Opengear CM7116-2-DAC-UK Terminal Server

The Opengear CM7116-2-DAC-UK Terminal Server is a purpose-built console server designed to simplify and secure out-of-band management for networks, servers, and power infrastructure across data centers and remote sites. Built for reliability in mission-critical environments, this device ensures IT teams have secure, persistent access to their equipment even when the primary network is down or unreachable. By consolidating serial console access, power control, and intelligent OOB (out-of-band) management behind a hardened, enterprise-grade platform, the CM7116-2-DAC-UK delivers a resilient foundation for managing sprawling infrastructure from a single, centralized location.

With Smart OOB technology at its core, this terminal server offers automated failover, secure remote access, and robust authentication options to minimize downtime and speed up incident response. IT teams can reach devices at the rack, remote office, or data center floor via secure channels, perform configuration changes, monitor health, and power-cycle equipment without on-site visits. The CM7116-2-DAC-UK is designed to integrate seamlessly into existing management workflows, supporting scalable deployments from a handful of devices to large-scale environments requiring centralized control and auditing.

Designed for environments where uptime and security are non-negotiable, the CM7116-2-DAC-UK provides a flexible management surface that supports traditional serial consoles as well as modern digital management interfaces. Its architecture enables granular access controls, role-based permissions, and audit-ready activity logs that help organizations meet regulatory requirements while maintaining strong security postures. Whether you’re operator on a remote site, a data center administrator, or part of a global IT operations team, this terminal server empowers you to diagnose, remediate, and restore services quickly and with confidence.

Beyond its console capabilities, the CM7116-2-DAC-UK offers reliable power management integration, environmental sensing, and secure remote troubleshooting. The device supports remote power cycling and controlled reboot sequences, allowing technicians to resolve boot issues without physically accessing the equipment. The flexible management interfaces provide a clear separation of duties and network paths, ensuring that management traffic remains isolated and protected from untrusted networks while still offering rapid, hands-on control when needed. This makes it an ideal choice for organizations seeking a scalable, secure, and easy-to-manage solution for out-of-band administration across distributed IT assets.

• Up to 16 serial console ports with centralized, secure access for multi-device management
• Smart OOB with automated failover, persistent connectivity, and secure remote access
• Dual network interfaces for management and out-of-band connectivity, enabling network segmentation and redundancy
• Robust security suite including SSH, TLS encryption, and role-based access controls for auditable administration
• Integrated remote power management and environmental monitoring to streamline on-site remediation and uptime

Technical Details of Opengear CM7116-2-DAC-UK

• Model: CM7116-2-DAC-UK
• Product type: Terminal Server / Console Server with Smart OOB
• Form factor: 1U rack-mount appliance designed for data centers and remote sites
• Serial ports: Up to 16 console ports for centralized device access
• Network interfaces: Dual management/out-of-band networking paths for redundancy and security
• Management interfaces: Web UI, CLI, and REST API support for flexible administration
• Security features: SSH, TLS encryption, and role-based access controls to safeguard access
• Power options: Integrated power management capabilities with remote control and reboot sequencing
• Environmental and monitoring capabilities: Built-in sensors and alerting to assist proactive maintenance
• Compatibility: Designed to integrate with existing Opengear ecosystems and standard data-center equipment

How to install Opengear CM7116-2-DAC-UK

Installing the CM7116-2-DAC-UK begins with a straightforward rack-mount setup in a standard 19-inch rack. Secure the unit to the rack rails using the supplied hardware, ensuring it sits in a well-ventilated area with adequate clearance for cable management and cooling. Once the chassis is mounted, connect the device to your management network and the out-of-band (or auxiliary) network as appropriate for your topology. It’s recommended to configure a dedicated management VLAN and secure access policies before linking critical devices to the console server.

Power the unit and perform the initial configuration through the device’s web-based UI or CLI. Begin by setting strong administrator credentials and enabling essential security features such as SSH keys, TLS certificates, and RBAC roles. Import or create user accounts with distinct permissions to enforce separation of duties and support auditing. Next, add the serial devices you want to monitor and manage. This can include servers, network gear, and PDUs that expose their console interfaces via RS-232 or similar serial connections. Organize devices into groups or locations to simplify management as your environment scales.

Configure network paths for primary management traffic and out-of-band access. You may choose to enable VPN connections, VPN-over-SSL, or direct, encrypted management sessions based on your security policy. Establish failover rules and health checks so that the console server can automatically reconnect to devices or switch to alternate paths if a link fails. Calibrate time synchronization with an NTP server to ensure accurate logs and audit trails. Finally, test remote access by attempting console sessions from an administrative workstation and verifying that commands, configuration changes, and reboot sequences propagate correctly to connected devices.

For ongoing operations, set up alerting and logging to receive proactive notifications about device health, failed login attempts, and abnormal behavior. Schedule routine backups of the Opengear configuration to your central repository or IT service management platform to protect against misconfigurations or accidental changes. Regularly review access logs and tighten permissions as your asset inventory expands. By following these steps, IT teams can achieve a reliable, scalable, and secure out-of-band management solution that reduces on-site visits and accelerates incident response.

Frequently asked questions

• Q: What is out-of-band management and why do I need a console server like the CM7116-2-DAC-UK?

  A: Out-of-band management provides secure, remote access to network devices, servers, and power infrastructure even when the primary network is unavailable. A console server centralizes this access, enabling rapid remediation, reducing travel, and improving uptime by allowing technicians to diagnose boot issues, reconfigure devices, and power-cycle equipment without physical presence.

• Q: How does Smart OOB enhance reliability?

  A: Smart OOB automates failover and persistent connectivity to target devices. It ensures there is always a management path to critical equipment, even in the event of network failures, power interruptions, or device outages, which translates to faster recovery and less downtime.

• Q: Is the CM7116-2-DAC-UK suitable for large-scale deployments?

  A: Yes. With up to 16 serial ports and scalable management interfaces, the CM7116-2-DAC-UK is designed to grow with your infrastructure, supporting centralized administration across multiple data centers and remote sites while maintaining security and auditability.

• Q: What security features should I expect?

  A: The device provides SSH and TLS for encrypted communication, role-based access control, and centralized authentication mechanisms to ensure only authorized personnel can access critical equipment.

• Q: How do I update firmware and configurations?

  A: Firmware and configuration updates are typically managed through the device’s web UI or CLI, with options for automated backups, version control, and rollback in case of issues during upgrades.