Accessing a Cisco IOS device
Unlike a computer or smartphone, a network intermediary device such as a router or switch does not have a display screen that shows you the user interface for managing the operating system. Whenever you purchase a new Cisco IOS device, within the packaging of the box, you will usually find a blue cable; this is called a console cable or rollover cable.
The following is an image of a console cable:
On one end, there's a DB-9 (RS-232)
interface, which is used to connect to a computer's DB-9 (RS-232)
port. However, modern-day computers and laptop manufacturers no longer make devices with these interfaces. However, you can get an RS-232
to USB converter cable from an online or local computer store. This converter cable enables you to use the console cable over a USB connection.
The following is an image of the RS-232
to USB converter cable: