Raritan Dominion SX II, Administrator'S Manual

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Appendix C: FAQs
259
Connecting to Serial Devices
What type of devices can the SX II connect
to?
The SX II can connect to a wide variety of serial devices
including network routers, Ethernet switches, firewalls,
UNIX/LINUX servers, Windows Servers, virtual hosts, rack
PDU's, UPS systems and telecom/wireless gear. The SX II
connects via Cat5 cable to these device's RJ-45, DB9 or DB25
serial console ports.
Are rollover cables required?
No. SX II serial connections are auto-sensing, so that they
can connect to both DTE (data terminal equipment) and DCE
(data communications equipment) console ports without
rollover cables. The SX II can connect to Cisco and other
compatible devices with RJ-45 console ports without rollover
cables.
What is DTE/DCE and why is it important?
An RS-232 serial port is either DTE or DCE. DTE ports are
typically used on a computer or terminal, i.e. male DB9 COM
port. And DCE is used on a modem, CSU/DSU, multiplexer or
peripheral. A DTE port is typically cabled to a DCE port.
Connections between like ports must be connected by a
specific rollover cable. Since SX II is auto-sensing, it can
connect to either DTE or DCE ports.
Are adapters required?
To connect to RJ45 console ports, a regular Cat5 cable can be
used with no adapter. Raritan also sells male and female DB9
and DB25 adapters for devices with these types of serial ports.
Adapters are also available to connect to Raritan PX intelligent
Rack PDU's. See the SX II User Guide or online help for more
information on adapters and pinouts.
What is the maximum distance from the SX
II to a serial device?
The distance varies according to the baud rate that is used.
This can range from 4 feet for 230K baud to over 300 feet for
2.4K baud.
What are some sample connections to
serial devices?
The below table shows how to connect the SX II to standard
networking and computer equipment. This is based on the
type of serial port (RJ45, DB9 & DB25) and its gender (male or
female). The required Raritan adapter is shown.