How to Connect an HP Laptop to a Cisco Console Port

A Cisco console cable allows you to connect a computer to a Cisco device to make changes to the configuration. The Cisco console cable has one end that looks like an Ethernet cable, and the other end has a serial connector, which looks like a VGA cable used for monitors. HP laptops do not have a COM, which the serial connector of the console cable connects to. If you want to use an HP laptop to console into a Cisco device, you need to use a USB serial adapter.

Things You'll Need

• USB serial adapter
• Driver CD

Instructions

1. Insert the driver CD that came with your USB serial adapter into the HP laptop's disc drive. If you do not have the CD, you can download the driver from your specific manufacturer's website.

2. Connect the USB serial adapter to the USB port on your HP laptop. The "Add New Hardware Wizard" will appear.

3. Click "Next," then click "Search for best driver for your device (Recommended)." Click "Next" again.

4. Click "Finish" when the driver is finished copying.

5. Connect the serial end of the console cable to the USB serial adapter.

6. Connect the Ethernet end of the console cable to the port on the Cisco device labeled "Console."

References

• "USB Converter USB to RS-232 Serial Converter Installation Manual"; StarTech; 2001