Media coverage of the Coronavirus outbreak and related quarantines and threats of quarantines across the world has expanded into how technology is making it possible for work-from-home on an unprecedented scale. With many companies already employing remote worker strategies, the technologies needed are in place, including those for remote access to manage network infrastructure.
Uplogix out-of-band management provides secure remote access that is identical to sitting in front of a rack of gear with a laptop and a console cable. In normal times it’s a source of operational efficiencies, in times of concern and potential risk, it can be an important contributor to business continuity.
With the widest array of on-demand alternative network connection options, Uplogix can connect to your remote infrastructure through dial-up, cellular, fiber… even satellite modems to provide a reliable management connection. There is also a secondary Ethernet connection that can be used for an out-of-band connection such as a DSL modem. Users can maintain and enforce AAA (Authentication, Authorization and Accounting) through integration with remote multi-factor authentication mechanisms, such as TACACS and Radius. If connectivity is lost, the LM can failover to other AAA servers before falling back on cached authentication data to maintain authorized access.
Efforts in China, Japan and other countries have tried to contain the spread of the virus through imposing work-from-home restrictions and travel bans. The US Center for Disease Control recommends a number of preventative actions at this time, but as of this writing there aren’t any required stay-at-home orders for the United States beyond voluntary quarantines of people with potential exposure. For most of the American public, who are unlikely to be exposed to this virus at this time, the immediate health risk from COVID-19 is considered low. As you consider your company’s strategy, keep in mind that with Uplogix, you can be prepared for the worst while also improving your daily operations.
