Brocade Mini-B Cable
While brocade isn’t “vastly” different from Cisco switches, they do require different cables like the Brocade Mini-B Cable and use some different commands to get rolling.
At my current position, we realized we couldn’t find the correct cable to program our latest switch, while searching the internet there was no picture of even what it might look like.
Now I’m a Cisco guy I’ve learned all my networking skills on it, so I had no clue there was a special cable that a Brocade would use.
We finally discovered it though and I will post a PICTURE of what it looks like in case someone runs across this site and is wondering what cable you would use to program your latest switch from Brocade, normally brocade does ship you the cable along with a new purchase but our latest was a replacement. Replacement’s normally don’t come with all the cables needed which is where I ran into the problem, to begin with!
You should join my Discord we can talk about technology and more!
What the Brocade Serial Cable Looks like
This is the Brocade Mini-B to RJ-45 Cable, is it what you will plug into on the front of your switch to get access to the console.
Now, normally laptops/computers don’t come with an original serial anymore so you got to use some more adapter which we have plenty of.
So you now would use an RJ-45 to a Serial Female adapter which will connect to the USB to a Serial male adapter (link down below for one).
Try your Luck with a mini USB to serial cable
Now I do know that newer Cisco Switch does have this type of connection too. So you can try your luck with it if you want…
If it were me though and I wanted to make sure I didn’t have any issues. In my opinion, it is best to stick with the real cables from brocade. It might have you a penny here and thereby trying this out but I don’t know. I’ve not gotten to try so I cannot confirm if this works with brocade. Theoretically, it should.
Get to making your network with the best tools and equipment
I hope this will help someone out there in the future! I know it would’ve helped me at the beginning of the day! Not really having anything to go off of on old equipment that I didn’t set up.
It’s always handy to have the best tools out there whenever you go do your initial switch and router setup.
Read my post on how to utilize ping while you are setting up those nice Brocade Switches now. Also, be sure to follow me on Twitter @realkynerd I’m usually always sharing all kinds of cool technology posts, and retro gaming posts.
Best Tools and Hardware for Network Admins
Below are affiliate links to Amazon no trick here!
- The Console Cable! – Brocade Mini-B Cable (Amazon Link)
- Since new laptops don’t usually come with a serial port, you gotta use a converter to USB – Sabrent Converter USB (Amazon Link)
- Trust me you will need a Toning Kit! Very useful when finding the right cable – Greenlee 701k (Amazon Link)
- Nothing worse than using a terrible Crimper. Get a Quality Crimper today – Kelin Tools Crimper (Amazon Link)
- Don’t waste your money on that terrible yellow wire strippers. I recommend a GOOD tool – Wire Stripper Multitool (Amazon Link)
You gotta have the correct tools for the jobs or it makes the job even harder!
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