Access Servers, is Cisco the best?

Hello all,

I'm wanting to get an access server for my lab (10 devices) and curious if I should go for an AS2511-RJ or an aftermarket "Port Server"? I've been looking around and most people have the price of the Cisco gear jacked up due to demand. I've been looking at alternatives such as the Perle IOLAN series.

Does anyone have a third-party access server and what have been your experiences thus far?

Thanx

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Comments

kalebksp

I ran out of ports on my 2511 and bought a Cyclades TS3000 off eBay for 100 bucks. I like it much better because it's silent and I can make the cables to the required length.

lordy

I have a MRV LX-8000 which is pretty cool. It has telnet, ssh and web access with user management.

MAC_Addy

I just got my Lantronix SCS1620 off ebay for $25. Although it was advertised as parts or not working. It took a bit of learning to get it up and running again.

I had to re-image the flash via ubuntu (which I am not a linux person at all).

It's working fine now, just gotta take it home and install it in the rack.

nerdydad

I have an opengear, similar model to the one that is used in the packetlife.net lab. I had a Cisco, and was happy with it, but I ran out of ports, now I have 48, so that should never be a problem. I also love the ability to get into my gear through a website, lets me lab behind the firewall at work.

SteveThing

In other words, money is better spent on third party specialization. Thank you for the insight. Not sure which way I will go yet, but prices are extremely varied for similar features.

Quesiton is, how much money should I expect to shell out?

CbrandonB

kalebksp wrote: »

I ran out of ports on my 2511 and bought a Cyclades TS3000 off eBay for 100 bucks. I like it much better because it's silent and I can make the cables to the required length.

How did you make your cables so that it would work with a Cisco console port?

My TS3000 is coming in today.

And, Steve, I picked it up for $90 shipped, FWIW. I've also seen TS2000s for about $50 shipped or so.

Brandon