Getting Started with Nodegrid Serial Console Plus

About this Document

This document explains how to deploy a Nodegrid Serial Console Plus device offering access to managed devices such as switches, servers, IP-based Rack PDU connections, and so on.

Introduction

The Nodegrid Serial Console Plus is a third-generation out-of-band (OOB) solution for data center and co-location provider deployments. It functions as a local Out-Of-Band-Infrastructure Local Area Network (OOBI-LAN) device, providing a dedicated network for management traffic. It enables console access to connected devices such as Rack PDUs or sensors by using RS-232, Ethernet, or USB interfaces. Additionally, the Nodegrid Serial Console Plus offers connectivity through PSTN, 4G, or 5G modems, ensuring continuous operation even if the local data connection is unavailable, thus enhancing the resilience of the out-of-band solution.

Out of Band Connection

 

The above illustration depicts the isolated network management infrastructure (IMI). In the IMI deployment, the production infrastructure is isolated from the management control plane infrastructure. Instead of directly connecting to the production infrastructure, users can connect the managed devices through the isolated management infrastructure through the out-of-band connection. This gives users secure access to the production infrastructure. With this, the production devices can be accessed via the serial console or USB of the Nodegrid device. The benefit of this is the configuration and software changes can be reverted without affecting the target devices running in the production environment.

Network Connectivity

Nodegrid Serial Console Plus device can be shipped in two default configurations, which define different layouts for network access.  

• Out-of-Band profile: This profile is designed for internal deployments, with no default protection on any of the predefined network interfaces. This is the default configuration.  
• Gateway profile:  This profile differentiates clearly between WAN and LAN interfaces and provides base security for all WAN interfaces. 

Both profiles provide a default out-of-the-box that can be fully customized and adapted to customer needs. Users can connect locally for the first time to the Nodegrid Serial Console Plus device and identify the default profile that is active on the appliance. It is shipped by default with the Out-of-Band profile unless it was specifically ordered with the Gateway profile. The default profile can be changed at any time. For more details see, the section System Profile.

Out of Band Profile

In this profile, the ETH0 interface is a management port and a LAN port. Administrators access the device through this interface. The device can use this interface for internet connectivity through an existing router or firewall.

Dual SFP+ and dual Ethernet ports provide a dedicated out-of-band network for management interfaces from firewalls, routers, switches, Rack PDUs, UPS, and more.  The Nodegrid Serial Console Plus offers optional modems for PSTN, 4G, or 5G connectivity, ensuring continuous operation even if the local data connection is unavailable, thus enhancing the resilience of the out-of-band solution.

Deployment of Nodegrid Serial Console Plus Device

The following steps outline the deployment process of the Nodegrid device in a data center environment: 

1. Unbox Nodegrid Serial Console Plus
2. First access to Nodegrid Serial Console Plus
3. Set up your Nodegrid Serial Console Plus Basic Settings
4. Access and Manage Target Devices

Prerequisites

To perform the deployment outlined in this document, you will require the following:

• Nodegrid Serial Console Plus device
• At least one target device with a console management port
• Category 5e or higher RJ-45 Ethernet cables for connecting network devices
• Category 5e or higher RJ-45 Ethernet cables for console connection