How to: Console into Sun, Linux and other servers from a Linux box
I’ve always had a tough time figuring how to console in using a Linux box to other servers such as another Linux box, Sun server or a Cisco device. Having a background of Sun, the command tip -9600 /dev/cua/b or tip hardwire is embedded in my brain. But whenever I want to quickly console in from a Linux box, I start scratching my head a bit.
Well here it is…in this article I’ve listed several methods to use a serial console on Linux.
By the far the easiest way is to simply type the following:
screen /dev/ttyS0
If the above fails for some reason, add the following line to your /etc/inittab file:
S0:12345:respawn:/sbin/agetty -L 115200 ttyS0 vt102
Then, once again type:
screen /dev/ttyS0 115200
You can also use minicom if the above fails. If you don’t have it, install it via yum install minicom or apt-get install minicom depending on what Linux platform you’re on. Once you have it installed, type minicom. Then select the port, speed and /dev/ttyS0 as COM1. Save the configuration file and you’re set.