Modems on ESX boxes

[NathalieMarshal]

We have some really old NT4 boxes (pre SP4 even!) that we need to get virtualised. Unfortunately, 2 of them even have serial modems attached (We know the system needs upgrading. It's in the pipeline, it's just a long pipe!) Been looking at the network serial hubs, and wondered if this was the way to go. Does anyone have any experience with this sort of scenario??

[Ken_Cline]

First, for your Windows NT to be supported on ESX, you'll need to uprev to Service Pack 6a (see Windows NT 4.0)

Next, yes, the serial over IP solutions are the way to go..

Ken Cline

Technical Director, Virtualization

Wells Landers[/url]

VMware Communities User Moderator

[NathalieMarshal]

Right - thanks - I'd better confirm the SP level... I don't think we can risk upgrading them unfortunately......

Otherwise, if we can get them up to 6a, any recommendations for Serial over IP boxes that work with ESX and NT4??

[NathalieMarshal]

Oh and even if it's not supported, has anyone successfully run NT4 with lower service packs on ESX? Unsupported may still be better than the really old hardware we currently have!

[weinstein5]

You might check out digi.com - I know there USBAnywhere product is support by ESX -

[Ken_Cline]

You could P2V your NT boxes and test the upgrade to SP6a in a VM - this would be non-destructive because you could retain your physical box and/or use a snapshot to preserve the state of the VM prior to the upgrade.

Avocent ESP Serial hubs work well, as do the products from Digi

Ken Cline

Technical Director, Virtualization

Wells Landers[/url]

VMware Communities User Moderator

[galvin]

As far as serial to LAN conversion devices go, we have had good luck with LANTronix part #UD1100001-01 (for the US). See the info here LANTronix uds1100

--Galvin

[Subatomic]

Came accross this, I don't know if it's of any help to you.

http://www.astroarch.com/wiki/index.php/Modems_and_VI3

[jhanekom]

You may find it difficult to find NT 4.0 drivers for newer products - even those from Digi (though their older PortServer products still have drivers available for NT 3.51.) Check carefully to make sure the product you get has those drivers available.