What type of cable is needed for Console connection?

[markjrees]

Does anyone know what type of cable should be used to connect a workstation computer to a Cisco 1600 series router (via the console port?). My laptop has not got any serial ports - only the rj45 network connection and usb.

cheers

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[CiscoGuy33]

markjrees,
A console cable (also called a roll over cable) is used but that would connect to the serial port on the computer.

You said you do not have a serial port so you will need to make sure that router is configured for telnet access, you might have to find another computer to console into the router to set this up.

You need to set an IP address on the Ethernet port and set a password and login on the vty 0 4 lines -

router(config)# line vty 0 4
router(config-line)# password cisco
router(config-line)# login

Then make sure your laptop is in the same IP subnet.

Then you can directly connect using a cross over cable or connecting both router and laptop to a common hub or switch with a straight through cable. Then you can telnet into the router and do all your commands as long as you do not change the Ethernet port.

I do not know of any other way without a serial connections on your laptop.

E.A. Broda
CCNA, CCDA, CCAI, Network +

 

[hexn]

You can buy a USB/Serial convertor that turns your USB port into a serial port that you can plug a console cable into.

They arent always reliable, but if you fiddle with them enough, they do work.

It is much easier to just use a computer with a serial interface on the back.