This post was originally published on ZPE Systems
Serial console redirection involves sending a server’s keyboard and video signals through the serial port as well as the normal endpoints (USB and video), allowing them to be used in headless mode. It gives administrators remote access to pre-boot functions, such as the BIOS menu, that are typically unavailable to them with software-based remote access solutions. This is important because it allows remote teams to install new operating systems, troubleshoot hung servers, and perform other critical hardware management tasks without costly on-site visits. It also means administrators can control remote servers with out-of-band (OOB) serial consoles, devices that streamline remote infrastructure management and improve network resilience.
Why enable serial console redirection?
The primary reason to redirect keyboard control over the serial port is to gain remote access to pre-boot menus and functions. Typically, systems administrators remotely manage servers using a software-based remote access client that only works while the OS is running. While this is sufficient for most remote administration workflows, it means that admins can’t do anything with the server until it has booted to the operating system, which poses several problems:
Administrators cannot remotely install the OS on a new or recovered server without someone on-site to physically
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