NPort W2150A-W4/W2250A-W4 Series User Manual
20
Reverse Terminal Mode
Reverse terminal applications are similar to terminal applications, as they use the NPort W2x50A-W4 to
manage the connection between a terminal and a server. The difference is that with reverse terminal
applications; the terminal is connected through the network and the server is connected through the serial
port, rather than the other way around. In practice, a reverse terminal session typically involves a network
administrator telnetting to a device that has a dedicated serial console port used specifically for
configuration.
For example, many routers, switches, UPS units, and other devices (including the NPort W2x50A-W4) have
Console/AUX or COM ports to which a terminal can be physically connected for console management. With
the NPort W2x50A-W4, the device’s console port can be connected to a serial port on the NPort W2x50A-
W4, allowing a network administrator to telnet to the device remotely through the network. Although
modern network equipment allows other options for remote configuration through the network, there are
situations in which it is necessary or desirable to configure a device by serial console (e.g., for security
reasons, when using older-generation equipment, or as a backup configuration method when the network is
down).
NPort W2x50A-W4 reverse terminal modes allow the use of the NPort W2x50A-W4 User Table or a RADIUS
server for identity verification purposes.
