Dell PowerConnect 6248 serial console input fails, but output is fine ?

Question

Hi

I have 2 PCT6248 and wanted to setup these in a new stack together.

The 2 switches are identical with latest firmware version etc.

I configured each switch with a unit id 1 and 2 first (also setting stack standby on unit 2) and started up the stack in the right order.

But I forgot to configure the ports as stack ports (default is ethernet ports).

I don't know if this can cause the serial console input to fail, but I can't type in anything on serial console on switch with unit id 2 after trying to configure a stack, however I do see output and the switch boots fine with menus and all.

unit 1 works fine. Before trying to establish a stack the switch with unit 2 had unit id 1 and serial console worked just fine with both input and output.

I've used 3 different serial cables to rule out that cable error could cause this. Also used 2 different computers to hook up with serial cable. Different programs like putty, minicom, tera form and I've tried to disconnect everything, both CX4 modules and network cables, so it's just power and serial console which is connected. But still can't type in anything.

If anyone have an idea of what might wake up switch with unit id 2 on console, so I can configure stack ports I would appreciate a hint :)

Thanks.

ledj · Answer

Ok, I've tried the reset button, but it seems to only restart the switch. Also pressing reset button for 10+ seconds doesn't go back to factory defaults. I could however connect directly to the switch via network cable and use native vlan 1 (not routable) and get GUI access to change the ports to stack ports. Restarted the stack and it went fine and is now in function, and unit 2 have received all config from unit 1.

Though I'm still unable to get input serial console access on unit 2, but maybe that's a feature to avoid having people configuring the wrong switch in a stack (not a network guy usually). Also separated unit 2 from the stack and acting as master it wasn't working with input either, but maybe it was in a "half state" of a stack unit… (I don't know …) But it works now.

ledj · Answer

Ok that makes sense. But still after changed state to master serial console still doesn't work with input. See change here:https://www.dropbox.com/s/g1liappqwqhq21e/pct6248_slave.png

Can the serial console port be broken ?

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Dell PowerConnect 6248 serial console input fails, but output is fine ?

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