Console Cables

[Robert Falconer]

Has Cisco stopped shipping console cables with their products? I noticed it today when I opened up some new 3650s. Then I found that the 4451-x and 2960xr units that we purchased a little while ago didn't have console cables either.

Neither ribbon cable nor USB.

[Leo Laohoo]

Make sense anyway. 

The amount of console cable use is going down.  This is why Cisco's enabled mini-USB console.   And you can get those cheaper than Cisco is selling the mini-USB cable.

[devils_advocate]

They stopped shipping the switches with Console cables a while back, probably more than a year ago actually.

Considering most enterprise switches are £1500+ anyway, it does seem a little tight of them but as Leo says, Mini USB is being used more and more.....although I still prefer an Old School cable :)

[Leo Laohoo]

If memory serves me correct, when they started shipping out 2960S, 3560-X and 3750-X was the time when Cisco stopped shipping complimentary console cable.  The only difference between the Cisco mini-USB cable and the ones you'll find in any electronics shop is the color.  Functionality-wise, they are just the same. 

You may need to download the console driver from Cisco.