast and powerful OOB access with built-in 4G/5G LTE and WiFi
- Auto-discovery via network scan and custom probes
- Comprehensive security including 2FA and SAML 2.0
- Supports ZTP and easy integrations with NetOps orchestration tools
- Vendor-neutral centralized management and orchestration platform
- Intel X86 CPU with large memory for 3rd party Docker and VM applications.
Nodegrid Serial Console Plus Cons:
- USB ports limited on 96 port version
ZPE Nodegrid Serial Console Plus Technical Breakdown:
Notable Serial Console Features |
SSH direct to consoles Keystroke logging Logging to ZPE Cloud, NFS, Local Alert on cable disconnects Text pattern match with scriptable actions Multiple concurrent sessions Automatic device name discovery Session sharing for collaboration IP address per serial port Secure session logout enforcement Power control hotkey on serial port Configurable icon per serial port |
Hardware | |
CPU | Intel X86, 64-bit processor optimized for running VMs and automation tools |
Remote Out-of-Band Management |
5G/4G/LTE (LTE CAT 20 with worldwide coverage in 32 bands & 5G NR Sub-6 in 19 bands) V.92 modem WiFi |
Network Failover |
5G/4G/LTE V.92 modem Optional external USB cellular dongle |
5G features |
Models with 5G NR Sub-6 GHz embedded module delivers up to 4.5Gbps downlink speed and 660Mbps uplink speed. With automatic 4G and 3G fallback networks and integrated GNSS receiver (GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou, and Galileo satellite systems supported) Global support: yes Frequency bands: 4G: Cat-20 Frequency Bands: B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, B7, B8, B12, B13, B14, B18, B19, B20, B21, B25, B26, B28, B29, B30, B32, B34, B38, B39, B40, B41, B42, B43, B46, B48, B66, B71 |
Network Failover |
5G/4G/LTE V.92 modem Optional external USB cellular dongle |
Software | |
Automation |
ZPE Cloud Chef Docker KVM Hypervisor Puppet Python Red Hat Ansible Ruby Shell Script Node.js Javascript StackStorm |
Automation for End Devices |
ZPE Cloud Chef Docker KVM Hypervisor Puppet Python Red Hat Ansible Ruby ShellScript Node.js Javascript |
Guest OS |
VMs Docker Kubernetes LXC |
Vendor-Neutral Platform | Manage other vendor devices and consoles without learning their programming languages |
Power Management |
Supports major power strip manufacturers Power management integrated with serial session Escape sequence in serial session or power buttons in web serial session Power control of VMs Access rights for users and user groups |
Security | |
Hardware Security |
TPM 2.0 Encrypted solid-state disk UEFI BIOS with protection Secure boot with signed OS Geofencing |
Zero Touch Provisioning | Secure ZTP with auto-discovery, secure boot, hardware unlock, and boot sequence. |
Overall, each of these console servers will deliver remote out-of-band management, automatic zero touch provisioning, and some security features. However, only the Opengear CM8100 and Nodegrid Serial Console Plus offer true network infrastructure automation and orchestration capabilities via open OS architectures that allow for third-party integrations. And only Nodegrid secures NetOps automation with robust on-board hardware security protection and a full suite of firewall, encryption, and authentication features including 2FA and SAML.
Deploy the best console server in your data centers in 2023
When you compare the technology, security, and features of the best console servers, there’s one that stands out above the rest: the Nodegrid Serial Console Plus. Only the NSCP gives you cellular remote OOB connectivity to 96 devices in a single 1U console server. Plus, Nodegrid delivers the best of the best security features and functionality, along with full automation and orchestration support via third-party integrations or the ZPE Cloud infrastructure management solution.