What is console cable? How to manage the switch easily through console cable?

Sep 04 , 2024 360

In modern IT equipment management, the switch is the core of the network, in order to manage it in the process of daily use in the simplest way, it is indispensable to the support of the Console cable. Although many people do not understand this small cable, but it is the network administrator's daily work in the “secret weapon”. Whether you are configuring a device for the first time or troubleshooting, the console cable is an indispensable network tool.

What is a console cable?

A console cable is a special cable used to connect a computer to a network device, typically during initial configuration or troubleshooting of a network device. This cable has an RJ45 connector on one end and usually a DB9 serial port on the other (USB converter versions are also available). Its main purpose is to connect the user's computer directly to network devices such as switches and routers for command cable access.

Typically, when a network administrator comes into contact with a brand new switch, the remote management feature is not yet enabled, and the only way to interact with the device at this point is to connect to the device's console port (Console Port) via the Console cable. Through this cable, administrators can access the CLI (Command cable Interface) of the device to perform operations such as device configuration, upgrades, and troubleshooting.

The application of the console cable is not limited to switches; many routers, firewalls, and other network devices require its use for initial configuration. Its popularity and versatility make it an essential tool for every network administrator.

What is the function of the Console cable?

Console cable is the tool of choice for configuration during the initial deployment phase of a device. console cables have unique advantages over other management methods such as SSH and Telnet.

Configuration over the console cable is physically direct and not dependent on the network at all. This means that even if the switch is not yet connected to the network, or if a network device is down and cannot be managed remotely, administrators can still access the device directly through the console cable. This physical level of access makes the console cable especially reliable for troubleshooting.

In addition, the console cable provides direct access to the underlying device. Administrators can use it to run advanced commands to modify the core configuration of the device, including restoring the device to factory settings. This approach is more important than remote management, which is often limited by the device's network status or remote privilege settings.

Therefore, the console cable is not only a good tool for initial configuration, but also the “last cable of defense” in daily maintenance.

How to manage the switch via console cable?

After understanding the function of the console cable, let's see how to manage the switch through it. Below are the steps to connect and manage a switch using a console cable:

Preparation

First, you need to prepare a suitable Console cable, a computer that can run terminal emulation software (such as PuTTY or SecureCRT), and the switch to be managed. Depending on the type of interface on your computer, you may also need a USB to serial converter.

Computer (Personal)

Switch: WS-C3850-48P-S

Console cable: USB to RJ45

Software: secureCRT software (abbreviation: CRT)

Operation steps

1. Connect one end of the console cable to the console port of the switch, which is usually on the back or side of the device. The other end is connected to the serial port or USB port of your computer. If your computer does not have a serial port, you can use a USB to serial converter to connect it.

Note: The USB end of the console cable is plugged into the USB port of the computer and the RJ45 end is plugged into the console port of the device.

2. Right-click on My Computer: Manage Confirm COM port

3. Run secureCRT software and set relevant parameters according to the following figure:

Quickly create a port, select Serial - according to the prompts port selection COM5 - Baud rate selection 9600, and all other options can be default.

4. In the CLI interface, you can manage the switch directly through commands. Common commands include:

• View current configuration: show running-config

• Modify port configuration: for example, set a port to access mode: interface GigabitEthernet 0/1 → switchport mode access

• Save the configuration: write memory

• Reboot the device: reload

Through CLI, you can carry out all-round management of the device, set VLAN, configure IP address, manage routing protocols and other operations can be realized here.

Common Problems and Solutions for Console Switch Management

When using console cable to manage switches, you may encounter some common problems. For example, the connection is unsuccessful, CLI can not respond, etc.. Here are some troubleshooting methods for common problems:

Problem 1: Unable to connect the device: 

Check whether the Console cable is connected correctly, especially whether the interface is loose. Make sure that the serial port of the terminal emulation software is correctly selected.

Problem 2: CLI display garbled code: 

Usually due to incorrect baud rate settings, make sure the baud rate is 9600.

Problem 3: No response after connecting: 

Try restarting the terminal emulation software or the switch, sometimes the device needs to be reset to respond.

Solving these problems can help you manage your devices more smoothly and efficiently.

The Console cable may seem simple, but it is a great asset in network device management. Whether you're configuring or troubleshooting a device for the first time, it provides stable, direct access to help administrators solve problems quickly. If you also need a reliable Console cable, or need more technical support to manage your network devices, welcome to contact us, our professional team will provide you with the best solution.