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This document positions the Cyclades-TS2000 against other
Console Port Management products in the market. The TS2000
is unique because it combines features from traditional console
management products with the connectivity and security of
terminal servers and flexibility of server-based solutions.
Looking at existing products, we can identify three distinct
categories:
Console Port Management is not a new application. Besides
using outdated technology and being expensive, traditional
console access products have not been able to follow the changes
required by the increase in size of the server farms and the
need for Internet connectivity. They focus on hardware rather
than software-based scalability and modularity and present
poor connectivity and security features.
The Lightwave ConsoleServer 3200 and Apex Viewpoint are good
examples of traditional console access products.
Terminal Servers were used to connect serial terminals to
Unix Systems. Some of those products have incorporated software
features to adapt to the Console Access function. They usually
come with strong Internet connectivity and security functions,
but lack specific console features (convenient cabling, high
port density, visual indication of the status of the ports,
etc.).
Examples of good terminal servers that are also used as console
access servers are the Computone RAS2000, Lucent Portmaster
2, Lantronix, Xyplex, Cisco 2511, and Cyclades-PR3000.
With the availability of PC hardware and open source OSes
such as Linux and FreeBSD, building a terminal server by installing
a multi-port serial board in a PC becomes a viable proposition
for some users. These solutions are weak in port density and
integration, but present potential advantages in scalability
and flexibility to accommodate specific needs.
Cyclades offers multi-port serial boards such as the Cyclades-Z,
which are frequently used for this purpose.
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