The simplest solution should be buying one. A console cable is basically an RS-232 serial cable. It depends on the cable model; one end could be having RJ-45 and another has DB-9 or DB-25.
Console cable should be available at any local computer store. You can also check for "Cisco console kit" on ebay to buy online.
When it is not feasible to buy online or from local computer store, you can consider to make one on your own. Keep in mind that when you are not used to make your own cable, the result could be unexpected.
If you are more of "make-your-own-cable person" and need to have specification, then this should be a good start.
Following is the instruction to make your own console cable.
You can make a custom serial cable with an RJ45 on one end to connect directly to a Cisco console port.
This is done by cutting one end of the serial cable off, stripping about 2” of the shielding, and pinning the individual wires to their correct locations in an RJ45 connector as shown in this FAQ.
Things that you will need:
A continuity tester
A knife
A paper clip
Wire strippers
RJ45 crimping tool
A standard serial cable
One RJ45
A pen or pencil
A piece of paper for notes.
RJ-45 DB-9
1 8
2 6
3 2
4 5
5 extra
6 3
7 4
8 7
Steps:
1. Cut one end of your serial cable off.
2. Strip about 2” of the shielding off exposing the individual wires.
3. Expose about 1 centimeter of the end of each wire by stripping it with a knife for continuity testing.
4. Unfold your paperclip.
5. Write the numbers 1-8 down each on their own line on your paper.
6. Insert the unfolded paperclip into pin 8 on the remaining DB9 connector of your serial cable.
7. Using the continuity tester find that wire and write the color down next to number one on your paper.
8. Once you find what wire pin 8 is connected to note that that wire will go into pin 1 on the RJ45.
9. Repeat this step for pins 6, 2, 5, 3, 4, 7 on the DB9.
10. You should have one wire that you haven’t identified. This is your 2nd ground wire. It will go to pin 5 on your RJ45 so put it next to number 5 on your paper ensuring you have noted them correctly.
11. Now you should have a list of colors next to their corresponding numbers. Make up the RJ45 using the pin out pattern.
If it is done correctly you will have a serial cable that you can use to directly connect to most Cisco devices.
Check out the following links for more info.
Cabling Guide for Console and AUX Ports
Auxiliary Port, Console Port, And Adapter Pinouts For Cisco 1000, 1600, 2500, 2600, And 3600 Series Routers
Discussion:
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by yaplej  edited by aryoba
last modified: 2009-08-23 13:12:51 |
