Lab 10.6.3 – Establishing a Console Session with Minicom (Answers)

Lab 10.6.3 – Establishing a Console Session with Minicom (Answers)

Topology Diagram

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this lab, you will be able to:

• Connect a router and computer using a console cable.
• Configure Minicom to establish a console session with the router.
• Perform basic commands.

Background

Minicom is a text-based UNIX terminal emulation program, similar to the Windows HyperTerminal program. Minicom can be used for many purposes, such as controlling a modem or accessing a Cisco router through the serial console connection. The Linux or UNIX operating system is required.

Scenario

Set up a network similar to the one in the Topology Diagram. Any router that meets the interface requirements may be used. Possible routers include 800, 1600, 1700, 2500, 2600 routers, or a combination. The following resources will be required:

• Linux/UNIX computer with a serial interface and Minicom loaded
• Cisco router
• Console (rollover) cable for connecting the workstation to the router

Task 1: Connect a Router and Computer with a Console Cable.

Step 1: Set up basic physical connection.

Ensure that power is turned off on the computer and Cisco router. Connect the console (rollover) cable to the console port on the router. Connect the other cable end to the PC with a DB-9 or DB-25 adapter to the COM 1 port.

Step 2: Power on devices.

Enable power to the computer and router.

Task 2: Configure Minicom to Establish a Console Session with the Router.

Step 1: Start Minicom application in configuration mode.

Note: To configure Minicom, root access is required. From the Linux command prompt, start minicom with the –s option. This starts Minicom in the configuration mode:

[root]# minicom –s <ENTER>

Step 2: Configure Minicom for serial communications.

Figure 1. Main Configuration Window

Refer to Figure 1. To configure the serial port, scroll down the configuration list and select Serial port setup. Press Enter.

Figure 2. Serial Port Configuration Window

Refer to Figure 2. Use the letter by the field to change a setting. Refer to Table 1 for the correct values.

Return to the Configuration menu by pressing Enter or Esc.

Figure 3. Serial Port Configuration Window

Refer to Figure 3. Select Save setup as dfl (default file). When Minicom is restarted, the default values will be reloaded.

Step 3: Close Minicom.

When finished, close the Minicom session. Select Exit from Minicom.

Step 4: Restart the Minicom session.

[root]# minicom <ENTER>

When the session window starts, press the Enter key. There should be a response from the router. This indicates that connection has been successfully completed. If there is no connection, troubleshoot as necessary. For example, verify that the router has power. Check the connection to the correct COM1 port on the PC and the console port on the router. If there is still no connection, ask the instructor for assistance.

Task 3: Perform Basic Commands.

Minicom is a text-based, menu-driven, serial communication utility. Basic commands are not intuitive. For example, users communicate with remote devices within the terminal window. However, to control the utility, use <CTRL> A. To get help, press <CTRL> A, followed by Z.

Figure 4. Minicom Command Summary Screen

Refer to Figure 4 for a list of functions and corresponding keys. To quit Minicom, press <CTRL> A, followed by either Q or X.

Task 4: Reflection

This lab provided information for establishing a console connection to a Cisco router using Minicom. Cisco switches are accessed in the same fashion.

Task 5: Clean Up

Unless directed otherwise by the instructor, turn off power to the host computer and router. Remove the rollover cable.

Remove anything that was brought into the lab, and leave the room ready for the next class.