My Computer related stuff...

linux connect to serial console of 3com switch

Where I state in title and this article "3com switch" I really mean to say "the 3com Superstack Switch 3300 model 3c16980A"

Configuring a 3Com switch is done through the serial console.

We need:

1. well-running linux system
   
2. Serial port on Linux machine
   
3. Serial Null-modem cable (female-female)
   
4. program minicom installed.
   

We start

• by identifying what device the serial connection is.
  Typically the windows-equivalent of com1: is /dev/ttyS0, (com2: -> /dev/ttyS1; com3: -> ttyS2 (you get my point I hope))
  
• connect the serial null-modem cable to 3com serial port (male connector) identifieable through label "console". Connect other end to computer serial port.
  
• power up 3com switch
  
• Now we configure minicom:
  
  
  
  • start minicom program as ordinary user within a sudo-enabled system:

    sudo minicom -s

    (eventually enter password to activate sudo), or as root:

    minicom -s

    
    
  • Select (evt. using mouse and [Enter]) "Serial port setup"
    
    
    
    • Select "A - Serial Device" (press "A") and enter the device name of your serial port adapter (/dev/ttyS0 in my case).
      
    • Select "E - Bps/Par/Bits" (by pressing key "E")
      
      
      
      • Select "F: 19200" (press "F"
        
      • Select "Q: 8-N-1" (press Q)
        
      • Press [Enter] to return to previous level
        
      
      
    • Disable Flow control by choosing "F - Hardware Flow Control", and "G - Software Flow Control" (press "F" c.q. "G") untill both values display "Off".
      
    • Press [Enter] to return to previous level
      
    
    
  • Select (using cursor keys and [Enter]) "Modem and dialing"
    
    
    
    • Disable modem DCD line by choosing "R - Modem has DCD line" (press "R") untill value displays "Off".
      
    • Press [Enter] to return to previous level
      
    
    
  • Save configuration for future use: (using cursor keys and [Enter]) by selecting "Save setup as.." and entering the configuration-name to save as (I used "3com"). This will cause a file "/etc/minicom/minirc.3com" to be created with the settings (only if you started the minicom -s as root (or using sudo)).
    
  • Start working by selecting "Exit" (using cursor keys and [Enter] or by pressing the [End] key on the keyboard).
    
  • working should result in (you might have to press [Enter] once or twice for the login to appear) the login-prompt to be displayed... (and now you should follow 3-com instructions).
    
  
  
• To leave minicom, Press the sequence [Ctrl]+A followed by X.
  

We return (at a later stage) to re-use the saved configuration, by activating the program through

minicom 3com

Good configuration!

posted by Dieter @ 18:33