a method for connecting an externally accessible shared serial port to one of a plurality of target serial ports is provided . the target serial ports are associated with a plurality of different application cards within a shelf assembly . the method includes receiving , from an external device connected to an externally accessible shared serial port , a request for a connection between the externally accessible shared serial port and one of a plurality of target serial ports within a shelf assembly associated with a plurality of different application cards , and determining whether shelf resources are available to connect the externally accessible shared serial port to the requested target serial port . in response to determining that shelf resources are available , the externally accessible shared serial port is connected to the requested target serial port .