Cisco Console Cable USB to RJ45 Cable FTDI for Windows 8, 7, Vista,MAC, Linux RS232 6 Ft (Blue)

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Now, you can start to explore and configure your Cisco router. Explore your Cisco router Connect your Cisco router via the console cable on your Mac The most modern console cable utilizes the latest in USB connectivity: UCB-C. These RJ45 to USB-C console cables provide excellent compatibility with modern laptops, including those with Thunderbolt ports. The Role of Console Cables in Networking A less common use case for console cables is in the aftermarket automotive industry. Various companies that perform aftermarket tuning utilize console cables to connect directly with the engine control unit (ECU) in the car for fine-tuning the engine's parameters or monitoring its outputs. As this case study into DIYAutoTune's use of console cables shows, the use of an RJ45 to DB9 cable allowed real-time tuning data monitoring while the car was in use, providing important insights into the car's operation. Conclusion After you have the console cable, the next step is to connect the USB end of the cable to your computer and the RJ45 end of the cable to the Cisco router. On the router or switch you will find a port which is labeled as console. You can find an example below. In my lab, I use a Cisco 2911 Router. The model of the router or switch does not matter. You need to take the same steps. Cisco 2911 Router Turn on the router The first, RJ45 to DB9, is the oldest, but most well-known console cable. Although antiquated compared to modern connector standards, at the time of its release the RJ45 to DB9 cable made connecting networking devices to terminals that could configure them far more easy. However, since this cable was designed to connect to terminals with a native DB9 serial port, and most modern PCs don't have a serial port, adapters are necessary if such console cables are required when configuring antiquated hardware today.

A similar command which gives us approximately the same result is: ls -l /dev/*USB* Finding the allocated TTY port – second method Install the required software and configure the connectionBefore you can use a console cable for the first time, there are some necessary preparations that need to be made. Here you can see the output from my Cisco router. Explore and configure your router Method 2: Using Screen software In my example I will use a USB console cable. You can buy a similar one from here. Cisco console cable USB to RJ45 Connect the console cable to your router Now, you need to configure the connection and start it. You can use two methods for this. Method 1: Using Minicom software It can also be worth looking at the manual for the specific network device you're working with too, as some have their own commands and configuration options which aren't more widely used.

Console cables can also be used to perform firmware updates on networking devices, as well as monitor the update process. Those training to be network administrators and engineers will use console cables as part of their educational program, too. The main types of console cables are RJ45 to DB9 (a serial connector), USB Mini-B to USB-A, RJ45 to USB-A, and RJ45 to USB-C. These are quite different cable types that have been used for different eras of Cisco networking devices. They each have their places, though, and some of even the older designs are still in use today. Return to the Putty application, select the connection type as Serial and specify the allocated port. I added COM3. Select the connection typeThe first is to confirm what ports you're working with and therefore what kind of console cable you need. Does the Cisco networking device have an RJ45 console port, or is it using the smaller, more niche, USB Mini-B connector? If it's the latter, then you'll want to opt for a USB Mini-B to USB-A console cable. If the former, then you have the option of either an RJ45 to DB9 console cable or you can use an RJ45 to USB-A console cable, instead. This makes unmanaged switches better suited to simpler network setups, with managed switches that make use of console cables better suited to more controlled network environments, where that additional oversight is useful and necessary. How to Use Console Cables (high-level) After the screen software is installed, you need to open the program and specify the connection speed to 9600. Don’t forget to hit the Enter key. screen /dev/ttyUSB0 9600 Start the screen program In any case, be cautious with any configuration changes you make. Remember: The CLI gives you very low-level access to the networking hardware so there is the potential to cause yourself a real headache if you misconfigure a switch or other networked device. When modern devices are so interconnected with one another, console cables might seem like an antiquated and unnecessary component in modern networking, but that's not true. When setting up a new piece of networking hardware that hasn't yet been connected to the network, it needs configuration. These sorts of enterprise networks aren't like the plug-and-play networks that most of the world uses at home. Anything joining these networks needs to have all the parameters given to it before it can connect properly, and console cables are a great way to give it that information.