Black Box LES1700 Series Console Server — Dual Gigabit Ports & POTS Modem for Secure Out-of-Band Remote Infrastructure Management

The Black Box LES1700 Series Console Server is engineered for organizations that need reliable, out-of-band access to mission-critical IT, network, and power devices without sacrificing uptime. This secure serial console server combines a built-in POTS modem with dual gigabit-capable network interfaces to deliver resilient, remote management even when primary networks are unavailable. Designed for tight budgets and lean IT teams, the LES1700 helps administrators streamline remote troubleshooting, firmware updates, and power-cycling of distributed equipment, all while reducing travel time, on-site visits, and the risk of costly downtime. From data centers to edge deployments, this device acts as a centralized gateway for secure, 24/7 access to vital infrastructure, enabling you to monitor, diagnose, and resolve issues from virtually anywhere. Expect a robust feature set that supports enterprise-grade security, scalable management, and easy integration with your existing management frameworks.

• Out-of-band access with POTS modem: When your primary network is down or congested, dial-in capability via the POTS modem ensures you can reach your servers, routers, and power devices. This reduces downtime risk and accelerates incident response by providing a reliable alternate access path for console and management traffic.
• Dual 10/100/1000 Ethernet interfaces: Two high-speed network ports deliver flexible in-band management and data-plane options. Separate management and data networks can be segmented for security, while providing redundancy and load-sharing to maintain uninterrupted access to devices across diverse environments.
• Secure serial console server for multiple devices: Centralize control of serial ports attached to servers, switches, storage systems, and power distribution units. The LES1700 consolidates management streams, supports common console protocols, and enables you to monitor serial output, capture logs, and perform remote maintenance with confidence.
• Remote power management and reboot capabilities: Power-cycle connected equipment remotely to resolve issues without on-site visits. Schedule reboots, manage power policies, and perform controlled restarts to minimize downtime and operational disruption.
• Rack-mountable, enterprise-grade design: Built for data centers and distributed facilities, the LES1700 fits standard rack architectures and offers robust security, reliability, and ease of deployment. Its modular management features integrate seamlessly with existing IT workflows, SNMP-based monitoring, and remote administration tools to support proactive infrastructure management.

Technical Details of Black Box LES1700 Series Console Server

• Product line: LES1700 Series Console Server with POTS modem and dual Ethernet interfaces
• Management capabilities: Out-of-band console access, serial port management, SSH/TLS secure access, SNMP support
• Networking: Dual 10/100/1000 Ethernet ports for flexible in-band and out-of-band connectivity
• Serial connectivity: Centralized serial console support for servers, switches, storage, and power devices
• Form factor: Rack-mountable 1U chassis designed for data centers, edge locations, and remote sites

How to Install Black Box LES1700 Series Console Server

Getting started with the LES1700 is designed to be straightforward, minimizing disruption to your existing infrastructure while delivering immediate access to critical devices. Begin by selecting a suitable mounting location in a ventilated, climate-controlled rack or cabinet. Ensure there is access to the POTS line for dial-in functionality and that network cables can reach the management network and any devices that will be connected to the serial ports. Power the unit with an appropriate supply that matches your environment’s requirements. Once installation hardware is complete, configure the LES1700 using the secure management interface, typically accessible via the Ethernet management network or via the POTS modem during initial setup.

• Step 1: Mount the LES1700 in a standard 19-inch rack in a cool, well-ventilated area. Align with other network gear to simplify cable management and airflow.
• Step 2: Connect the POTS line to the device’s dial-in modem port for out-of-band access. Verify line quality and assign a dial-in security profile that uses strong authentication.
• Step 3: Attach the dual Ethernet cables to the two 10/100/1000 ports. Designate one port for management traffic and the other for optional out-of-band data paths or backup connectivity.
• Step 4: Connect your managed devices (servers, switches, power distribution units) to the LES1700’s serial ports. Label ports clearly and map each to its corresponding device in the management interface.
• Step 5: Power up the device and access the management console through the browser or SSH/TLS client. Complete the initial configuration, including IP addressing, user accounts, access controls, and logging preferences. Enable SNMP traps and configure alerting to ensure you’re notified of critical events in real time.

After the initial setup, you can tailor the LES1700’s behavior to your environment. Create access policies that restrict management activity to authorized users, implement role-based access controls, and enable secure transport protocols to protect data in transit. Regularly update firmware to address vulnerabilities and improve interoperability with evolving devices. The LES1700 is designed to integrate with your existing IT service management processes, enabling you to track hardware health, performance, and availability — all from a single, centralized management plane.

Frequently asked questions

Q: What is the primary purpose of the LES1700 Series Console Server?

A: The LES1700 provides secure, out-of-band access for remote management of network, server, and power infrastructure. It consolidates serial console access, dial-in capability via a POTS modem, and dual gigabit Ethernet connectivity to ensure you can manage devices even during network outages.

Q: How does the POTS modem benefit remote management?

A: The POTS modem offers a dependable dial-in path when IP-based management networks are unavailable. This capability enables technicians to connect to devices, view console output, perform maintenance, and recover systems without depending on the primary network, significantly reducing downtime risk.

Q: Can I manage the LES1700 remotely and securely?

A: Yes. The device supports secure management protocols such as SSH and TLS, along with SNMP for monitoring. Access controls and encryption help protect sensitive management data in transit, aligning with enterprise security requirements.

Q: What devices can be managed through the LES1700's serial ports?

A: The LES1700 is designed to interface with servers, switches, storage systems, and power distribution units. You can monitor serial console output, issue commands, and perform configuration or recovery tasks across multiple device types from a single interface.

Q: Is the LES1700 suitable for data center and edge deployments?

A: Absolutely. Its rack-mountable 1U form factor, dual Ethernet interfaces, and robust out-of-band capabilities make it suitable for data centers, branch offices, remote sites, and collocated environments where uptime and quick incident response are critical.