In addition, the PM8 gives network administrators secure remote-access capabilities. If you've ever had to reboot a server in the middle of the night, you'll appreciate being able to perform that task and others remotely over a secure connection.

The PM8, an easy-to-mount "zero U" chassis (the device mounts vertically, no rack space necessary), provides eight managed outlets and local authentication support for up to eight users, with per-port user-access lists. In addition, you can daisy-chain several PM8 units to scale across multiple server cabinets while preserving central-management capabilities.

Power Trip

The PM8 is available in 15-amp and 20-amp models. Both have an informative LED current readout. In my tests at our Syracuse University Real-World Labs®, I was pleased by the granularity the PM8 brought to the usual take-it-for-granted power-up procedure. Sequential power-up of each outlet--the outlets come up individually at one-second intervals--protects the overall electrical environment from taking too much load. This smooths the transition from power-off to power-on for connected and adjacent devices by eliminating the possibility of electrical surge caused by too many devices turning on simultaneously.

Good • Simple setup • Intuitive configuration • Effective terminal services integration Bad • Yet another device to manage • Push-button breaker location easy to overlook Vendor Info AlterPath PM8, starts at $795. Cyclades Corp., (888) CYCLADES, (510) 771-6100. www.cyclades.com

In addition, the PM8 provides over-current protection: If the devices plugged into the assembly draw more current than the electrical circuit is rated for, the PM8 sounds an alarm and notifies the console. The push-button breaker at the bottom of the unit might be easy to overlook depending on mounting height, but do take note of its location, because it will provide a local reset when a current-fault condition locks up the device.

Test Drive

I tested the PM8 in standalone mode and with Cyclades' TS1000 16-port terminal server. When using the PM8 in standalone mode, you configure it using a HyperTerminal session--it's easy enough to do with only a cursory scan of the operating instructions. The PM8's on-board intelligence isn't overly sophisticated, but it is effective. Within minutes of logging in as an administrator, I had user profiles set up and outlets assigned to users, both individually and in groups. The device's straightforward command set gives you options for anything you'd need to do with power outlets--from cycling them to locking individual outlets on or off, to pulling current readings from the chassis.

To test the security aspects, I staged some basic challenges. For instance, I had one user try to control outlets that were not assigned to him, and was notified of the denial with a simple text feedback that effectively conveyed the problem. Once it was up and running, the PM8 proved stable and easy to forget until changes were required.

How the PM8 integrates with your overall console-management environment depends largely on the make and mix of your console servers. As an end device, the PM8 will be as security-aware as the terminal server it's attached to in regard to secure remote access, out-of-band management and other oversight concerns.

AlterPath PM8 click to enlarge

Cyclades Combo

Introducing the PM8 to the Cyclades' TS1000 could not have been easier, and the overall combined functionality was impressive. Getting the TS1000 on the wire was a piece of cake, and its encryption-enabled Web interface opens up a wealth of security options, while providing a common interface for the terminal server as well as connected devices, including the PM8.

Telnet and SSH (Secure Shell) provide the same functionality in a command-line interface format, and secure out-of-band management is possible as part of the

larger treasure chest of capabilities the integrated solution provides. Once the PM8 and server are connected, the PM8 configuration becomes a part of the overall management profile, accessed via the terminal server's various points of entry. The device sends out an audible alarm warning local users that the device has been accessed remotely, which prevents local administrators and remote users from stepping on each other's toes. Other alarms during fault and security instances include SNMP trap and e-mail notifications.

Lee Badman is a network engineer at Syracuse University. Write to him at lhbadman@syr.edu.