CrossNodes: The Serial Console: A Front Door Worth Leaving Open

“In these modern times, a hardworking admin might be tempted to
turn her back on the Old Ways, and indulge in increasingly exotic
methods of interfacing with servers: SSH over ethernet, USB,
Firewire, wireless, infrared, KVM switches, VNC, VPN… next stop:
direct neural implants.

“There’s one old timer that still has useful place in the
admin’s tool kit: the serial console. Sure, it’s slow and funky.
But there are times it can be a real lifesaver. When nothing else
works, it’s a direct pipeline into your system. It’s simple and
cheap. You don’t need to install drivers or expansion cards, it’s
just there…”

Complete
Story