Console Port on Stratix Switch

Summary

Console Port on Stratix Switch

Answer

The Console Port on a Stratix switch is used to connect to the switch over a RS-232 serial connection, in order to manage the switch using a Command Line Interface (CLI).

The serial connection between a Laptop (PC) and a switch, requires a special cable called Console Cable. For this purpose, Rockwell Automation offer the Console Cable 9300-USBCBL-CNSL, which has an 8P8C (RJ-45 style) connector on one end and a USB-A (classic USB) connector on the other end of the cable.

Note 1: Newer switches may also include an alternate Console Port using a Mini-USB (Stratix 5400, Stratix 5700, Stratix 5800) or Micro-USB (Stratix 5200) slot. These Ports are located right next to the other Console Port in the front of the switch and are protected with a small cover with a little screw, that needs to be removed for accessing the Port.

Note 2: Ethernet cables use 8P8C connectors wired to TIA/EIA-568A/B standards; so those cables cannot be used for stablishing RS-232 serial connections to a switch’s Console Port.

Note 3: The RS-232 serial connection cannot be used for pinging the switch from the PC. Nevertheless, after the serial connection is stablished and the CLI is up, we can use the switch’s CLI for pinging devices thru the Ethernet Network.

For additional reference, it is possible to check the pinout of the Console Port on the Appendix D of the Stratix Managed Switches User Manual – Publication 1783-UM007.