[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ custom_margin=”0px||||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”4.27.2″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” width=”100%” custom_margin=”||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||30px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/zpesystems.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Vishal-Gupta-Out-of-band-in-one-device.png” alt=”Vishal Gupta \u2013 Out-of-band in one device” title_text=”Vishal Gupta \u2013 Out-of-band in one device” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”15px||15px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”||||||||” header_font=”|700|||||||” header_text_color=”#358AAF” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”||30px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Out-of-Band (OOB) management<\/b> used to be a last resort, a \u2018break glass\u2019 tool for gaining access to failed IT. But many organizations are now realizing that out-of-band is a strategic weapon<\/a> that can do much more than get them out of a jam. It can help patch systems within 48 hours, test config changes and firmware updates, and monitor infrastructure health to prevent failures and stay proactive.<\/p>\n But there\u2019s one big problem that stops teams from putting together an out-of-band infrastructure: there are too many devices to piece together<\/b> and manage<\/b>.<\/p>\n Traditionally, teams have built OOB environments using multiple devices from different vendors:<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/zpesystems.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Devices-required-for-OOB.png” alt=”Devices required for OOB” title_text=”Devices required for OOB” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]And this handful of infrastructure provides only basic remote access for troubleshooting or recovery. For teams who want to become proactive, they need additional devices like automation servers, Ethernet switches, computing, and storage. This stitched-together model is unsustainable in modern IT environments because it adds complexity that teams can\u2019t manage.[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider color=”#214C64″ divider_weight=”2px” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n For teams managing a few sites, juggling devices may be feasible. But when there are dozens, hundreds, or thousands of locations, the cracks begin to show:<\/p>\n Every device has its own OS, firmware, and configuration syntax. Pushing a global policy change like updating SSH access rules or hardening TLS settings requires custom playbooks for each platform. Over time, this increases the risk of misconfigurations and creates blind spots in security audits.<\/p>\n When a site goes dark, support teams need rapid access to console ports, environmental telemetry, and WAN connectivity diagnostics. But a fragmented toolset makes root-cause analysis a game of guesswork \u2013 Did the router fail? Does the modem have signal? Is the serial port offline?<\/p>\n Remote cabinets and edge environments have very limited (if any) rack space. You might have 1RU or less of space, but three devices that need to be installed. Even if you get crafty and manage to squeeze them in, having multiple devices increases power draw, thermal output, and points of failure. This isn\u2019t scalable, especially in cramped environments like cell towers, retail stores, or substations.<\/p>\n Assembling out-of-band networks from multiple vendor devices simply makes more work for procurement teams, who face long lead times and inconsistent licensing models. But that\u2019s just the beginning. Costs pile up when you need to maintain this infrastructure. It\u2019s extremely expensive to have a separate contract for each cellular device at every location, for example, which can easily add up to hundreds of thousands of dollars every year. Or, having third-party maintenance contracts for existing devices that have gone EOL.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider color=”#214C64″ divider_weight=”2px” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Remember when the smartphone hit the market? Rather, when it became commonplace and developers started making an app for everything? There were so many single-function devices\u00a0 and items that you didn\u2019t need anymore \u2013 phone, alarm clock, digital camera, calculator, notepad, mp3 player, flashlight \u2013 the list goes on.<\/p>\n Networking and IT teams are dreaming of something similar for their infrastructure. At every expo and conference in recent years, we talked with thousands of people who said that out-of-band adds too much extra equipment (and work) that they don\u2019t want to deal with.<\/p>\n So, what do <\/i>they want? Something that \u201cjust works,\u201d according to those we talked to recently at RSA Conference 2025. They want to be able to deploy one box that securely comes online, can be configured remotely\/automatically, and doesn\u2019t require a bunch of other devices for automation or computing or cellular. Here are some popular wish-list use cases:<\/p>\n Imagine their surprise when we say, \u201cThat\u2019s our box. We do what nobody else can.\u201d<\/p>\n ZPE Systems developed this all-in-one capability and offers devices in a variety of sizes, up to 1RU. This platform is called Nodegrid and it combines the many functions we discussed, plus the ability to host third-party apps\/tools, run Ansible and custom automation, and provide centralized management via on-prem deployment or ZPE Cloud connection.[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/zpesystems.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/ZPE-Combines-all-the-functions-of-OOB-into-one-device.png” alt=”ZPE Combines all the functions of OOB into one device” title_text=”ZPE Combines all the functions of OOB into one device” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n One Nodegrid device handles all the functions of traditional, dedicated devices, including:<\/p>\n On top of these, Nodegrid runs VMs, Docker containers, apps, and automation solutions. It replaces up to nine traditional devices and fits neatly in 1RU or less of space.<\/p>\n Here\u2019s how our customer Vapor IO used Nodegrid to free up 5RU and automate their deployments. Read Vapor IO case study .<\/a><\/p>\n Administrators can deploy and manage thousands of units through a single orchestration platform, via Nodegrid Manager (on-prem) or ZPE Cloud (SaaS). This lets them easily enforce access policies, audit activity, and automate firmware updates<\/a> without relying on disparate interfaces.<\/p>\n Nodegrid provides what is called Isolated Management Infrastructure (IMI), which is an industry best practice for maintaining resilience. Unlike traditional out-of-band, which relies in part on production systems, IMI creates a completely separate management network that remains accessible and online even if the production network completely fails<\/a>. This lets teams access and recover their systems during an active cyberattack or outage. IMI has been used by hyperscalers for more than a decade and is now being written into new laws around the world.<\/p>\n The Nodegrid and ZPE Cloud platform have the industry\u2019s highest security. You can read the full security assurance document<\/a> that covers the hardware, software, and cloud security features, as well as the third-party certifications. Here are some of the highlights: secure boot, signed OS, self-encrypted disk, three Synopsys validations, ISO27001, FIPS 140-3, SOC 2 Type 2.<\/p>\n Nodegrid integrates with Ansible, Terraform, and Python APIs, enabling Infrastructure-as-Code (IaC) workflows and automated responses to network incidents. Automation can run natively on the Nodegrid device, or stored in ZPE Cloud and pushed down where needed.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider color=”#214C64″ divider_weight=”2px” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n The days of piecing together out-of-band solutions are coming to a close. The overhead, security gaps, and physical constraints are driving a clear trend: simplify the edge, secure the core, and consolidate the tools.<\/b><\/p>\n ZPE Systems helps you do all three of these. To get hands-on with our products or chat with an engineer about your specific use case, schedule a demo at the link below.<\/p>\n\n
The Complexity of Multi-Device OOB Environments<\/h2>\n
1. Operational Complexity<\/h3>\n
2. Troubleshooting Bottlenecks<\/h3>\n
3. Inefficient Use of Space and Power<\/h3>\n
4. Increased Procurement and Support Costs<\/h3>\n
Why Teams Dream of a Single-Box Solution<\/h2>\n
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ZPE Systems\u2019 Nodegrid is Single-Box Out-of-Band Management and More<\/h2>\n
All-in-One Capabilities<\/h3>\n
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Centralized Management and Policy Enforcement<\/h3>\n
Isolated Management Infrastructure Best Practices<\/h3>\n
Hardened Security<\/h3>\n
Automation-Ready<\/h3>\n
Schedule a Demo<\/h2>\n