Help Needed Managing Network Switch

[Hyra]

So I have this old (or new, I have no clue) network switch that I dug out of a box, a Force 10 SA-01-GE-48T 48 Port Networking Switch with 4 SFP+ Ports. I want to get it working, and It's working as far as I can tell, but I want to play around with link aggregation and such. Does anyone know how you make use of the console port on the switch?

[Razor Blade]

Generally you would connect to the RS-232 port and use an SSH program like putty.

https://www.putty.org/

[Hyra]

Here's the issue: it doesn't have one. All it has is an RJ-45 port that's labelled "Console" and doesn't communicate with the rest of the switch's ports.

[Razor Blade]

Also check out Dell's website for more information about your switch. Looks like there is still some good info there.

 

http://www.dell.com/support/home/us/en/04/product-support/product/force10-s25v-s50v-n/research

[Hyra]

3 minutes ago, Razor Blade said:

Also check out Dell's website for more information about your switch. Looks like there is still some good info there.

 

http://www.dell.com/support/home/us/en/04/product-support/product/force10-s25v-s50v-n/research

But where is the software that Dell keeps eluding to? They are telling me to go to the Force 10 support website, but you need to register a business account with them to get anything from that site.

 

EDIT: I'm Blind. let me try the software on Dell's website and see if it works.

 

EDIT 2: It didn't work. I'm out of options again.

Edited May 20, 2018 by Planeguy102

[Razor Blade]

4 minutes ago, Planeguy102 said:

Here's the issue: it doesn't have one. All it has is an RJ-45 port that's labelled "Console" and doesn't communicate with the rest of the switch's ports.

You'll need an adapter for that port. You still use a serial interface... Here are some instructions

 

https://www.force10networks.com/CSPortal20/TechTips/0055_HowDoILoginToTheConsole.aspx

[Hyra]

1 minute ago, Razor Blade said:

You'll need an adapter for that port. You still use a serial interface... Here are some instructions

 

https://www.force10networks.com/CSPortal20/TechTips/0055_HowDoILoginToTheConsole.aspx

But even if I had an adapter, where's the software?

[Razor Blade]

2 minutes ago, Planeguy102 said:

But even if I had an adapter, where's the software?

use putty

[Hyra]

Ok, but the RJ45 port can't be connected directly to a computer, is what you're saying?

[Razor Blade]

3 minutes ago, Planeguy102 said:

Ok, but the RJ45 port can't be connected directly to a computer, is what you're saying?

Not without a serial adapter... There are some switches that support certain config through a GUI but it looks like that Force 10 switch isn't one of them.

[Hyra]

Just now, Razor Blade said:

Not without a serial adapter... There are some switches that support certain config through a web GUI but it looks like that Force 10 switch isn't one of them.

One last question; can you direct me to an open source GUI that supports the main brands? maybe I can get it to work with the switch.

[zanginator]

The RJ-45 port is a Serial console. It is a DB9 connector in a different style (Cisco, Dell, Juniper, Force, HP have been doing it for years).

 

If your machine has a 9 pin Serial, you'd require this:

https://www.thebarcodewarehouse.co.uk/shop/cisco/accessories/Cisco-Cables/AIR-CONCAB1200/?gclid=Cj0KCQjwlv_XBRDrARIsAH-iRJSK4ry8nXQNGaT8sp7puVEk1VpwfNr6qOoonJWRQnu5A3cicSjZIcYaAm9VEALw_wcB

 

Where the DB9 end is connected to the machines serial port and the RJ45 in to the console port on the switch.

 

If not, there are USB adapters (which I use) such as one of these.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B06Y4XNMT1/ref=sspa_dk_detail_0?psc=1

 

[Hyra]

4 minutes ago, zanginator said:

The RJ-45 port is a Serial console. It is a DB9 connector in a different style (Cisco, Dell, Juniper, Force, HP have been doing it for years).

 

If your machine has a 9 pin Serial, you'd require this:

https://www.thebarcodewarehouse.co.uk/shop/cisco/accessories/Cisco-Cables/AIR-CONCAB1200/?gclid=Cj0KCQjwlv_XBRDrARIsAH-iRJSK4ry8nXQNGaT8sp7puVEk1VpwfNr6qOoonJWRQnu5A3cicSjZIcYaAm9VEALw_wcB

 

Where the DB9 end is connected to the machines serial port and the RJ45 in to the console port on the switch.

 

Alternatively (which I use) is one of these.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B06Y4XNMT1/ref=sspa_dk_detail_0?psc=1

 

https://www.ebay.com/itm/UGREEN-Network-Adapter-Ethernet-RJ45-Female-to-USB-Type-A-Male-3-0-Cat-PC-New/282780207274?hash=item41d70388aa:m:mWrC-3CtoUEElBiDljl20ig

 

Could I use something like this?

[zanginator]

No, that's a Network adapter.

[Razor Blade]

Just now, Planeguy102 said:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/UGREEN-Network-Adapter-Ethernet-RJ45-Female-to-USB-Type-A-Male-3-0-Cat-PC-New/282780207274?hash=item41d70388aa:m:mWrC-3CtoUEElBiDljl20ig

 

Could I use something like this?

Nope...that is a USB Ethernet adapter.

 

Here is an article describing the adapter you'll need

http://www.dell.com/support/article/us/en/04/qna43618/what-type-of-console-cables-are-used-for-dell-powerconnect-n-series-and-force10-switches?lang=en

 

If your computer has no RS-232 port you'll need to get an RS-232 to USB adapter as well.

 

[Razor Blade]

Also pay close attention to that pinout... don't just go buy the first cable that looks like it'll fit. If the pinout is wrong, it won't work. Those switches when new are supplied with the necessary adapter. If you can't find one you could source the parts and make one.