NOTE:
The OOBM port is available only on the 2930M Switch Series.
OOBM concepts
Management communications with a managed switch can be:
• In band—through the networked data ports of the switch
• Out of band—through a dedicated management port (or ports) separate from the data ports
Out-of-band ports have typically been serial console ports using DB-9 or specially wired 8-pin modular (RJ-style)
connectors. Some recent switches have added networked OOBM ports.
OOBM operates on a "management plane" that is separate from the "data plane" used by data traffic on the
switch and by in-band management traffic. That separation means that OOBM can continue to function even
during periods of traffic congestion, equipment malfunction, or attacks on the network. In addition, it can provide
improved switch security: a properly configured switch can limit management access to the management port
only, preventing malicious attempts to gain access via the data ports.
Network OOBM typically occurs on a management network that connects multiple switches. It has the added
advantage that it can be done from a central location and does not require an individual physical cable from the
management station to each switch's console port.
Table 43: Switch management ports
In band
Out of band
Networked
Directly connected
Networked
Management interface
Command line (CLI),
menu, Web
Command line (CLI),
menu
Command line (CLI),
menu
Communication plane
Data plane
Management plane
Management plane
Connection port
Any data port
Dedicated serial or USB
console port
Dedicated networked
management port
Connector type
Usually RJ-45; also CX4,
SFP, SFP+, and XFP
DB9 serial, serial-wired 8-
pin RJ
RJ-45
Advantages
Allows centralized
management
Not affected by events on
data network, shows boot
sequence
Not affected by events on
data network, allows
centralized management,
allows improved security
Disadvantages
Can be affected by events
on data network; does not
show boot sequence
Requires direct connection
to console port (can be
done via networked
terminal server)
Does not show boot
sequence
Chapter 22
Network Out-of-Band Management (OOBM)
732
Aruba 2930F / 2930M Management and Configuration Guide
for ArubaOS-Switch 16.08
