Cabling confusion

Tricon7

One of the things that I'm fuzzy on and that I need assistance with is the cable that goes from the host to the router. My fast ethernet connection is a straight-through cable from the host to the switch, then straight-through to the router. Then the serial connection uses a console (rollover?) cable from the serial port on the host directly to the router in the console port. The cord we had used in class had a female end that plugged into a male end on the host. However, on my laptop I don't have such a port. Is there a way to use a usb port there or use a modified cable that my laptop would take? BTW, I don't have the materials to construct my own cords (and the school is stingy with what they give out), as some have recommended. It would cost me more to buy the raw materials and make it than to buy the right cord retail ($40.00 at last check). I was hoping to get something quick, as I need work done before Saturday's class. I'll probably wind up charging onto my charge card for the right cord online somewhere with express shipping. I have this new eBay equipment at home, but I'm still having to drive 20 mi. (one-way) downtown to do my lab work.

Maybe I should have learned all this already, but we all have areas we drag in. Thanks.

jvax

With a USB-to-Serial adapter plugged into your laptop, you can still use the same rollover cable you used in class.

This USB-to-Serial provides to your laptop the same female serial port found on desktop machines.

I think that is what you should buy in case you only have a laptop to use with your gear.