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December 22nd, 2020 16:00
Connecting Mac to PowerConnect 2824 console port
Hi Everyone—
I recently bought a used PowerConnect 2824 switch. I can power it up and connect to the web interface, but I don’t know the log in username and password. (And no, the defaults of ‘admin’ with no password did not work.) So I’m trying to figure out how to get access to my switch in order to use it.
Most of the other posts and websites I’ve found say to connect via a null modem cable to the Console port on the back. The problem is that I have neither a null modem cable nor a serial port on my computer! (And haven’t used serial ports since the late 90s! Flashbacks!) In particular, I have a mac with USB-C ports only (although I do have USB-C to -A adapters and USB-C to Ethernet adapters.)
So I’m looking for advice on:
1) Is there another way to reset the thing?
2) If I have to buy a cable to get access, what’s the best way to do it? I have found some DB9 to USB (https://www.ebay.com/i/184165193942) and DB9 to Ethernet adapters (https://www.ebay.com/i/293763269964). Will they work? I’m loathe to buy a cable and wait to get it only to find out it doesn’t work. Or do I need to get one of those AND a null modem adapter?
Any help is appreciated.
Thanks!
Quadari
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December 31st, 2020 06:00
Hi All -- Reporting back as I got things to work. Thought it would be helpful to record in case others are in the same position I was.
I purchased two (relatively cheap) adapters:
My Mac has only USB-C ports,but I already had some USB-C to USB-A adapters. No drivers were needed for anything, it all worked out of the box.
Step 1: Plug the USB to DB9 adaptor into your mac.
Step 2: On my mac, in the terminal, you can find the cable by running: ls /dev/tty.usb*
You'll see something listed like /dev/tty.usbserial-14420. (Your numbers may be different.) If you can't figure out which it is, unplug the cable, look in /dev. Then replug the cable in and look in /dev. The new entry will be the thing you're looking for.
Step 3: (Not sure if this is necessary, but I did it.) Setup things to match the parameters of the switch. The switch console says that it needs 9600 baud rate, 8 bit data format, 1 stop bit, no parity bits. I set that with the command: stty 9600 cs8 -cstopb -parenb . (You can read the stty man page for explanation of those.)
Step 4: Now connect everything together, but don't plug in the powercord on the switch yet. Run: screen /dev/tty.usbserial-14420 (substituting in whatever the correct /dev/tty.usb* is for you.) Then plug in the powercord on the switch. You now should be connected to the console and see the switch start up. You're good to go! (BTW: to end the screen session on your mac you have to hit ctrl+a then ctrl+\ .)
There are then instructions here: https://www.dell.com/support/kbdoc/en-us/000121429/how-to-reset-a-powerconnect-2800-series-switch-to-factory-default . Don’t skip the step of using a paperclip to push the "mode" button on the front of the switch to change it to managed mode after erasing the flash file. After doing that the switch rebooted and then I could get access to the setup wizard, the web gui, etc. Without doing that it doesn’t work! I found this video helpful: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yXIuJgZMBuU .
Good luck!
DELL-Erman O
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December 23rd, 2020 03:00
Hi,
You can try to reset system it like this, simply press the recessed management button with a paperclip or something similar.
The Mode button is for changing between Managed Mode and Unmanaged (or Secure) Mode and for resetting the device. To transition between modes, press the button normally. To reset the device, press and hold the button for at least 7 seconds. For more information about management modes and transitioning between them, see "Management Modes" on page 49 https://dell.to/34Gn8vD
Actually, I'm not familiar with Macbook computers via console access to switches. However, it feels like the switch is accessible with null modem cable with suitable converters. But I can't be honestly sure. It would be useful information if anyone has similar experience in the community.
If the above method doesn't work, please follow the article here https://dell.to/2KoKVJM default
Let us know if this helps!
Quadari
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December 23rd, 2020 06:00
Thanks for the info.
Unfortunately pressing the mode button for >7 seconds doesn't seem to help. The switch restarts but isn't reset to defaults. In fact, the switch appears to be set to get it's IP address in DHCP mode as, when I connect it to my network, it picks up a DHCP provided address. It's not accessible through 192.168.2.1 when it's off my network.
I guess I'll order some converters and report back if I can get it to work.
DELL-Josh Cr
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December 31st, 2020 06:00
Great that you got it working. Thanks for the information.
aschuss
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November 13th, 2024 13:01
@DELL-Erman O I cannot connect my Mac to my old Powerconnect 2824. I set a fixed IP address, etc.. on my system but no luck.
also, I can't seem to get it out of managed mode. I push the button, see the lights flicker but it comes back up in managed mode. Help please ! :)
thanks
- Adam SChussheim
<Private data removed from public view. DELL-Admin>
(edited)
aschuss
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November 13th, 2024 13:09
@DELL-Erman O
here is my configuration:
DELL-Young E
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November 18th, 2024 06:02
Hello,
https://dell.to/3ALZu46
Above is the Knowledge base on accessing the switch console outputs.
This video also may help:
https://dell.to/4fuLKdj
https://dell.to/3OdrQHD
DB9(RS232 cable) to USB or ( ethernet cable ) can be used to access the console port. I think you’ll need DB9 convertor to USB.
aschuss
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November 24th, 2024 17:33
@DELL-Young E @DELL-Erman O
Thanks very much.
I have it connected but I still cannot turn off managed mode. I've tried pushing the button many times but it seems to stay in managed mode. Do I need to get a serial to USB cable and try to factory reset the device? How do I do that? Which RS232 cable do you recommend or will anyone work?
- Adam
DELL-Young E
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November 25th, 2024 05:18
Hello, at this point, I'm thinking forum may not be the best form of help for you. I strongly recommend raising an official ticket directly so that you can get tighter support.
For now, this is what I can give you.
https://dell.to/4eGs70A
We request that you follow the guide by searching managed mode.
Respectfully,