Cisco USB console cable?

pwjohnston

So I’m starting to build out my lab gearing up for my CCENT/CCNA. When it hit me, I only have one really OLD pc that has a serial DB-9 on it for the console cable. I’m like WTF? why hasn’t cisco made a USB console cable?

So I’ve done some digging around on the net and found some things and I just want some of the cisco guys here to verify them.

The basic gist was that there will never will be a cisco usb console cable because usb is not capable of doing a 9600 baud rate transmission and you have to use a RS-232 adapter because it has a chip in it to make the necessary conversions.

Reference:
http://www.experts-exchange.com/Hardware/Networking_Hardware/Routers/Q_22837964.html
"
Because the USB to serial adapter is actually akin to a digital to analog converter. Your USB port knows nothing about 9600 baud serial data streaming at it. The best solution I've found, in terms of keeping my laptop bag tidy, is a USB to Serial adapter that has removable USB cable, so I kill to birds with one stone(serial adapter, spare USB cable), plus the Serial adapter can be stashed neatly in a pocket without a bunch of cable mess.

There is really no way to do this, the USB port cannot interpret the RS232 serial data stream. IIRC, if you rip apart a USB-Serial adapter, you'll find a RS232 chip that does the RS232 interpretation."



Given that info is correct can I use this?

USB 2.0 Serial RS-232 DB-9 MINI Adapter with Detachable Extension Cable

USB 2.0 Serial RS-232 DB-9 MINI Adapter with Detachable Extension Cable 765288 LOW PRICE $17.89

meadIT

That looks like it should work. Here is the one that I personally use: Newegg.com - VANTEC CB-USB20SR USB to Serial Adapter - Adapters & Gender Changers

pwjohnston

Sweet, that one is cheaper. Thanks. Most of the ones I found were $40.

Stotic

I use this one:

Newegg.com - SABRENT SBT-USC6M USB to Serial (9-pin) DB-9 RS-232 Adapter Cable - Adapters & Gender Changers

tiersten

Basically USB is not the same protocol as RS232 serial. You will always need a chip to do the conversion and they are embedded inside the USB serial adapters you're looking at. If Cisco release a USB console cable then it'll have one of those chips built into it.

The emulation of a RS232 serial port isn't actually that great with those chips but it is good enough in this particular case.

Nearly all USB serial adapters use a limited number of chips and just put their own casing on it. The major players in this area are Keyspan, FTDI and Prolific Technology. Any of them should be fine.

fox_of_the_rose

USB to Console Cable - Detailed item view - Flexible Fit Information Technology LLC

It's a little pricey, but it's the closest thing to a usb-to-RJ45-console cable that probably exists. I was contemplating one of these with cat5 patch panel to my devices when I get them set up.

aldous

you don't need anything fancy i use a similar version to this USB 2.0 TO RS232 SERIAL DB9 9 PIN ADAPTER CABLE GPS PDA | eBay and a standard cisco blue console cable. they have a chip int the cable and you install a driver to your PC, there arn't many rs232-usb IC's around so chances are most rs232-usb use the same firmware/IC's

chrisone

A USB to Serial converter is a common tool for network engineers with their newer laptops. Dont freak out its normal, make sure you have 2 for a replacement.

Roguetadhg

chrisone wrote: »

A USB to Serial converter is a common tool for network engineers with their newer laptops. Dont freak out its normal, make sure you have 2 for a replacement.

I just added two to my would-be order.

mayszs

Everything stated above is correct WRT RS-232 conversion and level shifting but as long as the 8P8C (RJ45) is down stream the cable can go directly from USB to RJ45.
Currently one custom cable company manufacturers this functionality.
[url]Http://www.ffitllc.com[/url]