Before you install the controller, have all the additional external equipment and cables at hand. For ordering
information, contact a Cisco customer service representative.
The extent of your network and the distances between network interface connections depend in part on the
following factors:
• Signal type
• Signal speed
• Transmission medium
The distance and rate limits referenced in the following sections are the IEEE-recommended maximum speeds
and distances for signaling purposes. Use this information as guidelines when planning your network
connections prior to installing the Cisco Catalyst 9800-80 Wireless Controller.
If wires exceed recommended distances, or if wires pass between buildings, give special consideration to the
effect of a lightning strike in your vicinity. The electromagnetic pulse caused by lightning or other high-energy
phenomena can easily couple enough energy into unshielded conductors to destroy electronic devices. If you
have had problems of this sort in the past, you may want to consult experts in electrical surge suppression and
shielding.
Console Port Connections
The Cisco Catalyst 9800-80 Wireless Controller provides console ports to connect a terminal or computer for
local console access.
Both ports have RJ-45 connectors, support RS-232 asynchronous data, and have distance recommendations
specified in the IEEE RS-232 standard.
USB Serial Console
The USB serial console port connects directly to the USB connector of a PC using a USB Type A to 5-pin
mini USB Type-B cable. The USB Console supports full speed (12Mbps) operation. The console port does
not support hardware flow control.
• Always use shielded USB cables with a properly terminated shield. The USB serial console interface
cable must not exceed 3 meters in length.
• Only one console port can be active at a time. When a cable is plugged into the USB console port, the
RJ-45 port becomes inactive. Conversely, when the USB cable is removed from the USB port, the RJ-45
port becomes active.
• 4-pin mini USB Type-B connectors are easily confused with 5-pin mini USB Type-B connectors. Only
5-pin mini USB Type-B is supported.
Note
Interference Considerations
When wires are run for a significant distance, there is a risk that stray signals will be induced on the wires as
interference. If interference signals are strong, they can cause data errors or damage to the equipment.
Cisco Catalyst 9800-80 Wireless Controller Hardware Installation Guide
28
Preparing Your Site for Installation
Console Port Connections
