Web Hosting Talk : Web Hosting Main Forums : Hosting Security and Technology : Best way to use serial console on server?

[server prodigy]

I recently purchased a used Dell Poweredge server (SC1425) which has IPMI and some kind of baseboard mgt interface built in.

I'd like to be able to use the serial console to redirect the console to my Mac desktop but I'm reading about the Dell needing a DRAC card add on and all this other noise. I don't have the open manage software though I understand it's available for download free. The server manuals really don't have an answer either.

What would be the cheapest and easiest way to do this? Do I just need to set up the options in the server BIOS and load some software on my Mac or in a Linux or Windows VM on the Mac?

[helpyoulinux]

I don't think this is very easy, as mac books doesn't come with a serial interface.

only option i can think of is,

get a null modem serial cable and find a way to connect it to mac book through usb (You can try a usb to serial adapter) and use any terminal emulation program.


Sham

[server prodigy]

I picked up a console server (serial to LAN w/ embedded Linux, SSH, etc) on ebay for 20 bucks. (Retail on this thing is 300). The seller has a second one which I'm also going to buy - this thing is really small and can mount on the back of a rackmount server without being in the way - should be nice to have when I colo these servers down the road.

[helpyoulinux]

I hope, with console server, you will be directly connecting your serial console to console server . am i right ?.

There won't be any mac/pc involved. am i correct ?

Sham