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Create a HyperTerminal Connection

     Introduction
     Requirements
     Setting up a Terminal Connection
     Troubleshoot the Procedure
     Related Information

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Introduction

This document explains how to set up a HyperTerminal connection between your PC and a Cisco device such as a switch, router, access point, or security device.

Requirements

To perform the steps described in this document, you need to have these items:

A PC with a serial port. The PC must be close enough to connect directly to the Cisco device that you want to access.
A console cable or rolled cable with an adapter. Refer to Cable Descriptions for further information.
Terminal-emulation software such as HyperTerminal

Setting up a Terminal Connection

To set up a HyperTerminal connection to a Cisco device, follow these steps:

Connect the console or rolled cable to the serial port of your PC.
Connect the cable to the console port of the Cisco device that you want to access.

This example uses a Cisco 800 series router.
To open HyperTerminal, go to Start > Programs > Accessories > Communications > HyperTerminal.

Note: The menu path to HyperTerminal may differ slightly on your PC.
In the Connection Description window, enter a name for the connection and click OK.
In the Connect To window, select the communications port on your computer that you want to use to create the HyperTerminal connection. This port is COM1 or COM2 on many PCs. Click OK.
Enter the port settings. Change the default values to these values:
- 9600 baud
- 8 data bits
- No parity
- 1 stop bit
- No flow control
Be sure that your PC is connected to the device, and then click OK to initiate the connection.
Press Enter. The HyperTerminal window displays a command-line prompt.

Note: Cisco devices display different output if there is no configuration in memory or if the device is booting.
Make the needed changes to your Cisco device.
To exit HyperTerminal, go to File > Exit, and then click Yes to disconnect.

Troubleshoot the Procedure

This section provides information about common problems that you may encounter.

Problem

Cause(s) and Suggested Solution(s)

My session shows that I am connected, but I do not see anything displayed in the HyperTerminal window.

Press Enter several times to refresh the output on the screen.
Ensure that the console cable is properly connected to the computer and to the device.
Ensure that you selected the correct connection settings.
Ensure that the PC serial port connected to the cable matches the serial port that you selected in the menu dialogue.
Ensure that the console or rolled cable is attached to the blue console port of the Cisco device.