Console port connections / Connecting router LAN interfaces

Console port connections
1.2.5 This page will provide more information about the console port.


The console port is a management port that is used to provide out-of-band access to a router. It is used to set up the initial configuration of a router and to monitor it. The console port is also used for disaster recovery procedures.

A rollover cable and an RJ-45 to DB-9 adapter are used to connect a PC to the console port. Cisco supplies the necessary adapter to connect to the console port.

The PC or terminal must support VT100 terminal emulation. Terminal emulation software such as HyperTerminal is usually used.

The following are steps to connect a PC to a router:

1. Configure terminal emulation software on the PC for the following:

• The appropriate COM port
• 9600 baud
• 8 data bits
• No parity
• 1 stop bit
• No flow control

2. Connect the RJ-45 connector of the rollover cable to the router console port.

3. Connect the other end of the rollover cable to the RJ-45 to DB-9 adapter.

4. Attach the female DB-9 adapter to a PC.

Connecting router LAN interfaces
1.2.6 This page will teach students how to connect LAN interfaces.


A router is usually connected to a LAN through an Ethernet or Fast Ethernet interface. The router is a host that communicates with the LAN through a hub or a switch. A straight-through cable is used to make this connection. A 10BASE-TX or 100BASE-TX router interface requires Category 5, or better, unshielded twisted-pair (UTP) cable, regardless of the router type.

In some cases the Ethernet connection of the router is connected directly to the computer or to another router. For this type of connection, a crossover cable is required.

The correct interface must be used. If the wrong interface is connected, it can damage the router or other networking devices. Many different types of connections use the same style of connector. For example Ethernet, ISDN BRI, console, AUX, integrated CSU/DSU, and Token Ring interfaces use the same eight-pin connector, which is RJ-45, RJ-48, or RJ-49. Students can use the Lab Activity and the Interactive Media Activity to practice LAN interface connections.

The next page will discuss WAN interface connections.