Can't connect to console port 1

[Michoud]

I don't know much about Catalyst switches but I'm trying to connect to a Cisco Catalyst 5505.

When I plug into the console port all I see is a blinking cursor. Anything I press on the keyboard changes nothing on the terminal. I know I have my terminal settings setup correctly because if I plug it into other Cisco devices I can see password prompts and what not. At one point I even tried pressing the reset button on the 5505 and as it booted up I didn't see anything.

Is it broke, am I doing something wrong? Remember, I'm a newbie.

 

[Belushi]

My guess is that someone changed the default console setting on the switch. In such a case, you may have to mess with the settings (speed, stop-bits, etc.) until you find a combination that works for you. Generally, the defaults are 9600, 8, none, 1. If you reboot the switch and you see it go through its bootup sequence while you are consoled into it, everything is working correctly. If someone did indeed change teh settings, it may take you a while.

 

[Michoud]

I will try this the next time I have access to the switch.

Catalyst 5505's don't need to have Flash cards to have software on them right?

 

[vipergg]

5500's don't take the same console cable , all you need is a straight thru cable to connect to the console on the 5500 series .

 

[Michoud]

Sure enough, it was the cable. Thank you for your much appreciated help. I'll be back with more questions on configuring this thing.