To access a Cisco switch console port from macOS, you can use the built-in Terminal application with ‘screen’. Here’s how to do it:
Requirements
1. Console cable: A Cisco console cable (RJ45 to DB9), and a USB-to-RS232 adapter, or a suitable direct USB cable, depending on the model of the switch.
2. Drivers: Ensure that you have the correct USB-to-Serial adapter drivers installed. Popular chipsets:
FTDI: https://ftdichip.com/drivers/
Prolific: http://www.prolific.com.tw/US/ShowProduct.aspx?p_id=229&pcid=41
3. COM port identification: macOS assigns USB serial devices a name like ‘/dev/tty.usbserial-XXXXXX’.
Identify the serial port
Open the Terminal and run:
ls /dev/tty.*
Look for something like ‘/dev/tty.usbserial-XXXXXX’.
Access the console
Run the ‘screen’ command with the correct port and baud rate (usually 9600):
screen /dev/tty.usbserial-XXXXXX 9600
Replace ‘/dev/tty.usbserial-XXXXXX’ with the actual device name.
Interacting with the console
You’ll see the Cisco device’s console interface. Good luck with that… 🙂
Exit the session
Press ‘Ctrl+A’, then ‘K’, and confirm with ‘Y’ to kill the ‘screen’ session.
Notes
Ensure your USB-to-Serial adapter is compatible with macOS and that you have the correct drivers installed.
If you face permission issues accessing ‘/dev/tty.*’, you may need to use ‘sudo’.
These instructions, with appropriate adjustments, also work on Linux and for many other switch brands.
Happy configuring!