Transitioning MX and IR Customers to LX Series Console Servers
Connectivity- Power Input Options and Device Port Density
The IR and MX family featured a number of form factors and port counts. There were two basic types of physical layouts, standalone and chassis. Standalone products have replacement products in the LX Series that equal or exceed port counts found the MX and IR product family.
The IR and MX series products featured 8, 20, 40 port units where the LX family supports 8, 16, 32, and 48 port versions. The IR series provided an option to include an internal modem which is also available for the LX Series. The LX Series also provides dual AC and DC power supply options which result in higher availability.
Chassis products (MX-6000, MX-9000, IR-15000) do not have direct replacements in the LX family. An option to replace chassis based solutions is to utilize the clustering capability of the LX Series products. The clustering feature allows multiple individual units to be logically grouped together, providing port counts equivalent to a chassis based systems into the hundreds and thousands of ports. Clustering features a number of advantages over chassis based systems. Redundancy is improved as the clustering feature is a peer-to-peer architecture resulting in no single point of failure should any individual unit in a cluster fail or be removed. A second benefit to clustering is that the units do not have to be physically located together or even within the same subnet. Clusters can span multiple physical locations and cross logical network boundaries providing a wide range of deployment and management options.
Network Deployment
The IR and MX Series products support functionally which would classify them as what is historically known as “terminal servers”. They provide the ability to for dumb terminals to connect via a network to mini computers or mainframes utilizing proprietary protocols such as DEC LAT, Novell’s IPX, and IBM’s TN3270. Many of these protocols have been replaced by IP based applications over the last 5-10 years. However, there are still legacy installations that are in place requiring support of these protocols. While rare, if these situations exist there is no support or plan to add support for these legacy protocols in the LX Series. A recommended solution is to organize the network in such a way as to “localize” legacy protocol support to just a limited number of terminal servers until the applications can be transitioned to an IP based solution.
LX Series Enhanced Feature Support
The LX Series products have built on the foundation provided by the IR and MX products and have evolved into a “console server” product line which is focused on provided highly secure remote connectivity to the console or “craft ports” of a wide range of IT devices including servers, routers, switches, firewalls, PBX, and Storage equipments. The LX Series also add the ability to monitor physical infrastructure and environmental conditions in data centers and remote locations, not previously supported by the IR and MX Series.
Transition Considerations
The LX Series, with the exception of legacy protocol support, provides a “super set” of features over the IR and MX products. While the baseline capabilities are similar or enhanced, the LX utilizes a different software base than the IR and MX products moving from an internally developed operating system to a Linux based operating system. This results in a new set of commands, configuration options, and operational procedures to configure and operate the LX Series. The LX Series features a much improved CLI and Web Interface which makes configuring the devices much simpler than previous generation products.
The transition will take time and resource investment to become familiar with the new user interface and capabilities. While this investment period will vary from customer to customer, once the original transition is complete the day to day operational efficiencies gained by deploying the LX Series will far out weigh the challenges during the transition period.
LX Series Feature Capability
The LX Series features a number of updated features above and beyond the IR and MX Series products. The following sections provide a high level review of the LX capabilities that are either enhanced or added with the introduction of the LX Series.
Trigger & Action
The Trigger & Action feature allows a user to automatically execute pre-determined server commands in response to a triggered event. When used in conjunction with the LX server’s Notification feature, it becomes a much more robust tool, and provides the security of having automatic corrective measures in place before problems arise. With the Trigger & Action feature, administrators are able to maximize system efficiency and avoid downtime due to system failure. For example, if a defined threshold on the temperature and humidity sensor has been crossed, additional cooling can be enabled automatically via an attached power control manager.
Logging Capabilities
The extensive logging capabilities supported by the LX provide the option of being ported locally to the LX server’s syslog, or ported remotely to a remote host’s syslog. Server logging features offered by the LX are: Audit Trail Logging, Bi-Directional Serial Data Logging, Debug Logging, Per-Port Command Logging.
Command Line Interface (CLI)
The LX Series supports a Cisco-like CLI in its Linux based architecture. This industry standard CLI”is common among industry network devices such as switches and routers (Cisco like). Users familiar with those types of products will find the LX CLI very easy to navigate. The LX Series supports a user-friendly web-based Graphical User Interface (GUI), which can be installed directly into your network and accessed by your browser using a pre-defined IP address. The GUI also features the ability to operate over a secure link utilizing SSL support.
Security
In addition to the basic security features of Radius, SecureID, DIALBACK PPP, PPP PAP\CHAP, and ACLs the LX Series provides the added features of SSH V2, SSL, SFTP, LDAP and TACACS+ with command
authorization.
Subscriber Authentication
In addition to the variety of authentication methods such as SecureID, RADIUS, TACACS+ and LDAP the LX offers a configurable on-board subscriber profile and database. This allows for more control and increased levels of manageability of users accessing the LX.
A subscriber profile can be created to allow or restrict access to specific resources as well as defining the user interfaces available to a subscriber. A profile can be tailored to allow for certain types of access methods; e.g. Console, TELNET, SSH, or Web Browser. The administrator can also define where the users may connect, create a subscriber menu, and\or keep an audit trail of a subscriber’s activity. The profile also controls the subscriber’s level security and contains all of the information defining the user’s access to devices and system information.
Authentication Fallback
This feature provides users with the ability to connect to the on-board user database in the event of primary authentication failure (i.e., TACACS, SecureID, or Radius). Utilizing this feature ensure that network infrastructure failures do not restrict access or compromise the security settings of the LX and associated subscribers.
Configuration Tools for Large Networks
The LX Series clustering feature provides administrators of large console server environments the ability to configure and manage multiple LX Console Servers from any single member of a cluster. Clustering capability is a power tool that saves both time and effort by allowing changes and upgrades to be made simultaneously to all members. Communications of the configuration and monitoring of a cluster is secured utilizing a common shared, encrypted secret. This capability not only provides enhanced security but is also a basis that allows clusters to traverse multiple logical and physical subnet boundaries.
A peer-to-peer architecture ensures that the failure or removal of a single LX console server from a cluster does not affect the operation of cluster members.
Notification
The LX Series Notification feature provides the ability to immediately be alerted of a change occurring with the LX or attached devices. For example, if a defined threshold on the temperature and humidity sensor has been crossed an administrator would instantly be notified of the event remotely via the following supported options.
SNPP - Used to send event messages to pagers
WEB - Used to send event messages to pagers or cell phones via a Web Driver
TAP - Used to send event messages to pagers
SNMP - Used to send event messages to SNMP trap clients
LOCALSYSLOG - Used to send event messages to a local file on the LX unit
REMOTESYSLOG – Used to send event messages to syslogd on a remote host
ASYNC – Used to send event messages to outbound asynchronous ports on the LX unit. Users can receive
the event messages by connecting a terminal or a printer to the configured port
SMTP – Used to send event messages to email addresses
Used in conjunction with Trigger and Action, the LX Series software offers a Backup Ping feature. In the event the local LAN becomes unavailable due to the switch or router failure, the Backup Ping automatically connects to a remote PPP server via the modem port. It then sends notification/alarm information to the network management station, or allows IT personnel access to diagnose and repair the switch or router having problems.
Dual 10/100 Base-T Ethernet Ports
The LX-4000T Series supports dual Ethernet ports. The second Ethernet port can be configured to a normal network connection or used as a redundant Ethernet connection. If the unit is configured for connection to two separate subnets simultaneously, it allows for connections from both subnets.
Dual AC and DC Power
The LX-4000T Series supports dual AC and DC power which are not available in the MR and IR Series maximizing system uptime.
GPRS Internal Cellular Modem
The LX-1004T Series now supports a GSM/GPRS cellular modem. This new feature provides the ability to place the LX server at locations that lack a leased telephone line or local LAN connection for instant and secure modem and Internet connectivity. The GPRS is currently supporting US and European cellular frequencies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the LX Series support the same features as the older products?
The LX Series Console Servers support a redesigned architecture which provides a much wider range of features The LX Series supports most MX and IR features, but not all of them. We have been encouraging MX and IR customers to transition to the LX Series, and many customers have successfully made the transition. The user interface has also been redesigned.
Will MRV continue to offer support MX and IR products?
We will continue to offer software and hardware support for the MX and IR products to customers with support contracts until March 31st, 2010. The software for these products has been stable for years, no further updates are planned. Certain accessories may be offered, others will be discontinued, depending on availability.
What are the first steps for an MX/IR customer considering a transition?
Although the LX Series supports similar basic capabilities, it has a different user interface. Getting a demo unit is the best way to insure that your applications will transition.
How do I get support for the transition?
Demo sites can get support through the local Sales Engineer, who can access product specialists. LX Series customers should contact MRV SI Customer Service at 1-800-922-7797
For larger installations, we may be able to provide additional incentives. Contact your MRV SI sales representative to discuss your specific situation.
Is the LX Series certified by Meditech?
The LX Series has not been fully certified by Meditech for use with their applications. MRV has made a number of changes as a result of input from Meditech to improve our interoperability with their products. However, Meditech has not fully certified the LX Series software and does not have short term plans to complete the certification at this time however that situation may change in the future.
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