Accessing the Cisco Console from an MRV server

lordy

Dear all,

in preparation for the Switch Exam I just hooked up the MRV terminal server which I got from our old datacenter (48 ports, totally CCIE ready ) and the Cisco 2960.

I have telnet access to the MRV now but when I try to get to the Cisco I get this:

InReach:0 >connect port async 1
Unable to connect to port 1

This port is connected to the Cisco via a blue rollover cable (previously used successfully with a DB9 to RJ45 adapter).

Do you have any idea what I need to do to get a connection?

lordy

OK. Just in case anybody is facing the same problems, here is how I fixed it for me.

It seems you need a special cable, a Cisco rollover will not work. Through Google I found this link that got a step closer: Xyplex 1600 Resources

However, leaving ports 2 and 7 unconnected is not correct. You need to create a rollover with pins 1 and 8 swaped. It should look like this:

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

If done correctly you can issue a "show port async X status" which should show CTS as Up and DSR as Down (afaik it's not supported by the Cisco device).

After that I changed the following settings for the port from default:
- Flow Control to "None"
- Banner to "None"
- Disable "AutoHangup"
- Change Prompt to empty string

With the proper cable and these settings I am now able to get to by Switches

instant000

As you already fixed your issue, here's this link for additional information:

Xyplex/iTouch Console Connection Guide

This information may help someone trying to connect a MRV terminal server to a Cisco switch or router


^^^ Yes, I'm trying to intentionally add keywords to this post!

CodeBlox

This worked for me! Thanks!!!

pevangel

I use MRV terminal servers extensively, and I've never had to make a special cable just to connect to Cisco gear. I use a normal rollover cable with the following settings:

- Flow Control: None
- Autohangup: Disabled
- DSR Wait: Disabled

I think pins 1 and 8 are used for flow control so I don't think having them flipped would really matter.