Connecting to the console port

The console port, labeled Console, is an RS-232 port with an RJ-45 interface. It is an asynchronous (async) serial port; any device connected to this port must be capable of asynchronous transmission.

About this task

This port must be used to initially configure the management IP address and other parameters before connecting the switch to the network for the first time.

CAUTION:
The console port can be used to connect to a modem, however, we recommend using the COM1 port for this purpose. If you decide to connect the console port to a modem, do not connect it while the switch is booting; connect either before powering the switch on or after the switch has completed the boot process.

You can use the console port to perform the following functions:

  • Configure the SAN384C-6 from the CLI.
  • Monitor network statistics and errors.
  • Configure SNMP agent parameters.
  • Download software updates.
Note: To connect the console port to a computer terminal, the computer must support VT100 terminal emulation. The terminal emulation software frequently an application such as HyperTerminal or Procomm Plus makes communication between the switch and computer possible during setup and configuration.

Use this procedure to connect the console port to a computer terminal.

Procedure

  1. Configure the terminal emulator program to match the following default port characteristics: 9600 baud, 8 data bits, 1 stop bit, no parity.
  2. Connect the supplied RJ-45 to DP-25 female adapter. We recommend that you use the adapter and cable provided with the switch.
  3. Connect the console cable (a rollover RJ-45 to RJ-45 cable) to the console port or the RJ-45 to DP-25 adapter (depending on your computer) at the computer serial port.