What cables I need?

[jack1212]

I'm trying to setup Cisco 2500 routers and 2950 switches in a rack. Here is current setup:
- There are 8 PCs. From each PC, serial cable is terminated into the patch panel which is located in a rack.
- Each PC has a DB9 serial port. I've DB9 to RJ-45 connectors for each PC.

I want to access router consoles from PCs but not sure what cables to use to connect routers and switch to patch panel.

 

[SYQUEST]

There are pre-wired adapters for that purpose. To keep everything else the same in your network, use the same Category rated patch cords that you use for your Ethernet connections for your serial connections, but you might want to color code them. Then you won't have any confusion with some one mixing something and causing problems.

....JIM....

 

[wires]

I use regular network patch cords and adapters. A good start can be found here:

http://www.pccables.com/01910.htm

http://www.ossmann.com/5-in-1.html

http://www.zytrax.com/tech/layer_1/cables/tech_rs232.htm

I usually carry 3 different types. All female with some male-male adapters:

Straight (marked ||)
RJ45 Co DB9
4 Rd 3
5 Gr 2
2 Or 7
7 Br 8
3 Bk 5
6 Yl 1
1 Bu 4
8 Wh 6

Crossover/Null (Marked X)
RJ45 Co DB9
4 Rd 2
5 Gr 3
2 Or 8
7 Br 7
3 Bk 5
6 Yl -
1 Bu 6
8 Wh 1/4

Special (Marked LTX, works on Cisco/Lantronix...)
RJ45 Co DB9
4 Rd 5
5 Gr 5
2 Or 6
7 Br 4
3 Bk 2
6 Yl 3
1 Bu 8
8 Wh 7

Make sure you mark the outside of the adapters so you can tell the difference!

The colors are fairly consistent over most adapters I have seen.
Rd = Red
Gr = Green
Or = Orange
Br = Brown
Bk = Black
Yl = Yellow
Bu = Blue
Wh = White

These pinouts are from notes that have worked for me for years. YMMV.