What kind of cable allows for a serial connection to a Cisco networking device?

What kind of cable allows for a serial connection to a Cisco networking device?

A Cisco console cable is used to connect a computer system directly into a networking device, such as a switch or a router…

What kind of cable allows for a serial connection to a Cisco networking device?

When you got a new Cisco router, Cisco switch, or Cisco firewall and hooked it up, does it work? No. It isn’t like a Linksys or Netgear router. It has no DHCP or anything like that. It has to be configured first. How do you configure it? You have to connect to the console port, like this console port on a Cisco 1800 series router:

What kind of cable allows for a serial connection to a Cisco networking device?

But what can connect to it? No, don’t use an Ethernet cable – it won’t work. This is a SERIAL port that needs to go to the serial/COM port on your PC or laptop (if you still have one). What what you need is a ROLLED cable. Here is what it looks like:

What kind of cable allows for a serial connection to a Cisco networking device?

Cisco also has a good picture of one as follows:

What kind of cable allows for a serial connection to a Cisco networking device?

However, how are you going to get that rolled cable connected to your PC? Don’t plug it into the Ethernet port! Remember, it is a Serial Cable. You need to connect it to the 9 PIN serial port on your PC (hopefully you have one but I will tell you what to do if you don’t in a minute. To connect it, you need to convert the RJ45 end to Serial with an adaptor, like this:

What kind of cable allows for a serial connection to a Cisco networking device?

Many times, these came with routers or were sold in a package alone with the rolled cable, like this:

What kind of cable allows for a serial connection to a Cisco networking device?

Today, the DB9 to RJ45 converter is coming molded to the console cable, like this:

What kind of cable allows for a serial connection to a Cisco networking device?

Once you have the router, switch, or firewall physically connected with the right cable & adaptor, you need to use your terminal emulator to communicate with the console port. For more information on that topic, I recommend this article on how to use Hyperterminal to connect to your Cisco router.

Notes: Types of Cisco Console Cables

Cisco cables, including DTE Serial Cables, for connecting your Router to a DTE (Data Terminal Equipment); DCE Serial Cables, for connecting your Router to a DCE (Data Communications Equipment); DTE Smart Serial Cables, for connecting your Router to a DTE (Data Terminal Equipment); DCE Smart Serial Cables, for connecting your Router to a DCE (Data Communications Equipment); Aironet Cables, related to Cisco’s Aironet product range, including; Antenna extension, Low Loss cables, etc.

Cisco Console Cables, Rolled and Straight

  • Octal V.35, RS449, RS530, X.21 cables
  • What kind of cable allows for a serial connection to a Cisco networking device?
    Cisco / IBM Bus & Tag cables
  • Smart Serial Cables
  • Aironet Wireless cables
  • Stratacom cables
  • RJ45-DB9 All in One Cable
  • Cisco Catalyst Serial Cables
  • Console Port Cables, DB25F, DB9, RJ45
  • Cisco Modular Adapters
  • Cisco Fiber Cables
  • Cisco HSSI Cables
  • Cisco LFH 60 and LFH 200 Cables
  • Octal Cables & Kits
  • Cisco Router-to-Router Cables
  • Cisco Smart Serial Cables
  • T1 & T1/E1 PRI Cables
  • T3/E3 & DS3/DS4 Cables

More Related: How to Make Cisco Console Cables?

What type of cable is used to connect a PC's serial port to a Cisco router or switch console port?

The console port is an asynchronous RS-232 serial port with an RJ-45 connector. You can use the RJ-45 rollover cable and the RJ-45/DSUB F/F adapter or the DB-9F/RJ-45F PC terminal adapter to connect the console port to a computer running terminal emulation software.

What type of cable is used to connect a workstation serial port to a Cisco?

UTP Cabling.

What type of cable is used to connect a workstation serial port to a Cisco router console port coaxial straight through crossover rollover?

Rollover cable (also known as a Yost cable, Cisco cable, or a Console cable) is a type of null-modem cable that is used to connect a computer terminal to a router's console port.

What are the types of cable used in Cisco?

Choosing LAN Cabling Options.
802.3u (Fast Ethernet).
802.3z (Gigabit Ethernet over Fiber).
802.3ab (Gigabit Ethernet over UTP).
802.3ae (10 Gigabit Ethernet).