Configuring for Direct Serial Connection

Applies To: Windows Server 2003, Windows Server 2003 R2, Windows Server 2003 with SP1, Windows Server 2003 with SP2

Figure 5.5 illustrates a direct serial connection. Using a null modem cable, you can connect the management computer to the server that has Emergency Management Services enabled. This configuration is the simplest out-of-band configuration.

Figure 5.5   Direct Serial Connection

The management computer runs terminal emulation software that preferably supports VT-UTF8 terminal conventions.

Because null modem connections have no built-in security, this configuration depends on physical security. For more information about planning for security, see "Providing Security for Remote Management" later in this chapter.

This type of configuration has the following advantages:

• No need to buy additional hardware

• Easiest to set up and configure

• Good for situations with very few servers to manage

Disadvantages of this type of configuration include:

• Management computer must be in close proximity for physical security

• Least robust configuration

• Logical security is not supported

• Ineffective in situations with many servers to manage

A variant of this configuration might be a server with a service processor that provides the serial connection. If a service processor and firmware console redirection are included in the configuration, you can manage all operating states through the out-of-band connection. If Emergency Management Services is the sole provider of console redirection, you can perform out-of-band management only when the Windows Server 2003 loader or kernel is at least partially running.

With this configuration, you can be ready to quickly connect a laptop to a remotely administered server to perform management tasks.