Overview

One of the critical parts of setting up any router is the selection of the serial cables to connect the router to the serial devices in your network. There are so many different serial cables, with seemingly similar features, finding the correct cable can be tricky. This document guides you through the process of selecting the right serial cables for your network.

The selection of the proper serial cable involves answering three questions:

∙Is the router being connected to a data terminal equipment (DTE) or data communications equipment (DCE) device?

∙Is a male or female connector required on the cable?

∙What signaling standard does the device require?

With the answers to these questions, along with the model of your router, you can find the part number of the cable required from the tables that follow.

DTE or DCE?

Devices that communicate over a serial interface are divided into two classes: DTE and DCE. The most important difference between these types of devices is that the DCE device supplies the clock signal that paces the communications on the bus. The documentation provided with the device should indicate whether it is DTE or DCE (some devices have a jumper to select either mode). If you cannot find the information in the documentation, use the following general guidelines to help you select the proper class:

 

 

 

Selectable

 

DTE

DCE

DTE or

 

 

 

DCE*

 

Terminals, Data Service

 

 

Device

Unit/Channel Service

 

 

 

Unit (DSU/CSU),

Modems

Hubs, Routers

 

Multiplexors

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gender

Male

Female

Either

 

* Selectable devices usually have a jumper, switch, or software command used to select DTE or DCE.

Male or Female

The gender of the connector is determined by examining the connector. If pins protrude from the base of the connector, the connector is male. If the connector has holes to accept the pins, the connector is female. Refer to the drawings to identify the connector that you need.

Signaling

A number of different standards defines the signaling over a serial cable (including EIA/TIA−232, X.21, V.35, EIA/TIA−449, EIA−530, and HSSI). Each standard defines the signals on the cable, and specifies the connector at the end of the cable. The documentation for the device being connected should indicate the signaling standard used for that device. If you cannot find the information in the documentation, use the illustrations below to select the signaling standard required. Select the connector that will mate with the connector on your device, rather than the illustration that looks like the connector on the device.

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Cisco Systems 4000 SERIES, 3000 Series, 2500 Series, 500-CS SERIES Overview, DTE or DCE?, Male or Female, Signaling, Dte Dce
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500-CS SERIES, 4000 SERIES, 2500 Series, 3000 Series specifications

The Cisco Systems 2500 Series routers are a series of versatile, feature-rich networking devices designed to address the needs of various enterprises and small to medium-sized businesses. Released in the early 1990s, the 2500 Series quickly became a backbone solution for organizations seeking reliable and efficient networking capabilities.

One of the defining characteristics of the Cisco 2500 Series is its modular architecture, which allows businesses to customize their routers based on specific networking needs. This modularity accommodates various interface cards, enabling the integration of different protocols and connection types, including serial, Ethernet, and WAN interfaces. As a result, organizations can tailor their routers to support diverse applications while ensuring optimal performance.

The Cisco 2500 Series supports several advanced routing protocols, including RIP, OSPF, EIGRP, and BGP. This support provides flexibility for network design and ensures that users can implement scalable solutions as their business grows. Moreover, the routers come equipped with robust security features, including access control lists (ACLs) and support for VPNs, making them suitable for organizations that require a secure network environment.

A notable feature of the Cisco 2500 Series is its support for Quality of Service (QoS). This functionality allows organizations to prioritize certain types of traffic, ensuring that critical applications, such as VoIP or video conferencing, receive the necessary bandwidth and minimal latency. This is particularly beneficial for businesses that rely on real-time communications and need to maintain high levels of service quality.

Additionally, the implementation of Cisco’s internetworking technologies, such as IP and frame relay, enhances the overall performance and versatility of the 2500 Series routers. These technologies enable efficient data transmission and improve network reliability, which is essential for organizations with complex networking requirements.

In summary, the Cisco Systems 2500 Series routers are known for their modular design, support for multiple routing protocols, robust security features, and advanced QoS capabilities. Their ability to adapt to different networking environments makes them an ideal choice for businesses looking to enhance their connectivity and streamline their operations. Even decades after their introduction, the 2500 Series remains a relevant player in the networking market, demonstrating Cisco's commitment to providing effective solutions for diverse industries.
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