Systems, methods and apparatus regarding network configuration and network switches including an in-line Network Console Access (NETCONA) Device having a NETCONA Management Module, a NETCONA WAN-side Port, a NETCONA LAN-side Port, and at least one NETCONA Serial Console Access Port. The NETCONA Device may share a single IP address for “out-of-band” access to network appliances at a network edge point. The NETCONA Device uses packet forwarding to transparently transfer data between a WAN and a LAN. Data packets having console access information are forwarded to the NETCONA Management Module for processing. An exemplary network system includes an in-line NETCONA Device and at least one Network Appliance; wherein the Network Appliance includes a Network Appliance Serial Console Access Port; and wherein the NETCONA Serial Console Access Port is coupled with the Network Appliance Serial Console Access Port to enable Serial Console Access. Numerous other aspects are provided.