Logging in through the console port for the first device access

The first time you access the device, you can only log in to the CLI through the console port.

To log in through the console port, prepare a console terminal (for example, a PC) and make sure the console terminal has a terminal emulation program, for example, HyperTerminal in Windows XP.

To log in through the console port:

1. Connect the DB-9 female connector of the console cable to the serial port of the PC.

2. Connect the RJ-45 connector of the console cable to the console port of the device.

   	IMPORTANT: Identify the mark on the console port and make sure you are connecting to the correct port. The serial ports on PCs do not support hot swapping. If the switch has been powered on, always connect the console cable to the PC before connecting it to the switch, and always disconnect the console cable from the switch before disconnecting it from the PC.

   Figure 3: Connecting a terminal to the console port

   

3. If the PC is off, turn on the PC.

4. On the PC, launch the terminal emulation program and create a connection that uses the serial port connected to the device. Set the port properties so the port properties match the following console port default settings:

   • Bits per second—9600 bps

   • Flow control—None

   • Parity—None

   • Stop bits—1

   • Data bits—8

   Figure 4 through Figure 6 show the configuration procedure on Windows XP HyperTerminal. On Windows Server 2003, you must add the HyperTerminal program first. On Windows Server 2008, Windows 7, Windows Vista, or another operating system, you must obtain and install a third-party terminal control program and follow the user guide or online help to log in to the device.

   To start the HyperTerminal on Windows XP:

   1. Click start.

   2. Select All Programs > Accessories > Communications > Hyper Terminal.

   To view the serial port connected to the device:

   1. Right-click the My Computer icon on the desktop.

   2. Select Manage to open the Computer Management window.

   3. Select System Tools > Device Manager from the navigation tree.

   4. Select Ports (COM & LPT) from the right pane.

   Figure 4: Creating a connection

   

   Figure 5: Specifying the serial port used to establish the connection

   

   Figure 6: Setting the properties of the serial port

   

5. Power on the device and press Enter as prompted.

6. At the default user view prompt <HPE>, enter commands to configure the device or to view the running status of the device. To get help, enter ?.