difference between console port and ethernet port

[swaminathan]

Can anybody please explain what is the technical difference between console port and ethernet port in switches and routers?

Can we connect the console port of the router/switch to the ethernet port of pc for configuring the router/switch ?

Please explain

Thanks

S.Swaminathan

[Big Evil]

Try it and see what happens mate.

[Fuzz]

Think about what type of cables you use, and what the hell is a rollover cable?

serial..ously ;)

[Big Evil]

Fuzz - all my cables are blue are they the same?
Please answer i have my exam in an hour. :)

[ciscodaze]

Hi Swami,

This is not a bad question.

While the console port looks just like an ethernet port, it is a special cisco port for connecting to your router/switch - basically it is an asynchronous serial port, and it needs to be connected to the serial port (DB-9) on your laptop or desktop. However, If you are using a laptop that is of fairly recent vintage, you probably dont have a DB-9, so you need to get an adaptor.

Once you are connected, just make sure you have a terminal emulator, like TerraTerm for example, installed on your computer, confirm that your settings are "9600bps, 8-n-1, no flow control" and you are good to go.

Here is a youtube video that will give you the visuals you need.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6YWlEC_kKfY

[swaminathan]

Hi Ciscodaze!


Thank you very much for your clear and precise answer and explanation!


I am aspiring to become a CCNA very soon with the help of you such kind of persons.I want to understand the concepts very clearly and attend the exam .

I appreciate your help for spending your valuable time


Thanks

S.Swaminathan

[yuronald]

Swami,
The ethernet port is designed to work with ethernet cables only. They may all look the same and fit, but the pinouts are different. And they are designed to run on ethernet technology (MAC) which you will be an expert at soon. The console ports are designed to work with the COM ports on a console/PC. The question is quite silly (but we have all been there), but hopefully you'll look back and have a good laugh.

[swaminathan]

Hi Yuronald

Thanks for your reply and I know that my question may be quiet silly but it is better to clear my doubt rather to assuming wrongly about the fact.That's why I posted the issue.

Anway thanks for your input



S.Swaminathan

[yuronald]

In addition,
set up an ip addr on your router/switch and then plug an ethernet cable to the ethernet port on both sides and telnet using the IP addr. So you can get to the IOS two ways - console and telnet, using Hyperterminal (comes with win XP) or download teraterm etc. Have Fun!!!

[ciscodaze]

No problem Swaminathan...there are no bad questions. Only bad answers.

Let me give you two outstanding resources for video tutorials, (both are free!). These helped me quite a bit in preparing for the CCNA.

First, Cisco.com use to do an online video series called CCNA TV and CCNP TV - unfortunately they stopped. But Fortunately they archived a ton of great tutorials up to 2009! Here is the link (you will have to make a user name and password to access them).
https://learningnetwork.cisco.com/docs/DOC-2549 (https://learningnetwork.cisco.com/docs/DOC-2549)

Secondly, there is a gentleman named Keith Barker, who produces absolutely great high quality tutorials for his Youtube page. He is a double CCIE, but many of his videos are aimed at the CCNA/CCNP level. Excellent stuff.
http://www.youtube.com/user/Keith6783 (http://www.youtube.com/user/Keith6783)

besides these two free resources, you can purchase Video Mentor for CCNA, either on disc or as a download. Just Google Wendell Odom Video mentor, David Hucaby Video Mentor, and Kevin Wallace Video Mentor. These are WELL worth the money. You can also go straight to www.informit.com (http://www.informit.com) and buy them there, or just buy the modules you want.
Type "Video Mentor" in the seach bar on the home page, all the videos I mentioned will come up.

If you can afford it, Todd's video training is awesome.

Even if you know all this material from self study, its still makes for great review and really solidifying your knowledge.

Enjoy!
Kevin



[QUOTE=swaminathan;17195]Hi Ciscodaze!


Thank you very much for your clear and precise answer and explanation!

[Fuzz]

Think about what type of cables you use, and what the hell is a rollover cable?

serial..ously

Thanks for your reply and I know that my question may be quiet silly but it is better to clear my doubt rather to assuming wrongly about the fact.That's why I posted the issue.

I hope you don't think I was being flippant. I was trying to get you to realise for yourself that it wouldn't work due to the different cables used, and the how different the 'physical layer' was for an ethernet port compared to a console port.

[swaminathan]

Hi Fuzz

Nothing misunderstood about your comments since I know your posts for a couple of years and you have helped me a lot in understanding CCNA concepts

Thanks & Regards

S.Swaminathan