Console connect to Cisco routers via minicom

May 26, '04 09:02:00AM

Contributed by: macubergeek

Here's a step-by-step set of instructions on how to console onto your cisco router or switch from your mac using minicom.

  1. Install minicom via Fink [Fink minicom page]. In the Terminal, type fink install minicom
  2. Purchase the Keyspan PDA adapter. Install the driver and reboot
  3. Configure minicom. Type minicom -s in the Terminal, and select Serial port setup (using the up and down arrows). Set the serial device to look as follows:
        x A -    Serial Device      : /dev/cu.USA19QI191P1.1                   
        x B - Lockfile Location     : /sw/var/run                               
        x C -   Callin Program      :                                           
        x D -  Callout Program      :                                           
        x E -    Bps/Par/Bits       : 9600 8N1                                  
        x F - Hardware Flow Control : No                                        
        x G - Software Flow Control : No                                        
        x                                                                       
        x    Change which setting?                                              
    
    Verify your "Serial Device" by looking through /dev on your computer for something that looks approximately like above. You might do ls /dev/cu* to find it fast. Don't choose /dev/cu.modem, and note the "E" settings -- this is what Cisco routers require, and note that there's no flow control of any kind. Save setup as dfl; this is the default config which minicom uses on launch.
Read the rest of the hint for the remainder of the steps.

You will need the following cabling:

  1. patch cable say 7" long
  2. Cisco rj45 to db9 converter with "Terminal" on oneside 74-0495-01 on the other
  3. db9 female to db9 male null modem cable
  4. Keyspan PDA converter
Connect the cables: Shut the router down, then type sudo minicom. You will see Initializing modem; you should then connect to your router.

IMPORTANT:
When you are done you must hang up the connection. Hit Control-A then hit z then hit x then hit Return. You will see Resetting Modem, and then you will exit out of minicom.

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