Network outages are inevitable. Whether you can resolve them remotely determines how much they cost.
The Digi Connect IT 16 and Connect IT 48 are enterprise console access servers that provide secure, independent management access to network infrastructure when the primary network is unavailable. With dual Ethernet, dual SFP+, cellular LTE failover via an optional Digi CORE module, and dual field-replaceable power supplies, Connect IT delivers the redundancy and resilience that critical IT environments require. Every device is managed through Digi Remote Manager with full audit logging, configuration automation, and out-of-band console terminal access.
Products
| Specification | Connect IT 16 | Connect IT 48 |
| Serial console ports | 16 x RS-232 RJ-45 | 48 x RS-232 RJ-45 |
| Ethernet | 2x 10/100/1000 GigE | 2x 10/100/1000 GigE |
| SFP+ | 2x 10G SFP+ | 2x 10G SFP+ |
| Cellular (optional) | Digi CORE LTE Cat 4 module (Global) | Digi CORE LTE Cat 4 module (Global) |
| USB | 2x USB 3.1 Gen 1 (Type A) | 2x USB 3.1 Gen 1 (Type A) |
| Power | Dual field-replaceable (port-side intake or exhaust) | Dual field-replaceable (port-side intake or exhaust) |
| Power consumption | 30.5W | 39W |
| Memory | 2 GB RAM, 8 GB flash | 2 GB RAM, 8 GB flash |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 444 x 300 x 44mm (1U) | 444 x 300 x 44mm (1U) |
| Operating temp | 0°C to 50°C | 0°C to 50°C |
| Safety certifications | UL 60950, CSA 22.2, EN60950, EN62368 | UL 60950, CSA 22.2, EN60950, EN62368 |
| Emissions | CE, FCC Part 15 Class A, IC, EN55032, EN55024 | CE, FCC Part 15 Class A, IC, EN55032, EN55024 |
| Hardware warranty | 5 years | 5 years |
| Included support | 1-year LifeCycle Assurance with 24/7 support | 1-year LifeCycle Assurance with 24/7 support |
Applications
Specifications
| Specification | Value |
| Local management | WebUI (HTTPS); CLI (SSH); direct SSH to serial ports |
| Remote management | Digi Remote Manager (cloud); SNMP |
| Troubleshooting tools | Protocol analyser with PCAP (Wireshark); event logging; Syslog; SNMP; NTP/SNTP |
| Security | Digi TrustFence; IP filtering; stateful firewall; IPsec IKEv1/IKEv2; OpenVPN; AES-256; RADIUS; TACACS+; TOTP/HOTP; X.509 certificates; VLAN support |
| Routing / failover | VRRP; OSPF; BGP; RIP v1/v2; automatic failover/failback; GRE; RSTP |
| Serial pinout | RJ-45 RS-232; standard or reversed mode (software-selectable) |
| Management plane | Cellular LTE (optional CORE module); dedicated Ethernet; SFP+ fibre |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is a console server and why do I need one?
A: A console server provides secure access to the serial console ports of network devices — routers, switches, firewalls, and servers — over a network connection that is independent of the primary production network. When your main network goes down, a console server with cellular failover means your team can still log in, diagnose the problem, and restore service remotely, without sending an engineer to site.
Q: What is out-of-band management (OOBM)?
A: Out-of-band management is a secondary, independent management path that operates separately from your primary production network. It allows network and IT teams to access and manage infrastructure devices even during primary network outages. Digi Connect IT implements OOBM using cellular LTE, dedicated management Ethernet, or SFP+ fibre — whichever best fits your architecture.
Q: How many console ports do I need — Connect IT 16 or 48?
A: The Connect IT 16 provides 16 RS-232 console ports in a 1U rackmount form factor. The Connect IT 48 provides 48 ports in the same 1U chassis. If you are managing a full rack of network equipment, the 48-port model typically covers a single rack; the 16-port suits smaller deployments or branch locations. Both models support dual power supplies and optional cellular LTE.
Q: Can Connect IT provide cellular backup if the primary network fails?
A: Yes. An optional Digi CORE LTE Cat 4 modem module (Global) can be installed in the Connect IT 16/48 to provide cellular backup connectivity. This allows out-of-band management access via LTE when both the primary WAN and management Ethernet are unavailable.
Q: How is Connect IT managed at scale?
A: Connect IT integrates with Digi Remote Manager, enabling centralised configuration, firmware updates, health monitoring, and out-of-band console terminal access across all deployed units from a single web portal. For environments where data must remain on-premises, Digi On-Prem Manager delivers the same capabilities within your private infrastructure.