Console Port Connection - D-Link NetDefend SOHO DFL-160 User Manual

2.4. Console Port Connection

2.4. Console Port Connection
Initial setup of the DFL-160 can be done using only the web interface but DFL-160 also provides a
Command Line Interface (CLI) which can be used for certain administrative tasks. This is accessed
through a console connected directly to the unit's RS232 COM port, which is shown below. All CLI
commands are listed in Appendix A, CLI Reference.
The console also provides the ability to interact directly with the firmware that controls the
operation of the DFL-160 (see Chapter 8, The Console Boot Menu).
Console Setup
When setting up a console connected directly to the DFL-160's RS232 port, the console can be a
traditional "dumb" console device but is more typically a PC or other computer running console
emulation software (such as the HyperTerminal software included with some Windows versions).
An included RS232 null modem cable is used to connect the console to the console port. This port is
marked COM, as shown in the image above.
The connected console must have the following communication settings:
• 9600 bps.
• No parity.
• 8 bits.
• 1 stop bit.
• No flow control.
Entering the Boot Menu
The Boot Menu is another feature that can only be accessed through the console. It is a direct
management interface to the DFL-160's firmware loader software which underlies the
NetDefendOS software. It allows the administrator to reset the DFL-160 unit as well as set a console
password.
The boot menu is entered by pressing any console key between power up and NetDefendOS
starting. The console will display the message Press any key to abort and load boot menu during
this interval. This feature is described further in Chapter 8, The Console Boot Menu.
Console Output Truncation
The only limitation with issuing CLI commands through the serial console is that there is a finite
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Chapter 2. Initial Setup