A terminal server is a device that provides consolidated remote management access to routers, switches, and other network infrastructure in data centers. There are numerous reasons to consider replacing an existing terminal server solution. Many of these devices are old and unpatched, leaving them vulnerable to exploits. Older solutions may not integrate well with newer hardware and software or lack the ability to unify management for all deployed terminal servers across a distributed enterprise network, creating a lot of management complexity and potential human error.

On the other hand, some newer terminal server solutions (also known as serial consoles or console servers) include advanced features or beefed-up hardware that increase both costs and complexity. It’s important to find the right balance between security, functionality, and ease-of-use for your particular use case. This guide compares five terminal server alternatives that are optimized for simple break/fix deployments, giving teams reliable remote management access without unnecessary complications.

Key takeaways

Comparing terminal server alternatives for break/fix use cases

Read our in-depth reviews of the best terminal server alternatives below, or click here to compare tech specs.

ZPE Nodegrid NSCP-Core Edition

The Nodegrid Serial Console Core Edition (NSCP-CE) from ZPE Systems provides out-of-band (OOB) serial console management for up to 48 devices. It’s vendor-neutral, which means it can extend OOB control and zero-touch provisioning (ZTP) to legacy and mixed-vendor infrastructure. It has dual SFP+ and dual Ethernet ports as well as 5G/4G LTE, Wi-Fi, and analog modem options for both network failover and OOB management.

Nodegrid’s management software is available either on-premises or in the cloud so you can choose the best option for your use case. ZPE frequently patches the NSCP-CE’s software, firmware, and modern, Linux-based operating system to prevent known exploits. Plus, the device itself comes backed with security features like BIOS protection, UEFI Secure Boot, self-encrypted disk (SED), Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0, and multi-site VPN using IPSec, WireGuard, and OpenSSL protocols.

The NSCP-CE’s vendor-neutral architecture integrates with third-party 2FA and SAML 2.0 authentication providers as well as other software for security, automation, and troubleshooting. It also supports a wide range of USB environmental monitoring sensors to help remote teams control conditions in the data center.

Pros:

• Up to 48 managed serial ports in a 1U appliance
• Extends OOB management and ZTP to legacy and mixed-vendor infrastructure
• Analog modem and 5G/4G LTE options available
• Robust on-board security features like BIOS protection and TPM
• Integrates with third-party software
• Supports a wide range of USB environmental monitoring sensors

Cons:

•  Supports automation only via ZPE Cloud

Opengear CM8100

The Opengear CM8100 console server provides remote terminal server management for up to 48 devices in a 1U form-factor, or up to 96 devices in a 2U form-factor. It comes with dual ETH ports or dual switchable ETH/SFP ports for in-band, out-of-band, and failover, without any alternative network interfaces like cellular or analog modem. It supports some automation, such as ZTP and Python scripts, but only with an upgraded version of the Opengear Lighthouse management software.

The CM8100 includes some advanced security features like IPsec & OpenVPN, SSL tunnels, and Secure Shell (SSHv2) as well as a stateful firewall with IP filtering and port forwarding. While its embedded Linux operating system is programmable and extensible with third-party integrations, it does not support 2FA, SAML 2.0, or multi-site IPsec VPN.

Pros:

• 2U model can manage up to 96 devices
• Extensible operating system
• Automatic port discovery

Cons:

• No cellular, Wi-Fi, or analog modem
• Doesn’t support 2FA or SAML 2.0 security
• Most automation requires Lighthouse Enterprise software upgrade

WTI DSM Series

The WTI DSM series provides out-of-band terminal server management for up to 50 devices. It comes with options for single or dual Ethernet interfaces as well as an optional analog modem or cellular interface. The WTI centralized management software integrates with some third-party software like PRTG and Splunk, and it provides ZTP and RESTful API support for automation. However, only a small handful of providers are supported, and the device’s OS is not extensible.

DSM console servers come with robust security features including advanced authentication, port-specific password protection, and invalid access lockout and alarm. It also integrates with Duo, RSA, Okta, and Azure for 2FA. It lacks an embedded firewall, however, as well as an environmental sensor port.

Pros:

• Can manage up to 50 devices
• Optional analog modem or 4G cellular
• Integrates with select third-party vendors

Cons:

• OS is not extensible
• Lacks an embedded firewall
• No environmental sensor ports

Vertiv Avocent ACS8000

The Vertiv Avocent ACS800 can manage up to 48 devices over RS-232 serial and up to 8 devices over USB for a total of 56 managed ports. In addition to dual Ethernet and dual SFP ports, you can add 4G LTE connectivity for WAN, OOB, and failover. The on-premises DSView management software provides ZTP as well as event logging and notifications, but it doesn’t support any third-party integrations.

The ACS8000 doesn’t support 2FA, SAML 2.0, or advanced authentication features, though it does support FIPS 410-2 cryptography. It also lacks an embedded firewall and VPN functionality. It does, however, have an environmental sensor port.

Pros:

• Includes 8 managed USB ports for 56 total serial connections
• 4G LTE WAN, OOB, and failover support
• Environmental sensor port

Cons:

• Doesn’t support any third-party integrations
• Lacks advanced authentication features
• No embedded firewall or VPN

Perle IOLAN SDSC

The Perle IOLAN SDSC is a simple break/fix terminal server that can manage up to 32 devices. It has dual Ethernet ports for WAN and failover, but OOB is only available via the included analog modem, so it’ll be a much slower experience for remote administrators. Perle’s management software provides ZTP but does not offer any automation capabilities or integrate with any third-party solutions. Additionally, the SDSC’s barebones CPU, RAM, and storage hardware may make the software itself slow and frustrating to use, even over the in-band Ethernet connection.

The IOLAN SDSC comes with an embedded firewall and advanced security features like 2FA, IPsec VPN/OpenVPN, and remote RADIUS, TACACS+, and LDAP authentication.

Pros:

• Simple, easy-to-manage solution
• Includes an analog modem for OOB
• Robust security features

Cons:

• OOB is only available over an analog connection
• Doesn’t integrate with any third-party software
• Barebones internal hardware can’t support modern software

Tech Specs: Terminal server alternatives for break/fix use cases

Experience the convenience of a vendor-neutral management platform

The Nodegrid Serial Console Core Edition is a vendor-neutral terminal server alternative that strikes the perfect balance between simplicity, functionality, and security. With flexible OOB and networking options, extensible cloud-based software, and industry-leading security features, Nodegrid can streamline and protect any environment.

Schedule a demo to see the Nodegrid terminal server alternative in action.