Console cable question

If you want to config a router from a laptop doesn't have a com port what is the alternative to a console cable?

Ethernet and telnetting to the router?

Can you still access the router through hyperterminal without a console/com port connection?

Silly question I know but I'm sure you guys will be able to clear it up for me!

Thanks

Malc

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Comments

bighornsheep

does it have USB?
perhaps something like this:

http://www.anthonypanda.com/product.php?prd_id=50&opt_id=84

malcybood

bighornsheep wrote:

does it have USB?
perhaps something like this:

http://www.anthonypanda.com/product.php?prd_id=50&opt_id=84

yeh bighornsheep its a brand new Sony Vaio laptop I've bought. I guessed you could get some kind of adaptor but wasnt sure and thought i'd get a quick answer here.

Thank you

Malc

mikej412

There might be another old thread about this..... but Belkins has a USB to Serial adapter that I used once. And it worked okay. Some of the electronic/computer superstores are carrying them (various USB to Serial adapters) now (in case you can't wait a few days

)

The 2 old threads:
http://www.techexams.net/forums/viewtopic.php?t=5775

http://www.techexams.net/forums/viewtopic.php?t=14907

malcybood

mikej412 wrote:

There might be another old thread about this..... but Belkins has a USB to Serial adapter that I used once. And it worked okay. Some of the electronic/computer superstores are carrying them (various USB to Serial adapters) now (in case you can't wait a few days )

The 2 old threads:
http://www.techexams.net/forums/viewtopic.php?t=5775

http://www.techexams.net/forums/viewtopic.php?t=14907

Thanks mikej142

Maybe it wasn't such an obvious question after all! Are USB - RS232 connectors a fairly new thing then as laptops phase out com ports to accomodate more USB, SD, MMC slots and alike?

When I done the CNAP curriculum, I was never introduced to USB - RS232 only standard console cables, rollovers for the aux port and standard RJ45 for config of routers over IP/telnet.

Although I did do it 4 years ago so that's probably why! lol

mikej412

Those USB - Serial adapter did come out in response to those super light laptops -- and the USB Adaptor for the Palm Pilot cradles. I think I remember the skinny Sony Viaos at least 4-5 years ago.

The Academy still doesn't mention the USB adaptors..... finding a serial port on a laptop is left as an exercise for the student.

My new Dell Inspiron Laptop (2 gig memory to run Dynamips/Dynagen

) was just delivered 40 minutes ago -- doesn't have a serial port. This was the first time I bought a laptop and didn't hunt for one with a serial port.

malcybood

mikej412 wrote:

My new Dell Inspiron Laptop (2 gig memory to run Dynamips/Dynagen ) was just delivered 40 minutes ago -- doesn't have a serial port. This was the first time I bought a laptop and didn't hunt for one with a serial port.

Nice one man, you decided to max out XP with the old 2GB of RAM then!.....

I thought about a Dell Inspiration laptop but I've got a Dell Latitude D610 for work so wanted something a bit different to look at than the Dell logo at the bottom of the screen......

Sometimes it's just as much about the novelty factor as it is the spec for me, therefore I went for the Sony Vaio VGN-N11H, just got it on Sunday and it's sleek.

Anyway enjoy the "inspirational" Dell, they are good machines!

Malc