[TriLUG] OT: Connecting a Cisco router to a Linux box

[Phillip Rhodes]

Merle Watts wrote:
> 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.  
> 

Merle,

Thanks for the reply, but that part I already know about.  I made myself
an RJ-45 to DB-9 cable from an old modem cable and can connect to the
Cisco's console and login...

What I was really wanting to know about, is a way to actually send 
traffic back and forth using the router, despite the fact that it 
doesn't have two Ethernet interfaces...  that is, a way to connect
a PC (or something) to the WAN side of it and simulate a WAN connection
so I could actually experiment with routing traffic with it.

After reading the responses here, doing some google searching, checking
prices on WAN interface cards, etc., I think I've decided what I'm going
to do.  I'm probably going to buy another cheap Cisco (or two)off of 
E-bay (I found a few that can be had for a little over $100.00) and
probably connect the two Ciscos serial -> serial, ie a "back to back"
connection.  If I understand correctly from what I'm reading this
configuration will allow me to do everything I'll need to do.

On a related note.. if anybody on the list has any old Cisco equipment
they want to sell cheap, let me know...  I don't need anything fancy,
since it's not for production, but just something to experiment / study 
/ learn with...  And I'd just as soon give my money to somebody local as
somebody on E-bay.

TTYL,

Phil