[NTLUG:Discuss] linux console

[Chris Cox]

fredjame wrote:
> Intel box running Red Hat Linux 7.x, running as DNS server.
> The desire is to connect this box via the serial port to a console 
> switch to share keyboard and monitor with other devices, and remove the 
> VGA monitor.
> If anyone can offer advice or point us toward documentation, it would be 
> most appreciated.
> 

Most will offer up KVM solutions for this.  There are some
KVM over IP solutions now out there... and I think at least
two vendors may support Linux.  A plain ole KVM may also
be just what you need if distance/size/flexibility are
not required.

One of those vendors may be Cyclades (I know they have one
in the works even if not available yet).

Also, I do like Cyclades in the datacenter (overkill for
a home or small user perhaps)
for serial terminal services over IP... you basically
SSH into the terminal server and attach to the serial
line (they have versions which can handle upwards of 48
serial lines... and they can be clustered so multiple
units look like one LARGE unit).  Probably not what you
are looking for at this will only give you a serial
terminal interface... but just thought I'd offer this
as an alternative.  I prefer this solution in the
server arena for a couple of reasons:

1. KVM cables are large and heavy (take up valuable
    cable real estate in the datacenter).

2. KVM cables can't be run long distances.

3. KVMs aren't exactly 'Keep It Simple Stupid' style
    solutions.

4. More flexibility.  Terminal servers can have a
    modem connection (for instance).  This will allow
    you to get to your equipment using a callback
    modem (for instance) when the network infrastruture
    is down.  Thus you can troubleshoot your routers,
    switches and Linux hosts remotely regardless of
    network state.