Serial Connection Cables
The serial ports on the asynchronous/synchronous serial network modules use the following cables. Serial
ports can be configured as DTE or DCE, depending on the serial cable used.
Table 3: Interface Cables for 68-pin Connector
Cisco Product Number
Interface Type and description
CAB-HD4-232MT
4-port ELA-232 DTE, 10ft, Male DB-25
CAB-HD4-232FC
4-port EIA-232 DCE, 10ft, Female DB-25
CAB-QUAD-ASYNC-F
4-port EIA-232 DTE, 10ft, Female RJ-45
CAB-QUAD-ASYNC-M
4-port ELA-232 DTE, 10ft, Male RJ-45
CAB-9AS-M
4-port ELA-232 DTE, 10ft, Male DB-9
Serial DTE or DCE Devices
A device that communicates over a synchronous or asynchronous serial interface is either a DCE or DTE
device. A DCE device provides a clock signal that paces the communications between the device and the
router. A DTE device does not provide a clock signal. DTE devices usually connect to DCE devices. The
documentation that accompanied the device should indicate whether it is a DTE or DCE device. (Some devices
have a jumper to select either DTE or DCE mode.) The following table lists typical DTE and DCE devices.
Typical Devices
Gender
Device Type
Terminal
PC
Male
DTE
Modem
CSU/DSU
Multiplexer
Female
DCE
1
If pins protrude from the base of the connector, the connector is male.
2
If the connector has holes to accept pins, the connector is female.
Signaling Standards Supported
The serial ports available for the router support the following signaling standards: EIA/TIA-232 (EIA-323).
You can order a shielded serial transition cable that has the appropriate connector for the standard you specify.
The documentation for the device should indicate the standard used for that device. The router end of the
shielded serial transition cable has a VHDCI 68 pin connector. The other end of the serial transition cable is
available with a connector appropriate for the standard you specify.
The serial port can be configured as DTE or DCE, depending on the attached cable.
All serial ports configured as DTE require external clocking from a CSU/DSU or other DCE device.
Cisco Catalyst IR8340 Rugged Series Router Hardware Installation Guide
19
Preparing for Router Installation
Serial Connection Cables