Q: How many users does the CPS support?
A: The user database onboard the CPS is able to support up to 64 unique users.

Q: Can I access data that occurred prior to my Telnet session from port history buffers?
A: Yes, after authentication and connection, if there is history data available in the serial port's history buffer, a message will be output to indicate the number of characters received. To view the serial port's history, you may use one of the following commands:

PORT HISTORY
This command requests that all serial port history information be written to the current session once it is resumed.

PORT HISTORY CANCEL
This command requests that all serial port history information be flushed.

The 8 and 16 port models of the CPS each provide 64K history buffers per port for collection of offline data. The total buffering is 64K times the number of ports.

Q: How many concurrent users does each CPS support?
A: The CPS is a non-blocking device. It is possible for 16 users to simultaneously access different devices through the CPS.

Q: Can multiple users view the same attached device at the same time?
A: No. If you try to connect to a CPS port that is in use by someone else, you will be informed that that connection is currently unavailable.

Q: Can one user create Telnet sessions to multiple CPS ports at once?
A: Yes. A separate window on their desktop will be created for each session.

Q: Does each port on the CPS require an IP address?
A: No. Each CPS unit requires an IP address, but each computer port on the CPS does not. Each port is accessible as a unique socket ID.

Q: Does the CPS control power cycling to servers?
A: Not directly. Many servers provide reboot and power commands through service processors that can be serially accessed. The CPS may be used to provide access to these console ports.

Q: How is the performance in a WAN environment?
A: Performance of the CPS is based on the available Ethernet bandwidth. The slowest link, whether it is the LAN, WAN or dial-up connection, will dictate the performance of the system.

Q: What socket number does the CPS use to represent individual ports? Are they configurable?
A: By default, ports 1-16 can be accessed as sockets 3001 - 3016. For example: Telnet 192.168.0.5 3012 is used to create a reverse Telnet session to a device attached to port 12 of the CPS configured as 192.168.0.5.

Q: Does the CPS support SNMP messaging?
A: The CPS does not currently issue SNMP messages. MIB 2 support will be provided in a future release.

Q: Can you monitor the CPS with HP OpenView or some other network management software?
A: No connections presently exist to any network management tools. Standard MIB support will be provided in a future release.

Q: Can you hot plug servers?
A: Yes. You can add and remove servers without powering down your CPS or other attached servers.

Q: Does Avocent offer various service programs including 24/7 support?
A: We will offer our standard customer service at no charge, which is M-F 8:00AM - 7:00PM EDT, please call 800-275-3500 ext. 322 for assistance.


Q: What form of authentication and security does the CPS support?
A: The CPS on-board authentication provides username and password security, port specific access rights and three levels of administrative rights.

The CPS offers encryption or clear text data modes.

The CPS offers server-based or appliance-based authentication and access control modes.

Q: What optional accessories are there available for the CPS?
A: There are several cables, modular adapters and a rack mount shelf available for the CPS. These options are sold separately. Part numbers for these products are posted on this site.