Help: Connecting to managed switch via console cable

[Tardy]

I feel really stupid asking this:

I happen to came across a cheap managed switch that wasnt configured. I tried to connect the "console cable with DB9-connector" (seriell cable) with the com port of the server. The switch came with a configuration software so I tried to connect to the switch from there but couldnt get it to connect. The switch has to be configured with the seriell cable first or I cant use the web interface to manage it.

What am I doing wrong here? Am I missing something? configuration programm != console? I sadly have not much experience with setting up switches, tho I think I am able to config it after I get a connection at least. I tried different com Ports (tho the software only lets me choce between com 1 or 2).

Anyone? (PS: I tired a different PC too, no changes)

 

[drebo]

A brand and model number of the switch might be useful.

 

[Nothinman]

Have you tried terminal emulation software to see if it gets you to a command prompt?

 

[spidey07]

You need to use a serial cable to connect. Depending on the switch it might have to be a null modem cable. From there you can use a terminal program like teraterm or windows hyperterminal.

 

[bruceb]

The switch Make and Model would help. As to your interface, if you are connecting thru a USB to Serial Adapter, you need to get one that is BiDirectional. Not all of them are and some just will not work to configure a switch or a router. You need a serial DB-9 cable as well. Use a program called HyperTerminal to talk to the switch / router. It is included in most versions of Windows.

Settings are: Baud= 9600 Bits per Second .. 8 Data Bits .. No Parity .. 1 Stop Bit ... Flow Control=None

http://www-tss.cisco.com/eservice/compass/common/tasks/task_veri_Config_Hyperterminal.htm

One of these would work well:

http://www.usbgear.com/computer_cab...199&catid=482%2C1303,199,461,106,1009,601

 

[Emulex]

putty is a great terminal 😉 it does ssh and telnet and serial port. all in one free app 😉

 

[robmurphy]

For terminal emulation on windows (XP, Vista, and win 7) I also recommend putty.

You will need to know the speed to set the serial interface to. Chances are its 9.6k or 115k. Other settings are usually: data bits 8, stop bits 1, no parity.

Rob.

 

[Tardy]

Thanks a lot guys. It really was another terminal software I needed. Switch is at least usable now and I already set it up.

Again, I really appreciate the quick help I got here *thumbs up*.