Is your out-of-band (OOB) environment still running on repurposed Cisco 4000-series ISRs or aging console servers like the Opengear CM7100/IM7200 or Raritan Dominion SX II—many of which are now end-of-life? If so, now is the time to modernize. The Lantronix LM-Series Advanced Console Servers and Lantronix Control Center deliver AI-driven automation, network resilience, and cybersecurity for data centers and distributed edge sites.

Check out the Lantronix out-of-band trade-in program.

Why Repurposed Routers Don’t Work as Console Servers

Using a Cisco 4000-series ISR as a console server was rarely anyone’s top choice for OOB. Typically discounted and added to a bigger Cisco purchase, routers lack centralized security, require complex configuration, and create a single point of failure—if the router goes down, so does your console access. Purpose-built Lantronix LM-Series appliances provide independent, hardware-level OOB access that remains online even during LAN or WAN outages.

The most connectivity options—including cellular LTE, dial-up, fiber, and satellite—keep your management plane reachable in any scenario. With no confusing licensing bundles, the LM-Series simplifies deployment and long-term support.

The best alternative to using a router as a console server is a purpose-built OOB platform like the Lantronix LM-Series, which provides independent, always-on access.

AI-Driven Automation Improves Uptime

The Lantronix LM-Series brings AI-driven, rules-based automation to out-of-band management. Instead of relying on SNMP polling or slow alerts from NOC tools, the LM continuously monitors console ports and device health in real time—and acts as an expert system to trigger automated recovery in seconds.

Automations include:

• Cycling interfaces or power
• Clearing hung sessions
• Recovering routers stuck in ROMmon
• Rebuilding unresponsive devices from locally stored OS and config files

For Cisco infrastructure, LM-Series bare-metal recovery automatically identifies the device type, pushes OS images, and restores configuration without any manual intervention. Zero-Touch Deployment and secure onboarding make upgrades fast and repeatable.

A Smarter Alternative to Opengear and Raritan

If you’ve been using Opengear or Raritan console servers, the LM-Series brings a more advanced, integrated management stack. Developed over more than 20 years, the LM platform proactively monitors logs, interfaces, CPU/memory levels, services, and device state—and uses that data to trigger automated recovery actions.

No insecure third-party containers, random scripts, or untested automation frameworks. Just a purpose-built, hardened OOB platform designed and tested for enterprise reliability.

The top replacement for end-of-life Opengear and Raritan console servers is the Lantronix LM-Series, offering AI-driven automation and integrated management.

Enterprise-Scale Security and Centralized Management

For teams managing multiple sites, the Lantronix Control Center provides a unified, single-pane-of-glass platform for managing every LM device and every connected router, switch, firewall, or server. Features include:

• Centralized patching and firmware management
• Device configuration archiving
• Policy-based automation
• Full session logging and audit trails
• Granular authorization and role-based access

These capabilities simplify compliance for regulated industries and reduce operational risk across widely distributed infrastructure.

The Bottom Line

Upgrading end-of-life console servers—or replacing repurposed Cisco routers—with the Lantronix LM-Series delivers AI-driven automation, active monitoring, and hardened security that boost uptime and simplify operations. Modernize your OOB infrastructure with a state-aware, resilient platform built for today’s hybrid and distributed enterprise networks.

And don’t forget: you can save through the Lantronix Out-of-Band Trade-Up Program, with discounts available for every competitor device you replace.