A connection between one networks to another some times make use of WAN services. These WAN services utilize various types of connection and cabling methods which is very much different from those of LAVs. So it is very important to understand the type of cabling required to connect to these services. In this lesson, you will learn the process of connecting Cisco devices to a terminal which enables to configure and monitor devices.
Physical Interfaces
A router has several physical interfaces which enables it to connect to different types of network media and terminals. The terms port and interfaces can be used interchangeably. Some of the physical interfaces normally found on Cisco router are listed below.
Console port
Console port is a point where you connect computer or terminal to router to access operating system. While connecting to the router console port is very much essential to configure other interfaces. ASCII terminal is the most commonly used computer running terminal emulation software for example Hyper Terminal in windows 98 can be connected to console port. Console port. Console port provides access to the command interpreter, so that it can be used to configure and maintain router.
Console cable is an asynchronous serial interface which uses RJ-45 connector and looks same phone jack but slightly larger. Adapters are also available which is required for connections to PC terminals, modems and other external communication equipment. RJ-45 crossover or console cable is required to connect computer or a laptop to router. Depending upon the size of the PC serial port, you rewire either RJ-45 to DB-9 female adapter or RJ-45 to DB-25 female adapter.
Cable pinout for: Cisco Console RJ45 to DB9 Pin
Use this cable to configure a Cisco router through the Console port at the router.
This cable is also suitable to be used with Sun T2000.
Console cable can be identified by comparing the modular ends of the cable. The wire connected to the pin on the outside of the left connector (pin 1) must have same color as the pin on the outside of the right connector (pin 8). In Cisco cables, pin 1 is white on one connector and pin8 is white on the other connector.
 | |
| Table shows the RJ-45 console cable pinouts |
The default parameters for the console port are
- 9600 bits per second.
- 8 data bits
- No parity generated or checked.
- 1 stop bits
Auxiliary Port
Auxiliary (AUX) port is an asynchronous serial port which looks same as console port. Auxiliary port is used to connect modem to the router. The main difference between console port and auxiliary port provides hardware flow control enabling synchronized communication between sending and receiving device. When the buffer on receiving device gets full, it sends a message to the sending device asking to stop transmission speeds than terminal devices. Auxiliary port is suitable for high speed modem connection and the maximum speed is 38,400bps.
In order to connect auxiliary port to a modem, RJ-45 crossover cable is required. And RJ-45 to DB-25 male adaptor which is very compatible with the modems can be used.
Ethernet Interface
The Ethernet Interface is used to connect a router to a LAN and it is most common interface on a Cisco router. Ethernet interface uses RJ-45 connector or it may use 15-pin Attachment Unit Interface (AUI) connector Cisco routers are available with either 10 megabit or 100 megabit Ethernet interface. Cisco routers are also available in different configuration with either one or several Ethernet interface.
In some cases, you need to hook Ethernet interface to 10BaseT hub or switch. For this, you require AUI connector to 10BaseT transceiver.
Serial port
Serial port is an interface which is used to connect WAN links either a leased line or T1.Maximum speed at which the Cisco router’s serial port may operate is 115,200kbps. A router’s serial port is different from PC’s serial port. A router’s serial ports are synchronous which operate at higher speed than PC’s serial port. PC’s serial ports are asynchronous. Serial port can be directly connected to Data communication Equipment for example Channel service Unit/Data Service Unit (CSU/DSU). A CSU/DSU which is required on both the ends of dedicated leased line is a high powered modem. The selection of cable type depends on DCE device. In lab environment, wide Area Network (WAN) can be simulated by directly connecting two serial ports using DCE/DTE cable.
Modular Interfaces
Most of the Cisco routers such as 3600 serial, 2600 serial have modular interface. Modular interface is an empty slot which enables to plug any other type interface. Serial and Ethernet interface can be added. Modular interface are available in various type such as Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN), Frame Relay any voice interface cards. For T1 and ISDN lines, the modular interfaces have built-on CSU/DSUs and NT1s respectively which eliminates the need of additional router and line.
Note: The devices in synchronous communication synchronize by constantly transmitting bits over a wire or line. In synchronous communication, when there is data devices simply send idle characters to continue the synchronization. In asynchronous communication, a start bit and stop bit are added to each segment. For synchronous communication, both start and stop bits are eliminated, so faster transmission speed is achieved.
0 comments:
Post a Comment