A console server is a device that allows one to remotely gain access to a system console through networking technologies. It is commonly used as a management tool in the Information Technology (IT) department of many corporations, which makes it a useful tool for remotely repairing system consoles or troubleshooting. Under most circumstances, console servers consist of a large number of serial ports. Through a wire, these connect to other computers themselves, or other servers, switches or routers. Regardless of the equipment used to connect the computers, all computers will be directly networked in a way that allows for easy access from a remote device.

Appliances made specifically for the operation and maintenance of console servers are available from a wide variety of manufactures, with the number of serial ports ranging anywhere from one to forty-eight. As mentioned earlier, the primary use for console servers is for remotely accessing other computers on a similar network. This network, however, can be expanded to anywhere from within a singular building to different parts of the world. This is mainly because computers on a console server do not need to be directly connected with a wire; instead, all system consoles simply need to be connected in any manner possible, which is usually done via routers and Local Access Networks (LAN, or the Internet). Such flexibility in connection allows somebody to remotely manage data and systems, monitor usage, and to diagnose and repair any technical problems. As a result, technical support branches of many computer companies use console servers to aid their clients in fixing a technical problem. This is known as out of band management, and has proven to be a highly successful management technique.

Since console servers can be expensive to purchase, many people have taken the slightly more inexpensive route of creating homemade console servers through off the shelf hardware, typically found with multi-port serial cards with a simplified operating system similar to Unix, such as Linux. Another benefit to homebuilt console servers is the increased power of the administrator; systems built from retired software allow for greater flexibility, as administrators have full control over the software running the server itself. Among these features and abilities is full access to the configuration of encryption standards and security protocols, allowing for the administrator to alter and change security settings to better fit the unique needs of the system and its users. While this can help make the system more secure, the total cost of ownership for console servers often increases when one is homemade, despite their cheaper construction costs. This is mainly due to the fact that they are less reliable than their manufactured counterparts, which can result in a higher service cost. Not only that, but they will often take up more rack space than manufactured models, which typically take up about one rack unit (1U). This can also increase operating costs due to higher space requirements.

Thanks to console servers, corporations and companies have been able to effectively manage and maintain devices on the same network remotely. However, there are different types of console servers available to the consumer, and knowing the exact console server-oriented needs of the company is a very important part of the purchasing process.