Options for access server

[jattboy]

Hello All,

I am studying for Cisco certification. I have three Cisco 2500 series routers and none of them have "Async" port. Right now, to access each router I have to keep swaping the console cable. I would like to make an access server so that I just connect the console cable there and have reverse telnet access to all three routers.
As far as I know, I have two options:
1) buy a Cisco router with Async port and use that special cable and I am done, but this is expensive solution ($350 CAN).
2) I have three computers, get KVM switch, three of each Monitor, keyboard and mouse cables AND three console cables (too much hardware).

I heard that I can buy non-Cisco switch/router that is around $100, but I have not been able to find any lead on this.

Could someone pass along some hints?

Thanks.

 

[Tazanator]

well imagestream competes with cisco ... start there and look at anyone else that competes against them... I used minicom on a linux system and got a serial port switch box, 3 counsel cables, and the null modem cable to the linux box...... ran me $75.

 

[HKSturboKID]

how come you didn't get dte cables to connect the routers together. Is all 3 routers in the same location and you are trying to simulate a lab? I have 3 2501 routers and setup rip on the routers and connect one router into my smc router and from my pc, I am able to telnet to the routers over the lan.

 

[Garion]

What you're looking for is a terminal server otherwise known as a Console server. You can find them on e-bay pretty cheap. I just saw one here that was $34 with about 30 mins to go..

Another option is to go out and buy extra serial ports for your machine - You could even use USB to Serial connectors so you wouldn't have to mess with installing any new PCI cards and keep it more portable.

- G

 

[jattboy]

For this product eBay does not ship to Canada.

This is for my lab simulation, where all three routers are connected using serial cables.

I have not been able to find any good solution.

Here is what I am going to do:
- Use three console cables.
- Use two com ports on one PC and run two telnet sessions, which will connect to two routers.
- Connect third console cable to another PC and connect to third router.

If anyone has another suggestion, please let me know.

Thanks.

 

[bwnv]

Con cable is only needed for initial setup, ie., router name, IP addy, password and optional static route.
After that put them all on the net (or serial cables, T-1's, etc.). Once there wired up just HyperTerminal or Telnet into them. You can even telnet into Router1, telnet into router2 from it and telnet into router 3 from #2 at the same time.