I'm setting up a mixed-environment lab (Linux/BSD servers + networking gear) and need advice on serial console cables for out-of-band management. Specifically:
- Cable Types:
- Is there still a case for DB9-to-RJ45 rollover cables with modern switches/routers, or is USB-C-to-serial (e.g., FTDI-based) now the standard?
- How do you handle legacy devices requiring RS-232 vs. newer gear with USB console ports?
- Terminal Emulators:
- Preferred tools for Linux (
screen/minicom/picocom) – any config tips for baud rate parity with non-standard gear?
- Ever run into issues with USB-serial adapters (e.g., Prolific vs. FTDI chipset quirks)?
- Enterprise Edge Cases:
- For those managing SAS JBODs or HBA controllers (e.g., LSI 9300) with serial ports:
- Do you use serial for firmware recovery, or is IPMI/iLO now sufficient?
- Any clever hacks to multiplex serial connections (think:
tmux + USB hub)?
In my opinion, for RS-232 serial, the only cabling standard to use is Yost standard.
Yes newer devices have a built in USB to serial converter. From a client perspective, there is no difference between these and traditional serial devices accessed via FTDI (style) USB to serial adapters.
I use a utility system that has many serial ports, often USB to serial and use udev rules to name the ports something consistent based on the USB to serial adapter's serial number. -- I managed to pick up a 1 RU device that has 2 x 1-USB in and 8-RS-232 out.
I'm a fan of minicom on the Linux utility system.
I've not yet had a need to mess with serial ports on SAS JBODs / HBA controllers. Though I have wrestled with EMC CLARiiON CX4s a few times. (Refurbished a few different units.)
Despite all the decorations, abstractions, and virtualization, the basic serial port / TTY is still there, at least in concept. I expect that won't change any time soon.
IMPI is nice. But I've found that vendor proprietary extensions / interfaces tend to be more capable. Though most of the time I'm using in-band communications with servers & OSs thereon.
My suggestion is to find what works for you and run with it. Don't put it off. Don't try to avoid it. Take the bull by the horns, get comfortable with it, and then move on with your lab experimentation / learning / fun.