3-15
Connecting the Console Cable
Introduction
A console cable is an 8-core shielded cable. At one end of the cable is a crimped RJ-45 connector that
is to be plugged into the console port of a switch. At the other end of the cable is a DB-9 (female)
connector. You can plug it into the 9-pin (male) serial port on the console terminal. The following figure
illustrates the console cable.
Figure 3-16
A console cable
Table 3-2
Console cable pinouts
RJ-45
Signal
DB-9
Signal
1 RTS
8
CTS
2 DTR
6
DSR
3 TXD
2
RXD
4 CD
5
SG
5 GND
5
SG
6 RXD
3
TXD
7 DSR
4
DTR
8 CTS
7
RTS
Connection procedures
Step1
Plug the DB-9 female connector of the console cable to the serial port of the PC or terminal where the
switch is to be configured.
Step2
Connect the RJ-45 connector of the console cable to the console port of the switch.
z
A PC serial port does not support hot-swapping; therefore, you are not allowed to insert or remove
the console cable into or from the PC serial port with the switch powered on.
z
When connecting the console cable, first connect the DB-9 end to the PC serial port and then the
RJ-45 end to the console port of the switch.
z
When removing the console cable, first remove the RJ-45 end and then the DB9 end.
