System information

Remote Console Port and Auxiliary Port Access
Technical Support Information C-523
Remote Console Port and Auxiliary Port Access
You can access a router from a remote location without a router being connected to a network by
dialing directly to the console or auxiliary port on a router. In general, the console port is
recommended because it displays router startup messages, whereas the auxiliary port does not
provide this information. In addition, if a router is hung in the read-only memory monitor, you can
reboot the system if you are connected using the console port. However, if you have a local terminal
connected to your console, you might have no other choice than to connect to the auxiliary port. The
following discussions provide the general requirements for connecting to a Cisco router remotely via
the console or auxiliary ports.
Console Port Connected Modem
To connect remotely to the console port on a Cisco router, you need the following:
• Null modem cable
• PC or equivalent with suitable communications software
• 14.4 kbps–capable modem
When you have your communications software installed, set your PC’s comm port (or equivalent) to
9600 baud (a software setting).
The modem attached to your router’s console port must be configured as follows:
• Lock the DTE speed to 9600
• Set no flow control
• Set auto-answer
• Set no echo
• Set no result
Note Refer to your modem documentation to determine the commands required to set these options
on your modem. Refer to your modem and router hardware documentation for specific cabling
requirements.
Auxiliary Port Connected Modem
To connect remotely to the console port on a Cisco router, you need the following:
• Straight through serial cable
• PC or equivalent with suitable communications software
• 14.4 kbps–capable modem
Note Refer to your modem documentation to determine the commands required to set these options
on your modem. Refer to your modem and router hardware documentation for specific cabling
requirements.