Lantronix SLC80162201S SLC 8000 16-Port Console Manager

Out-of-band console access to network and server gear in a 1U modular chassis

The Lantronix SLC80162201S is an SLC 8000 advanced console manager with 16 RJ45 serial device ports and a dual AC power supply (a North American power cord is included; regional cords are sold separately). The manufacturer describes the SLC 8000 as the first modular console server: serial port modules can be added or swapped, RJ45 and USB device ports can be mixed, and the single or dual power supply can be upgraded, so the box grows with the equipment rack instead of being replaced.

Administrators use a console manager to reach the serial console of routers, switches, firewalls, servers and power infrastructure when the production network is down. Users connect through Telnet or SSH, or through a browser-based HTML5 console client with no proprietary software. The chassis is 1U (30.5 x 43.8 x 4.4 cm), weighs up to 11.1 lb depending on options, and consumes less than 30 W.

Technical specifications

Reading the SLC 8000 part numbers

The manufacturer page groups the family by port count, power supply and uplink. SLC80161201S is a 16-port RJ45 unit with a single AC supply, SLC80162201S adds the dual AC supply, SLC80162211S has dual SFP uplinks with dual AC, and SLC80162401S and SLC80162411S are the dual DC versions. The page also lists an 8-port RJ45 chassis, and the bulletin describes serial ports in 16, 32 and 48 port form with RJ45 or USB connectors. Choose the code from the rack plan: number of serial consoles, whether the supply must be AC or DC, and copper or SFP for the in-band uplink.

The bulletin presents ordering as six steps: pick a baseline configuration, choose copper or SFP Ethernet, add up to two modules (8- or 16-port RS-232 RJ45, 16-port USB or a 16-port Ethernet module), choose the power supply (single or dual AC, or dual DC adapters), select optional dial-up, Wi-Fi or cellular out-of-band options, and add warranty or service. See the industrial communications category for related products.

Operation, failover and security in practice

The SLC can run both in-band over the management network and out-of-band by dial-up or by the optional G520 LTE kit, with automatic failover and failback, so a technician keeps console access during a network outage. Per-port logging and a 256 KB buffer record what the device printed before the failure, while regular-expression event recognition can raise an e-mail alert. Software-programmable pins let one cable type serve both DTE and DCE equipment, reducing cable clutter on racks with mixed vendors.

Security features include remote authentication against LDAP, RADIUS, Kerberos, TACACS+, AD or NIS, per-port user rights, a firewall, SSH with public key and an optional FIPS 140-2 certified cryptographic mode. Environmental sensors can be plugged in to watch rack temperature, humidity, power and door contacts, which is useful in warm equipment rooms. Operating temperature is 0 to 50 C, so air-condition the room accordingly.

Where it is typically installed

Data centres, telecom shelters, test labs and utility control rooms use console servers to administer remote switches and routers without driving to site. For multi-site networks in the region the ConsoleFlow platform lets a central team reach units at several locations, and the 1U size fits a standard 19-inch cabinet. Confirm the power cord type, because only the North American cord is included.

Documents and quotation

The SLC 8000 product bulletin (MPB-00009 Rev O) is hosted here for reference. Confirm port count, uplink type, power supply and cord against the latest manufacturer data before ordering. Seven Star LLC supplies Lantronix products as an independent supplier in Muscat. Send us the full order code, quantity and target application and we will respond with a quotation.