terminal server to access (4) cisco 3560's

[FluorideInMyWater]

can you still use an old access server like a 2511 with old serial ports to access newer routers/switches through the console terminal? or is it just too old

[XVIga_Rob]

Should work fine

[lazyworm]

should be fine. But where do you get a 2511 that is still functional and reliable? Last job switched to MRV terminal servers and they have a tiny 4-port version. See: https://www.adva.com/en/products/net...ance/lx-series

[ugimports]

Last product I used was from Opengear: https://opengear.com/products/

They worked well and were pretty well priced.

[FluorideInMyWater]

i ended up finding a 2511 that has a NM-16A module that fits in the rear. it has 4 68-pin ports, and you use an octal cable to connect from 1 of the 4 ports, and the other end is 8 console cables.

[Fizz]

Just keep in mind relics like that are typically full of security holes, those devices should only be part of a management network that has otherwise encrypted and authenticated access.

Also, OoB management is good to have, most environments can get away without it. You should be able to handle all of your day to day management with in-band tools and the OOB for when things hit the fan.

[FluorideInMyWater]

should be fine. But where do you get a 2511 that is still functional and reliable? Last job switched to MRV terminal servers and they have a tiny 4-port version. See: https://www.adva.com/en/products/net...ance/lx-series

yes, there are quite a few on ebay. they put in the NM-16A adapters and then sell them from $120 to $300. crazyland!

the modules are about $75-$150.

[Robotron2k84]

[MrFancyPants]

If no V2/keys, dump it, anything else can be sniffed.

Yeah, but that's irrelevant if it's going to be used for internal OOB management only. I personally wouldn't even define a default gateway on the OOB network, layer 2 traffic only and you have to be directly connected to a switch port in the same network. OOB management is typically only used in emergencies anyway.

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[Robotron2k84]

If you are into router archeology, why not just get a 2621, which had enough RAM for SSHv2 and two Ethernet ports for connecting to a failover/clustered switch, plus the slot for the NM-32?

A 2511 really isn’t that much cheaper. 10 bucks?

[MrFancyPants]

I have a 2611 router which I got for free years ago from a school district I used to support. I don't have enough devices at home to need a dedicated terminal server, but if I was going to set one up, that's what I'd use. I also have 3 1841 routers which I bought for about $100 for the package to use to study for CCNP labs, but I haven't got around to that yet. Other than that I have no use for a Cisco router, their interfaces are too limiting on throughout. I have gigabit fiber at home and my network is behind a Cisco 5550 ASA, which is barely fast enough

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[MikeyMike_510]

How about launching a VM in Azure under a trial account and creating a VPN back to your lab network?

[MikeyMike_510]

Also have this deployed at most of our sites:

https://www.kvm-switches-online.com/serimux-s-16dp.html

Connected to OOB Cisco router using Verizon. Useful when WAN is down especially with sites where there are no IT staff present.