Western Telematic RSM-16DC, RSM-32DC Introduction, Intelligent Port Selection, Capture Buffer

1. Introduction

The RSM-8, RSM-16, RSM-16DC, RSM-32 and RSM-32DC Remote Site Managers provide in-band and out-of-band access to RS-232 console ports and maintenance ports on UNIX servers, routers and any other network element that includes a serial console port. System administrators can access the RSM via TCP/IP network, using SSH or Telnet, or out-of-band via modem or local terminal. The RSM features two separate command interfaces; a convenient, user-friendly web browser interface, and a simple, command driven text interface.

Intelligent Port Selection

Each of the RSM’s RS232 serial ports can be individually accessed by number, name or group via SSH or Telnet sessions. The RSM also allows direct connections using TCP port assignments. Each RSM serial port can be separately configured using simple menu driven commands to set the port password, data rate, flow control and other operating parameters.

The full matrix capability of the RSM allows you to easily connect any two ports on the switch, even when the ports are using different communications settings. Ports can also be connected or disconnected by a third party with supervisor rights, and system managers can swap various RS232 devices between ports at a remote location.

Security and Collocation Features

Secure Shell (SSHv2) encryption and address-specific IP security masks prevent unauthorized access to command and configuration functions. The RSM also provides two different levels of user security; the Supervisor level and the Non-Supervisor level. The Supervisor level, which is intended for use by system managers and other administrators, provides complete access to all RSM port connection / disconnection functions, operating features and configuration menus, and also allows access to any port on the switch. The Non-Supervisor level is ideal for collocation applications, since users are only permitted to view status and connect to the ports allowed by their password.

Capture Buffer

"Buffer Mode" allows individual ports to capture and store incoming data, such as error and status messages received from attached console ports. This "snapshot" of the last data received is stored in memory, and can be viewed, saved, or erased by the system operator at any time. Console messages can be stored in the RSM port buffers, and sent to a remote location via SYSLOG, or an SNMP message can be generated to alert administrators when new console messages are received.

1-1