Terminal server-connecting to console port on a switch

j-gavigan · ‎07-05-2010

I am trying to connect a Cisco 2620 with an NM-16A= card to a Cisco switch console port so that I can telnet via this router to the switch. The switch is to be used as a standalone ethernet aggregate solution so I cannot just use one of the 10/100 ethernet ports on the switch itself.

Only problem is I cannot get the switch console port to bring up the port on the NM-16A= card. The NM-16A port will come up to either the console or Aux port on a router however when I connect the NM-16A= port to the console port on the switch it will not activate.

Also could somebody provide me a link to the required commands to configure this NM-16A= card correctly?

Joe Clarke · ‎07-05-2010

Under the async line on your terminal server, all you require is:

line X

no exec

speed 9600

stop 1

This assumes your switch's console baud is set to the default of 9600 bps. Depending on the switch model, you may also try connecting a rolled vs. straight-through cable to see if that makes a difference. On a PC-to-console connection for a Cat3k, for example, you would use a rolled cable.

j-gavigan · ‎07-13-2010

Hi Joseph, thank you fpr your reply. I posted this and then promptly went on holidays hence my slow reply!

I tried to implement your config however it fails to work. The first available line on my NM16=A card appears to be line 33. I configure as per your guidance to no avail as the port refuse's to come up to the console port on my switches (I've tried a couple of switches by now). I've also tried your rollover cable suggestion and that does not work either, My router is a 2620 and the switch is a WS-C3560-24TS. I also configured the switch console port as 9600, stopbits 1. I think that 9600 may be the default rate for this port anyhow so it probably made no real difference...

Joe Clarke · ‎07-13-2010

Are you using an octal cable out of the 2620? If so, try a straight-through ethernet cable. Yes, 9600 baud is correct.