Serial Console

zaicheke · 11-14-2004, 05:56 PM

I've suddenly found myself with a lot of box that should run headless. I'm going to set up a serial console. Just to clarify what i need, I just need to compile support into the kernel, edit the gettytab, hook a null modem cable from the client to a box running minicom or something. Did I leave anything out. Does anyone know of a good tutorial for this sort of thing? Also are there serial hubs so i could hook a whole lot of boxes up?

michaelk · 11-14-2004, 06:28 PM

Lots of info... google?
http://www.tldp.org/HOWTO/Remote-Serial-Console-HOWTO/
http://www.znark.com/tech/serialconsole.html
http://www.linuxplanet.com/linuxplan...orials/3164/1/

No hub. A serial port can only connect to a single device.

guzzi · 11-14-2004, 07:35 PM

If you are running Slack10 on your box, just connect the terminal with a null modem cable, and edit /etc/inittab. One of the local serial lines.

I have not done this since slack 3.something, but I believe this is still the way.

Sometimes a serial terminal can be a time saver.

zaicheke · 11-14-2004, 07:50 PM

Thanks

2damncommon · 11-14-2004, 07:55 PM

guzzi is correct, just uncomment the line on your serial server and hook up your serial crossover cable.
When I first started fooling with serial connections I had trouble configuring minicom. I was able to confirm a correct configuration with the Serial Terminal Linux floppy. It is set up for a serial connection (rather than a modem connection) and worked so well for me that I recommend it if you have any doubts about your minicom configuration.
Good Luck.