Re: central console?

[Andrew Shugg <andrew@neep.com.au>]

mbartosh@heretic.mabaleb.org said:
> Speaking of this- I have a IIci running netbsd that I'd like to hook
> directly to the serial port of my current router, thus allowing me to ssh
> in and limit access to the router by cutting all of its network services
> off.
> 
> How would I go about doing this?

Assuming the "router" is in fact some Unix-like system such as OpenBSD.
(If it's a dedicated piece of hardware like a Cisco, this is all still
valid, except the bit about running a getty.)

Connect the Mac IIci to the router by a serial cable.  Configure the
router system to use that serial port as a terminal by running a getty
on it.  Use minicom, kermit or some other serial program on the Mac to
talk down its serial port to the getty on the router and thus log in.

With the exception of the cable, this is all very simple and has been
covered a few times in the archives.  I do not recall exactly when and
where but in the last six months, connecting serial terminals to OBSD
systems has been brought up more than once.

The tricky bit is the cable - either you'll need to find an RS232
null-modem cable and a straight-through Mac serial adaptor, or you can
wire one up yourself.  I've never done any work with Mac serial ports
but some people on this list probably have and can perhaps offer some
more advice on this matter.

Andrew.

--
Andrew Shugg <andrew@neep.com.au>                   http://www.neep.com.au/

"Just remember, Mr Fawlty, there's always someone worse off than yourself."
"Is there?  Well I'd like to meet him.  I could do with a good laugh."