[NTLUG:Discuss] linux console

[MadHat]

On Mon, 2003-09-22 at 13:05, fredjame wrote:
> Chris Cox wrote:
> 
> > fredjame wrote:
> >
> >> We have the switches - both KVM, and Console types - we want to use 
> >> the Console switch in this case, and we assume that means connecting 
> >> from a serial port on the Linux box to a serial port on the Console 
> >> switch, as with other *NIX boxes (example, SUN).  At any rate I know 
> >> of no DB15 to DB9 pin converter.
> >
> >
> > For KVM over IP (don't if all work with Linux... haven't used any):
> >
> > http://www.minicom.com/kvm_smartiplink.htm
> > http://www.42u.com/telereach.htm
> > http://www.avocent.com/web/en.nsf/Content/DSView
> >
> > There's probably others google for KVM IP
> >
> > It think something like this is what you were hinting at by
> > 'DB15 to DB9'... you probably were suggesting KVM over IP...
> > but I'm not sure (I think you are suggesting HD15 to DB9... VGA
> > to serial... which doesn't make sense). 
> 
> OK, maybe I wasn't clear enough (that's not too unusual for me).
> (1) We have a "Console Switch" that allows dial in access in the event 
> the network goes down, and from there we can hop to any machine 
> connected to the switch.  The ports on this switch are serial,
> (2) On the RH Linux box, we want to direct all console feeds to/from a 
> serial/com port, and then connect that serial port to one on the switch.

So when it comes to boot time, add
'console=ttyS0' 
to the boot line.  and it will use ttyS0 as a console (in redhat anyway,
I have not tested other distributions and it is a kernel mod).
As for the cable, you can use any console cable.  I use the same ones
that I use for configuring Cisco switches and the adapters that come
with.

-- 
MadHat at Unspecific.com
`But I don't want to go among mad people,' Alice remarked.
`Oh, you can't help that,' said the Cat: `we're all mad here...'
   -- Lewis Carroll - _Alice's_Adventures_in_Wonderland_