Once I had the USB cable connected to the router, that's when the USB device was detected. On a Windows 8.1 system, the USB driver is not found, and a generic interface failed to load properly, resulting in new communications. Searching the Cisco site, you will want to search for “Cisco Windows USB console driver”.

1.) How does one go about configuring the Management Port AND use it.

2.) I don't have the propper USB cable with me right now but after installing the 'Cisco Windows driver' what settings would you have to enter into PuTTy to get a connection to the console session?

I'm quite familiar with using a console cable (RJ-45->Serial) and using PuTTy to configure Cisco switches.

I just bought a used Cisco 2960-S switch. It's all setup and configured for my next lab.

I saw that on these newer switches that there are in addition to the Console Port:

• 1 USB Console Port
• 1 Ethernet Management Port

The first thing I did was do a few searches and I found this page:

Management Ports

•Ethernet management port

•RJ-45 console port (EIA/TIA-232)

•USB mini-Type B console port (5-pin connector)

You can connect the switch to a host such as a Windows workstation or a terminal server through the Ethernet management port, the RJ-45 console port, or the USB console port (USB mini-Type B port). The 10/100 Ethernet management port connection uses a standard RJ-45 crossover or straight-through cable. The RJ-45 console port connection uses the supplied RJ-45-to-DB-9 female cable. The USB console port connection uses a USB Type A to 5-pin mini-Type B cable. The USB console interface speeds are the same as the RJ-45 console interface speeds.

If you use the USB console port, the Cisco Windows USB device driver must be installed on any PC connected to the console port (for operation with Microsoft Windows).

Note For information about downloading the Cisco USB device driver, see the 'Installing the Cisco Microsoft Windows USB Device Driver' section.

With the Cisco Windows USB device driver, you can connect and disconnect the USB cable from the console port without affecting Windows HyperTerminal operations. Mac OS X or Linux require no special drivers.

The console output always goes to both the RJ-45 and the USB console connectors, but the console input is active on only one of the console connectors at any one time. The USB console takes precedence over the RJ-45 console. When a cable is connected into the USB console port, the RJ-45 console port becomes inactive. Conversely, when the USB cable is disconnected from the USB console port, the RJ-45 port becomes active.

Cisco Microsoft Windows Usb Device Driver

Note The 4-pin mini-Type B connectors resemble 5-pin mini-Type B connectors. They are not compatible. Use only the 5-pin mini-Type B. See Figure 1-5.

Figure 1-5 USB Mini-Type B Port

You can use the command-line interface (CLI) to configure an inactivity timeout which reactivates the RJ-45 console if the USB console has been activated and no input activity has occurred on the USB console for a specified time period.

After the USB console deactivates due to inactivity, you cannot use the CLI to reactivate it. Disconnect and reconnect the USB cable to reactivate the USB console. For information on using the CLI to configure the USB console interface, see the switch software guide.

Table Of Contents

Cable Connection Procedures for Cisco 1900 Series Routers

This document describes how to connect your Cisco 1941 integrated services router to a power source and to networks and external devices. It includes the following sections:

•Power Connections

•Connecting WAN and LAN Cables

•Connecting to a Console Terminal or Modem

For cable information and specifications, see the 'Cable Information and Specifications for Cisco 1900 Series Routers' document.

Note To see translations of the warnings that appear in this publication, refer to the Regulatory Compliance and Safety Information for Cisco 1900 Series Routers document.

Power Connections

Note The installation must comply with all required electrical codes applicable at the installation site.

Connect your router to a 15 A, 120 VAC (10 A, 240 VAC) circuit with over current protection.

Note The input voltage tolerance limits for AC power are 85 and 264 VAC.

Connecting WAN and LAN Cables

This section describes how to connect the WAN and LAN interface cables. It includes the following sections:

•Ports and Cabling

•Connection Procedures and Precautions

Note You can order additional network connection cables and transceivers from Cisco. For ordering information, contact Cisco customer service. For cable pinouts, refer to the Cisco Modular Access Router Cable Specifications document, which is available online.

Ports and Cabling

Table 5-1 summarizes some typical WAN and LAN connections for Cisco 1941 routers.

The connections summarized in Table 5-1 are also described in detail in the following documents:

•Cisco Modular Access Router Cable Specifications

Connection Procedures and Precautions

Connect each WAN and LAN cable to the appropriate connector on the chassis or interface card.

•Position the cables carefully, so that they do not put strain on the connectors.

•Organize the cables in bundles so that cables do not intertwine.

•Inspect the cables to make sure that the routing and bend radiuses are satisfactory. Reposition the cables, if necessary.

•Install cable ties in accordance with your site requirements.

For cable pinouts, refer to the online document Cisco Modular Access Router Cable Specifications.

Connecting to a Console Terminal or Modem

Your router has asynchronous serial, USB, console and auxiliary ports. These ports provide administrative access to your router either locally (with a console terminal or PC) or remotely (with a modem).

The following cables and adapters may be used for connecting your router to a console terminal, PC, or modem:

•USB Console cable—USB 5-pin mini Type-B to USB Type-A. See 'USB Serial Console' section for port details and 'Specifications' section.

•Console cable— EIA RJ-45 to DB-9

•Modem adapter—DB-9 to DB-25

Note The first time a Windows based PC is connected to the router, a USB device driver must be installed. See Installing the Cisco Microsoft Windows USB Device Driver.

This section describes how to connect a console terminal or PC to the console port and how to connect a modem to the auxiliary port.

Connecting to the Console Port with Microsoft Windows

To configure the router through the Cisco IOS command-line interface (CLI), you must connect the router console port to a terminal or PC. See 'Console and Auxiliary Port Considerations' section.

A Microsoft Windows PC must have HyperTerminal or similar terminal emulation software installed. The software should be configured with the following parameters: 9600 baud, 8 data bits, no parity, 1 stop bit, and no flow control. Refer to the Cisco 3900 Series, 2900 Series, and 1900 Series Software Configuration Guide for detailed information about using Cisco IOS software for configuring the router.

To connect the router to a terminal or PC, follow these steps:

Step 1 Connect the end of the console cable with the RJ-45 connector to the light blue console port on the router, or USB 5-pin mini Type-B to the USB console port as shown in Figure 5-1. If connecting the USB port for the first time on a Windows based PC, you must install the Windows USB driver. See 'Installing the Cisco Microsoft Windows USB Device Driver' section.

Note You must use either the USB port or the RJ-45 port. Not both simultaneously. See 'USB Serial Console' section. When the USB port is used it takes priority over the RJ-45 EIA port.

Figure 5-1 Connecting the Console Cable to the Router

Step 2 Connect the end of the cable with the DB-9 connector (or USB Type-A) to the terminal or PC. If your terminal or PC has a console port that does not accommodate a DB-9 connector, you must provide an appropriate adapter for that port.

Step 3 To communicate with the router, start a terminal emulator application.

Connecting to the Console Port with Mac OS X

This procedure shows how to connect a Mac OS X system USB port to the console using the built in OS X Terminal utility.

Step 1 Use the Finder to go to Applications > Utilities > Terminal.

Step 2 Connect the OS X USB port to the router.

Step 3 Enter the following commands to find the OS X USB port number

Step 4 Connect to the USB port with the following command followed by the router USB port speed

To disconnect the OS X USB console from the Terminal window

Enter Ctrl-a followed by Ctrl-

Connecting to the Console Port with Linux

This procedure shows how to connect a Linux system USB port to the console using the built in Linux Terminal utility.

Step 1 Open the Linux Terminal window.

Step 2 Connect the Linux USB port to the router.

Step 3 Enter the following commands to find the Linux USB port number

Step 4 Connect to the USB port with the following command followed by the router USB port speed

To disconnect the Linux USB console from the Terminal window

Enter Ctrl-a followed by : then quit

Installing the Cisco Microsoft Windows USB Device Driver

The first time a Microsoft Windows based PC is connected to the router, a USB driver must be installed.

Installing the Cisco Microsoft Windows XP USB Driver

This procedure shows how to install the Microsoft Windows XP USB driver. You can download the driver file from Cisco.com software download site.

Step 1 Unzip the file cisco_usbconsole_driver_X_X.zip (where X is a revision number).

Step 2 Double-click the file setup.exe.

Step 3 The Cisco Virtual Com InstallShield Wizard begins. Click Next.

Step 4 The Ready to Install the Program window appears, Click Install.

Step 5 The InstallShield Wizard Completed window appears. Click Finish.

Step 6 Connect the USB cable to the PC and router USB console ports. See Table 5-1. The EN LED for the USB console port turns green, and within a few moments the Found New Hardware Wizard appears.

Step 7 The USB console is ready for use.

Installing the Cisco Microsoft Windows 2000 USB Driver

This procedure shows how to install the Microsoft Windows 2000 USB driver.

Step 1 Obtain the file cisco_usbconsole.zip from the Cisco.com web site and unzip it.

Step 2 Double-click the file setup.exe.

Step 3 The Cisco Virtual Com InstallShield Wizard begins. Click Next.

Step 4 The Ready to Install the Program window appears, Click Install.

Step 5 The InstallShield Wizard Completed window appears. Click Finish.

Step 6 Connect the USB cable to the PC and router USB console ports. See Table 5-1. The EN LED for the USB console port turns green, and within a few moments a series of Found New Hardware Wizard windows appear.

Step 7 The USB console is ready for use.

Installing the Cisco Microsoft Windows Vista USB Driver

This procedure shows how to install the Microsoft Windows Vista USB driver.

Step 1 Obtain the file cisco_usbconsole.zip from the Cisco.com web site and unzip it.

Step 2 Double-click the file setup.exe.

Step 3 The Cisco Virtual Com InstallShield Wizard begins. Click Next.

Step 4 The Ready to Install the Program window appears, Click Install.

Note If a User Account Control warning appears, click 'Allow - I trust this program...' to proceed.

Step 5 The InstallShield Wizard Completed window appears. Click Finish.

Step 6 Connect the USB cable to the PC and router USB console ports. See Table 5-1. The EN LED for the USB console port turns green, and within a few moments a pop up window stating 'Installing device driver software' appears.

Step 7 The USB console is ready for use.

Uninstalling the Cisco USB Driver

Uninstalling the Cisco Microsoft Windows XP and 2000 USB Driver

This procedure shows how to uninstall both the Microsoft Windows XP and 2000 USB driver. The driver can be removed using the Windows Add Remove Programs utility or the setup.exe program.

Using the Add Remove Programs utility

Note Disconnect the router console terminal before uninstalling the driver.

Step 1 Click Start > Control Panel > Add or Remove Programs.

Step 2 Scroll to Cisco Virtual Com and click Remove.

Step 3 When the Program Maintenance window appears, select the Remove radio button. Click Next.

Using the Setup.exe program

Note Disconnect the router console terminal before uninstalling the driver.

Step 1 Run the setup.exe program. Click Next.

Step 2 The InstallShield Wizard for Cisco Virtual Com appears. Click Next.

Step 3 When the Program Maintenance window appears, select the Remove radio button. Click Next.

Cisco Usb Console Cable Driver

Step 4 When the Remove the Program window appears, click Remove.

Step 5 When the InstallShield Wizard Completed window appears click Finish.

Uninstalling the Cisco Microsoft Windows Vista USB Driver

This procedure shows how to uninstall the Microsoft Windows Vista USB driver.

Note Disconnect the router console terminal before uninstalling the driver.

Step 1 Run the setup.exe program. Click Next.

Step 2 The InstallShield Wizard for Cisco Virtual Com appears. Click Next.

Step 3 When the Program Maintenance window appears, select the Remove radio button. Click Next.

Step 4 When the Remove the Program window appears, click Remove.

Note If a User Account Control warning appears, click 'Allow - I trust this program...' to proceed.

Step 5 When the InstallShield Wizard Completed window appears click Finish.

Connecting to the Auxiliary Port

When a modem is connected to the auxiliary port, a remote user can dial in to the router and configure it. Use the light blue console cable and the DB-9-to-DB-25 connector adapter that came in the router accessory kit.

To connect a modem to the router, follow these steps:

Step 1 Connect the RJ-45 end of the adapter cable to the black AUX port on the router. (See Figure 5-2.)

Figure 5-2 Connecting a Modem to the Router

Step 2 Connect the DB-9 end of the console cable to the DB-9 end of the modem adapter.

Step 3 Connect the DB-25 end of the modem adapter to the modem.

Step 4 Make sure that your modem and the router auxiliary port are configured for the same transmission speed (up to 115200 bps is supported) and for mode control with data carrier detect (DCD) and data terminal ready (DTR) operations.