A console server is software that is run on UNIX machines with several serial ports. Consoles of other machines are then plugged into these serial ports and the software on the original console server allows access to all of the machines from anywhere on the network. This lets system administrators and network administrators access any problems that might arise on the network wherever they are, instead of having to move to the physical location of the machine. In addition to access across the network using the server, the console server logs all of the lines for detailed reports of what data is being sent and received across the lines. While many consoles have multiple connections in this form, only one connection is allowed to take control of a server. The rest of the connections are read only, though it is possible to assume control of the connection.