Lantronix has deployed out-of-band solutions around the world, from the most secure data centers and Fortune 100 offices to oilfields and battlefields. You could say we’ve deployed everywhere. Not quite.

With the launch of the Lantronix LM4 console server, we’re opening new territory for out-of-band management: the IDF, or Intermediate Distribution Frame. These are the networking closets and cabinets distributed around a site that house switches that connect the last link of a network—to wireless access points, desk IP phones, and Ethernet connections in the wall.

Going beyond the MDF

In a typical building, the Main Distribution Frame or MDF is where “the internet” comes into the building. For redundancy, there are often multiple providers and racks with the routers, firewalls, and switches that provide the network for the building. This is where out-of-band management is often deployed.

From the MDF, Intermediate Distribution Frames, or IDFs fan out across the building. Often connected by fiber, IDFs hold the switches that provide network connections to distributed wireless access points, desk phones, and Ethernet connections. This is one target for the LM4. Sized and priced small, the LM4 can be the last link to truly bring the power of out-of-band everywhere in the network.

The average building may have miles of Ethernet and fiber optic cables connected to routers, switches, firewalls, and other network infrastructure in the MDF (Main Distribution Frame). This is where most would say “the internet” connects into the building from one or more ISPs (Internet Service Providers). These rooms are where out-of-band management is typically deployed to provide remote access and automation of core network infrastructure like routers, switches, firewalls and more.

From the MDF, fiber or Ethernet connections fan out across the building to multiple IDFs designed to reduced cable lengths and ensure efficient distribution of networking services. Switches in the IDF in the past were often considered too numerous and expensive for out-of-band management.  Until now.

Big functionality, small size & price

The Lantronix LM4 is the first console server designed and priced specifically for the IDF and small network deployments. With up to four ports of RJ-45 serial console connections for device management, the LM4 runs the powerful LMOS software to bring the most advanced OOB capabilities to the edge of your network. It’s the same LM-Series software as the LM4’s larger siblings, the LM83X and the LM80.

Centralized management is available with the Lantronix Control Center—a single pane of glass for managing all LM-series devices for secure remote access as well as for automating management of each of the connected network infrastructure devices. It is a single source for AAA controls, creating monitoring and action rules without scripting, centrally archiving both monitored device operating system and configuration files, and compliance reporting.

Advantages of bringing out-of-band management everywhere

Taking management to the last leg of the network with an LM-Series console server provides continuous monitoring and management over the console port—it’s like having a network admin logged into every device checking its health and ready to respond to any issues within seconds. Triaging issues is faster than ever because when there are issues, the exact device can be pinpointed because the all network infrastructure is being monitored directly.

With AI-driven out-of-band management, the LM-Series works as an expert system using rules-based AI to recover and mitigate network infrastructure securely, reliably, and automatically. Protected by a US patent, the LM4 combines device management software with the console server itself for powerful, integrated, and out-of-the-box functionality without scripting. It automates many daily tasks like that can unnecessarily consume much of a network admin’s day.

Want to take your out-of-band to new places?

We’d love to talk about your network and our solutions. An hour-long online demo is usually the right amount of time to pair up one of our field application engineers with a network management team. Contact us today!