3024 console access

The Hyperterminal bundled with most Windows versions has emulation problems. You can usually see text output, but the keyboard functions do not work. I am not familiar with the latter program.

I would suggest downloading Tera Term from the link below. This is the terminal emulation program we usually use and we've never had any problems.

http://hp.vector.co.jp/authors/VA002416/ttermp23.zip

The default serial port settings should work fine for the 3024. They are:

Baud rate: 9600
Data: 8 bit
Parity: none
Stop: 1 bit
Flow control: none

When you connect, you will most likely see a blank screen. Use either the or (redraw or refresh, respectively) keystrokes to draw the menu.

Greg, thanks for the quick reply. I have installed TeraTerm and get the same results. I can see the boot screen scroll by, but no keyboard function. I did get a list of the firmware, but if I can't gain console access its hard to upgrade it. No errors on bootup. Also I have what I think is the Dell Console cable is that a cross-over or straight through? I have attached a null modem coupler to the end, maybe thats the problem?

 

-Mike

 

Booting.....                   Ver 4.5.2214

 

Loading Image.....                       Release 6.0.4.2492

 

System Interface Attachments:

Device tty0 has been attached.

Device de0 has been attached.

Device nd0 has been attached.

 

It seems that it knows something is attached to tty0.

Greg, the guy who deployed this switch is no longer here, but the other admin here thinks this long DB9 male-female cabe (cable#:940-152C) is the one that shipped with the switch. I didn't know if you had away to verify that cable number. I will try some other ways to get console access.

 

Thanks,

 

Mike

The null modem coupler device may be causing a problem. The cable that ships with the switch is a null modem cable (which is basically a cross-over serial cable). If you are using a straight-through serial cable (typically male-to-female connectors), it will most likely not work properly.

We don't ship any male-to-female DB-9 cables with our switches. That cable is most likely a straight-through serial cable. The null modem cables we ship have female-to-female connectors. I don't really have a way to verify the number you referenced. I tried searching Google, but found nothing.

We've used a couple of different vendor null modem cables, so I don't really have any reference numbers for any of these cables.

Well this is very weird. I was able to gain access to the switch with a straight thru cable. I know my firmware is behind, is there a document on upgrading firmware in a 3024?

 

Thanks for all your help.

I emailed you a document I wrote on the firmware upgrade procedure. However, there have never been any firmware-related terminal emulation issues with this switch, so I would not expect a firmware update to resolve the problem you are having. In addition, to update the firmware, you must be able to make configuration changes to the switch so you typically need console access.

I can almost guarantee the problem you are having is due to the straight-through serial cable. You may get text output from the console, but you will not be able to supply input (because the straight-through cable is most likely providing a one-way communication path). If you cannot find the null modem cable that shipped with the switch, I would suggest purchasing one from a local computer (or possibly office supply) store.