[TriLUG] Slightly OT: Connecting a Cisco router to a Linux box via serial connection?

[Merle Watts]

If it works like i think it should you probably need do connect to the
console port for initial configuration.  Get a serial to ethernet
adapter to plug into the serial port on the computer.  And a rollover
cable to connect to the console port.  You need a terminal program to
connect through the console port. Dont know what is used with Linux but
hyperterminal is used in windoze.  

use com 1 or 2
set hyperterminal to
bits per second  9600
Data bits  8
Parity none
stop bits 1
flow control none

On Wed, 2003-12-24 at 09:03, Phillip Rhodes wrote:
> Hi guys, have a question for you router experts! I'm thinking about 
> going for my CCNA certification, and found today that we have a spare 
> (old) Cisco 1601-R laying around the office not being used.  I thought 
> I'd set it up in a spare cube and use it to play around with as I learn 
> Cisco router stuff.
> 
> The issue I have though, is that this Cisco box was designed strictly 
> for connecting WAN -> LAN. That is, it has one Ethernet interface, and 
> one serial interface only (plus a slot for an optional WAN interface card).
> 
> So, given that,  Could I possibly do a straight serial -> serial 
> connection to a Linux box setup to simulate the upstream router at an 
> ISP? If so, I'd appreciate any pointers on how to proceed...
> 
> Oh, I should probably add that I'm willing to purchase either another 
> WAN interface for the Cisco, and/or additional interface boards for my 
> PC, if needed, assuming the price isn't outrageous.
> 
> Some Google searching indicates that it's not easy (if possible) to 
> connect the Cisco serial port to a PC serial port, due to the Cisco 
> being synchronous only, and the PC asynchronous only. However, I 
> understand that you can buy a synchronous serial interface board for a 
> PC... so if something like this would be an option, I'd go that route 
> (no pun intended), as long as it's not too expensive.
> 
> More info is still appreciated though.. for example, if what I'm 
> describing is even possible, I'd need to know what kind of board to buy 
> for the PC and maybe some pointers on how to configure this setup...
> 
> Or if it's just plain not possible, somebody please tell me so I won't 
> waste time on this.
> 
> 
> Thanks,
> 
> Phillip R.
> 
> -- 
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