Remote console query addendum

[jack at coats.org (Jack Coats)]

I have used terminal concentrators before, but with Linux boxes, think of
putting in one more just to be a terminal concentrator, with a
multi-serial card to be the serial consoles for the machines.  As hokey as
it sounds, you could use either a relay bank to turn power off or on, or
use programmable UPSes to do that (APC has some toys that do this), or
look at X10.com and get a bunch of 3-wire appliance modules and control it
via software.

If you do a linux machine as a remote console server, I suggest put a
telephone line and modem onto it alone, as well as it's ethernet to use as
incoming.  Only allow SSH over the ethernet to come in, and make the modem
do a callback to the central center in case you have to use that as a
console for the console server if things go worng ;)

I have a need to build this for a new datacenter at my current company
too.

... Just some rambling thoughts. .. Let us know what you do.


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