An apparatus includes a computer server having a chipset and a baseboard management controller, wherein the chipset includes a first serial bus controller, and wherein the baseboard management controller includes a second serial bus controller. The apparatus further includes a serial bus port disposed along an external panel of a server enclosure that houses the computer server, wherein the serial bus port is accessible for connection with a connector of a serial communication cable. Still further, the apparatus includes a switch that selectively connects the serial bus port to either the first serial bus controller or the second serial bus controller, wherein the switch is controlled by an output signal from the baseboard management controller.