Device Connection Facts

Cisco routers and switches do not have monitors, and you cannot connect a keyboard or a mouse directly to the device. To manage the device, you connect to the router or switch through either a dedicated terminal or a PC. There are several options you can use to manage a Cisco device. These include:

Connection Type

Description

Console

A console connection allows for a direct connection through a PC to the console port on the device. The PC will need a terminal emulation program (such as HyperTerminal and PuTTY) to connect to the device's command line interface. In the terminal emulation program, use the following settings:

  • 9600 baud (or a rate supported by your router)
  • Data bits = 8 (default)
  • Parity = None (default)
  • Stop bits = 1 (default)
  • Flow control = None

Virtual Terminal (VTY)

A VTY connection connects through a LAN or WAN interface configured on the device. Use a program such as Telnet or SSH to open the command line interface. The Cisco device must be configured with an IP address before a VTY connection can be made.

Security Device Manager (SDM)

The Cisco SDM allows a Web browser connection to the device. Once connected, the SDM allows you to manage the security features and network connections through a Web-based graphical user interface. Be aware of the following SDM settings:

  • 10.10.10.1 is the default IP address of the SDM
  • The default value for both the username and password is cisco

Note: A new router may not be completely configured for an SDM connection, so you may need to make a console connection first. 

Use the following cable types to make the initial connection to the switch or the router for device management:

Cable Type

Pin-outs

Use


Rollover Cable

1 --> 8
2 --> 7
3 --> 6
4 --> 5
5 --> 4
6 --> 3
7 --> 2
8 --> 1

Use a rollover Ethernet cable to connect the device's console port to the serial port on a PC. Connect the RJ-45 end to the console port, and connect the serial end to the PC.

 


Straight-through Ethernet Cable

1 --> 1
2 --> 2
3 --> 3
6 --> 6

Use a straight-through Ethernet cable to connect an Ethernet port on a router to an Ethernet port on a hub or switch. You can then access the router from another PC connected to the same network using a VTY connection.

Note: If the router has an AUI port, connect one end to an AUI transceiver before connecting to the router.


Crossover Ethernet Cable

1 --> 3
2 --> 6
3 --> 1
6 --> 2

Use a crossover Ethernet cable to connect an Ethernet port on a router directly to the NIC in a PC. Establish a VTY session from the PC to connect to the device.

Note: If the router has an AUI port, connect one end to an AUI transceiver before connecting to the router.