Secure Console Server & Out-of-Band Management | Digi Connect IT

A console server is a network device that provides secure, remote access to the management (console) ports of routers, switches, firewalls, and servers — creating a dedicated out-of-band management path that operates independently of the primary network. Digi Connect IT console servers enable reliable access to critical infrastructure, allowing IT teams to monitor, manage, and troubleshoot devices from anywhere — even during network outages.

Out-of-band (OOB) management is a method of accessing and controlling network infrastructure through a dedicated secondary path completely separate from the production network. Unlike in-band management, which relies on the primary network, OOB management remains accessible even during outages or misconfigurations. Digi Connect IT delivers secure OOB access, ensuring IT teams can reach and control devices when the production network is unavailable.

Out-of-band access is critical for minimizing downtime and maintaining business continuity. It allows IT teams to remotely diagnose and resolve network issues without waiting for physical site access, reducing mean time to repair (MTTR) and eliminating the cost of emergency truck rolls. With Digi Connect IT, teams can reach any managed device the moment a problem is detected, regardless of primary network status.

Yes. Digi Connect IT Cellular models feature integrated LTE connectivity, enabling resilient out-of-band access for remote sites, cellular failover scenarios, or locations without reliable wired connections. This makes them ideal for transportation networks, utilities, and edge deployments where wired connectivity may be unavailable or unreliable.

Yes. Digi Connect IT is built with Digi TrustFence®, an integrated security framework that includes secure boot, encrypted connections (SSH/TLS), role-based access control (RBAC), and ongoing security updates. These features help protect critical infrastructure from unauthorized remote access and support compliance with enterprise security policies.

Yes. When paired with Digi Remote Manager, Digi Connect IT enables centralized configuration, monitoring, and alerting across all distributed network devices from a single cloud or on-premises management platform. This single-pane-of-glass approach is ideal for enterprises, MSPs, and service providers managing infrastructure across hundreds of locations.

No. Console servers like Digi Connect IT integrate with your existing routers, switches, and firewalls via standard console ports (RS-232 serial or USB). There is no need to replace or reconfigure your current infrastructure. Digi Connect IT adds a secure, dedicated management layer on top of what you already have.

By providing immediate remote access to infrastructure, Digi Connect IT allows IT teams to troubleshoot issues in real time — without waiting for physical access — significantly reducing downtime and operational risk.

Digi Connect IT can manage any network device with a serial console port or USB management port, including routers, switches, firewalls, servers, storage systems, and other network infrastructure. It is compatible with equipment from major vendors including Cisco, Juniper, Arista, Palo Alto, and others, making it a universal out-of-band management solution for mixed-vendor environments.

Unlike basic console servers, Digi Connect IT combines secure access, cellular failover options, centralized management, and enterprise-grade security through Digi TrustFence — delivering a more scalable and resilient solution for modern infrastructure.