Some users have recently had their accounts hijacked. It seems that the now defunct EVGA forums might have compromised your password there and seems many are using the same PW here. We would suggest you UPDATE YOUR PASSWORD and TURN ON 2FA for your account here to further secure it. None of the compromised accounts had 2FA turned on.
Once you have enabled 2FA, your account will be updated soon to show a badge, letting other members know that you use 2FA to protect your account. This should be beneficial for everyone that uses FSFT.
You might want to check the newest revision for the GS724T. V4 got released and have some pretty interesting things considering the price.
Link : http://kb.netgear.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/24358
I'm using a Cyclades Alterpath ACS16 that I found cheap on ebay. You could also look at Cyclades TS-1000/2000.
I agree with green91. Using a Console Server will give you a lot of flexibility and less hassle with cables.
Yes, you're doing it this right way.
Keep in mind that the spec for RS232 cable lenght is 50ft.
I've read somewhere that you can go over 100ft using CAT5 but, I've never tried by myself.
I've currently got a broken one that i opened trying to repair. I've mesured it with a tape.
The stock Fan model number on mine is : EFB0405MD
The power supply is providing 5V. The fan get 5v and around 140mA.
Hope this might help you.
I'd go with /usr/home way and put a resistor inline. It will slow down the fan a little and you'll just have to make sure that the switch doesn't get too hot.