serial console
 

I was wondering how I would console into a Cisco Router from a Linux console. I typically used Hyperterminal in Win2k, but I would like to configure my new router from Linux. Is there certain software I need, or is the Xterm sufficient to communicate through COM1/serial?

You can enable "enable serial console" during kernel compilation, but i think this is not what you want. Now i never had a router so i will not be of much help, but i read some time ago about this on LQ and the guy used a special program to talk with the router, but i can not remember the name of the program he used.
Try to search the forums and you are likely to find the answer, otherwise im sure someone more knowledgable will come and help
-NSKL

found one! minicom works like a champ!

I just ran minicom -s and set it up to use the serial port with Cisco's settings and saved it as default. Was in two different routers all day today from of Linux! One more reason to boycott Microsoft! :)

I need to connect to machines via minicom but would like to use my newer compaq 715us laptop which doesnt have a serial port just a parallel port, when I am in XP I can open hyperterminal and it gives me an option for com3, could I use my parellel port with minicom or any other program to connect to these machines?
thanks for any help