Console Connections
- network appliances can be configured and monitored over several interfaces:
- console port
- requires connecting a laptop running a terminal emulator via a separate physical interface using a special console (or rollover) cable
- can then start a command line interface (CLI)
- AUX port
- port is designed to connect to an analog modem and provide remote access over a dial-up link
- must enable and configure
- modem can be connected to it by using:
- RS-232 serial cable
- a specially wired RJ45 rollover cable and terminal adapter (RJ45 to DB9)
- management cable (RJ45 to DB9)
- how it works
- Configure the modem with appropriate serial link settings
- connect it to an appropriate telephone line
- allocate an extension number
- remote host can connect to the appliance CLI by using a terminal emulation program
- e.g. HyperTerminal, PuTTY
- Management port
- means:
- configuring a virtual network interface and IP address on the device to use for management functions
- connecting to it via one of the normal Ethernet ports
- must be enabled for this function
- some appliances come with a dedicated management port
- can use Telnet or SSH to connect to a CLI remotely over management interface