Console management is the process by which individuals in the IT or related field use hardware and software components to manage machines connected to a network. The practice, also known as in band management, is mainly prevalent in large scale business operations or similar environments where access to multiple, in some cases thousands of computes, needs to be accomplished from a single physical location. The average person may have a hard time understanding exactly why this is so important and some examples and an explanation may help shed light on the subject.
This type of access to a network or simply a bunch of computers and devices connected together is needed to perform vital business functions on the tools (computers) that a corporation uses everyday to operate. This is commonly done with hardware called a console server, serial switch, console serial switch or some variation of the words. This device is shaped like a VCR or DVD player and provides numerous serial ports for different machines and other devices like routers or modems to be plugged in. Once devices are plugged into the console, they can then be accessed by a network administrator to perform routine maintenance, troubleshoot problems, update firmware or install software among a variety of other capabilities.
Console management or in band management comes into play when IT professionals need to gain access to network computers. With the proper devices in place, users can log onto any computer or device plugged into the network. They can run repair utilities, manipulate BIOS settings or bypass BIOS passwords, boot from a different source, and otherwise gain full access to other computers on the network. Even if a computer is network unreachable, users can still gain access to perform limited service tasks, a practice known as out of band management or lights out management. This practice is often used after hours in places like call centers or administrative computers to update firmware or system software and security features.
Customer, employee and company data is frequently stored off site at server farms that are controlled by the company. Farms like these can be located virtually anywhere in the world and network administrators can access them using console servers to manipulate, download or upload data. These devices are crucial for companies that provide information storage on remote servers such as for accounting or tax preparation firms who want to store their respective client data on the company’s servers.
Now use of these devices and their purpose should be a little clearer for the average consumer. Corporations run large computer networks that facilitate the operation of customer service centers, payment centers, sales floors, and other customer record management divisions of a company. Console management is essential to the continuous, effective and efficient operation of such arms of business.
