Cisco 2514 Access Router?

[fabepach00]

I am currently studying for my CCNA and now need an access server. I have a 2914 which I thought was useless but I think I can make this into an access server for all my routers and switches. My question is this: Do I just need to purchase the octopus cables with the rj45 ends, connect this to the router and configure? Just want to make sure I don't waste money on a cable if it is not possible.

Thanks.

 

[CiscoGuy33]

fabepach00,

For an Access Server in the 2500 you need a 2509 which has 1 connector for 1 octi cable (8 connections), a 2511 which has 2 connectors for 2 octi connectors (16 connections) or if you want to spend the bucks $$$ you can get a 2511RJ which has 16 RJ45 connectors that you plug the console cables into - looks like a router with a swtch ports.

DO NOT confuse a 2511RJ with a 2507 or other that does have a built in hub!

A 2514 has 2 Ethernet AUIs and 2 serial AUIs - Sorry, you CAN NOT attach an octi cable!!!

You can get a Network module to do this with a 2600 router but again you are looking at $$$$$$$

Hope this helps!


E.A. Broda
CCNA, CCDA, CCAI, Network +

 

[fabepach00]

CiscoGuy33,

Thanks for the info. I just cleaned out my garage and found a 2620 and a 2524. Do you have the model # of the card I would need to turn my 2620 into an access server?

I would hate to buy another router just for this reason alone.

Thanks.

 

[burtsbees]

Why do you even need an access server? A different solution would certainly outweigh wasting the abilities of a 2620 by using it as an access server. I don't actually think you can anyway. Please describe your lab set up, and what you are trying to do. We can help come up with a different solution. There should be no reason you can't set up ssh or a vpn or something...

Burt

 

[CiscoGuy33]

fabepach00,

You will need a Cisco 16 or32 port asynchronous network modules and the octi cable/cables to go with it! You will also need a bunch of $$$$$$$$$$ because these are not cheap :-(

I am with Burt - unless you have a lab made up of 2800s, 3600s and 2600XMs and this is your oldest piece of equipment then do as Burt said or get a 2509/2509RJ or a 2511 or a 2511RJ - I have seen these on eBay for about 1/2 what just the Network module would cost!

If you want to read more -

Understanding 16- and 32-Port Async Network Modules

The 16-port (NM-16A) and 32-port (NM-32A) asynchronous (async) network modules provide 16 or 32 EIA/TIA-232 (formerly know as RS-232) data terminal equipment (DTE) serial interfaces at speeds up to 134.4 kbps. These modules use the 68-pin OCTAL Cables such as the CAB-OCTAL-ASYNC= and CAB-OCTAL-MODEM=. The NM-16A and NM-32A modules are often used to provide out of band connectivity to the console ports of other devices in a comm/terminal server setup.

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/products/hw/routers/ps274/products_tech_note09186a00800a93f0.shtml

Hope this helps!


E.A. Broda
CCNA, CCDA, CCAI, Network +

 

[fabepach00]

I am studying for my CCNA. I have the following equipment which I need to access from my 2 serial port PC.

2 2924 switch
3 2620
1 2610
1 2514
1 2524

I was hoping to make 1 of these an access server to avoid swapping out console cables.

Let me know what options I have.

Thanks.

 

[CiscoGuy33]

fabepach00,

To make it a little clearer - the router you use for an access server is not normally part of the network topology of the "lab"!

A 2620 with the Fast Ethernet port would normally be an important part of most CCNA labs and not the access server for it!

Get the lab routers you need and setup first - just move the console cable by hand! If you find a great deal on a 2509 or 2511 at a later date - then add it. On a small CCNA lab - they are just kind of neat - not really needed!

Right now with a 2620, 2514 and a 2524 you have the start for an ok CCNA lab - get 2 WICS for the 2620, MAX the Flash and DRAM on the 2 2500s (16/16) and get 2 5 in 1 modules for the 2524 and at least 1 2950 switch With your PC and a few old PCs you could practice al types of networking for the CCNA -

      -----------------------WAN -----------------------
     |                                                  |
   2514 ---------WAN---------2620----------WAN--------2524
     |                         |                        |
    LAN                       LAN                      LAN
 2950 VLAN 1            2950 VLAN 2             2950 VLAN 3
 Ports 1-8              Ports 9-16              Ports 17-24
     |                         |                         |
   PC 1                       PC 2                     PC 3

Hope this helps!


E.A. Broda
CCNA, CCDA, CCAI, Network +

 

[CiscoGuy33]

fabepach00,

You posted while I posted - you have what you need for a good CCNA lab, get the WICs you need to set it up! Finding the 5 in 1 module for the 2524 might be harder - check eBay!

A good source for Cisco cables, rack ears, WICs etc. is

http://www.anthonypanda.com

(if you do not want to track it all down on eBay!

As for Access Server - if you have the $$$$$$ for the Network Module and cables I listed above - you could use the 2610 - follow the link - it has information on what IOS is needed to use that network module.

I think it will be cheaper to buy a 2509 or 2511 :-(

Hope this helps!

E.A. Broda
CCNA, CCDA, CCAI, Network +

 

[fabepach00]

Thanks for the great advice. I do have some router with the dual wic cards already. I should have mentioned I will be studying for the CCNP also. This means I will need a couple more routers, switches and most likely a wireless router.

In the meantime I am going to ebay to try to find an access server. If I can't find one I'll just plug the console cable one at a time as I need it. Thanks for the links, looks like I have some more reading to do.

Thanks again.

 

[burtsbees]

Why not just set up routes between all the devices? Just telnet from one to the next---same as an access server. The thing is, reloading may cause a problem if working remotely. I just move my console cable around myself---takes 3 seconds, and I would rather do that than spend $$$ on 8 console cables and an access server and maybe an octopus cable...

Burt

 

[CiscoGuy33]

fabepach00,

I agree with Burt - just move the console for now - it is only really important if you are going to remote into your rack from somewhere else!

Put the money towards the WICs and back to back cables you will need for your lab!

I also think you will need a 2600XM router to get SDM which is now on the CCNA.

You need to check the Cisco Certification forum here at Tek Tips!


E.A. Broda
CCNA, CCDA, CCAI, Network +