Cisco switch console port

[CyDa SlumBummer]

I acquired a Cisco catalyst 3560 v2 that I want to start playing with. Do I HAVE to use a rj45 to {db9, usb, etc} to connect through the console port or can I use a regular cat6 cable? I've been googling but have only seen instructions stating the former is required. I don't know why a regular cat6 wouldn't work. Clarification would be much appreciated.

[The_russian]

You need to use a serial console cable for the initial setup, a regular Ethernet cable won’t work.

[CyDa SlumBummer]

15 minutes ago, The_russian said:

You need to use a serial console cable for the initial setup, a regular Ethernet cable won’t work.

Do you know why? I am curious why it wouldn't.

[The_russian]

9 minutes ago, CyDa SlumBummer said:

Do you know why? I am curious why it wouldn't.

I am not 100% sure on thus, but I think it's because the connection protocol used isn't Ethernet. Not all ports that are RJ45 use the Ethernet protocol, in this case you need to connect the console port to a serial port on a computer (or a serial port adapter). 

[scottyseng]

The pinout is different for the console port. While it may look like a regular RJ45 ethernet port, the pins are wired for serial not ethernet. You can patch console ports to a patch panel if you wanted to though, but still would need a USB to RJ45 serial adapter to connect to them.

[Lurick]

7 hours ago, scottyseng said:

The pinout is different for the console port. While it may look like a regular RJ45 ethernet port, the pins are wired for serial not ethernet. You can patch console ports to a patch panel if you wanted to though, but still would need a USB to RJ45 serial adapter to connect to them.

100% this.

[CyDa SlumBummer]

17 hours ago, scottyseng said:

The pinout is different for the console port. While it may look like a regular RJ45 ethernet port, the pins are wired for serial not ethernet. You can patch console ports to a patch panel if you wanted to though, but still would need a USB to RJ45 serial adapter to connect to them.

Can you make a serial cable out of a usb cable and rj45 connector? I'd like to understand it as I've never had a chance to mess with them.

[FALL1N]

You need rollover cable to start setup with your cisco device (rollover is Cisco’s priority) , the one side is simple RJ45 connector and in another side of that cable is serial port which connects to your PC , Here is some tip how to make it.

 

https://youtu.be/gT4LtB1r_Hs