Recommendation for Access Server for a Network Rack?

JockVSJock

So I've got all of my Cisco routers/switches out of storage and gonna put them in a rack, where they belong.

As my last job, we had access servers, such as ones made by MRV Communications (see this example here), where I believe I had a physical connection via serial port to this and from there could get access to devices on the network.

So I'm understanding this correctly, this is a serial connection to the access server and from here, it is an RJ-45 connection to whatever network device, correct?

Also since this is what I worked with, this is the only access server that I'm familiar with. Was wondering if anyone else could make recommendations for products that they work with.

thanks

SteveO86

Yea, usually it's a RJ-45 cable to the console port.

For a home lab, you could browse for a Digi, Opengear or a plain olde Cisco module with the Octo-cables.

I got a good deal on the Cisco module, so I use that method.

JockVSJock

SteveO86 wrote: »

I got a good deal on the Cisco module, so I use that method.

Will that work on either Cisco switch/router or will that matter?

SteveO86

The network module works within a Cisco Router nm-32a or nm-16a.

santaowns

I used a digi cm32

gc8dc95

I have a Digi CM32 for sale, if interested. Just connects with regular straight-thru Cat5/6 cables.

atl_libra

+1 on the Digi Cm32. Has been pretty rock solid for me.

FloOz

DigiCM32 is what I use as well. +1

JockVSJock

SteveO86 wrote: »

The network module works within a Cisco Router nm-32a or nm-16a.

Thanks for the response.

Do these modules need to connect back to a device that controls them? Or from a laptop, what is acting as the access server?

keenon

that is a module you add to a router either 2800, 2600, 3600, 3800, 3700 or you could look at purchasing a 2511 or a 2509 depending on how many terminal connections required. From there it has a bunch of console cables you can connect to device consoles

https://www.google.com/search?q=cisco+access+server&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=50piU-DsOISf2QXl1IHwBw&sqi=2&ved=0CFcQsAQ&biw=1295&bih=771

JockVSJock

keenon wrote: »

that is a module you add to a router either 2800, 2600, 3600, 3800, 3700 or you could look at purchasing a 2511 or a 2509 depending on how many terminal connections required

Right, I understand it is a module. However I don't understand is how it managed?

It is some sort of plug-and-play? Or is there another piece that has to be installed to manage it so that I only need one connection to my laptop and then this octocable to connect to my three switches and two routers?