This article describes how to establish a console connection to a NETGEAR Managed Switch using a Windows computer. The article describes console driver installation, console port identification, and connection setup using the terminal application PuTTY, but you can use any other terminal application of your choice.
This article applies to all NETGEAR fully managed switches that use the CP210x USB-to-UART bridge: M4250 series, M4300 series, and M4350 series.
Note: To establish a console connection, ensure you have the following:
- A Windows computer with Windows 10 or 11
- USB-C or USB-A console cable
- Internet access to download the driver from support.netgear.com
To establish a console connection to a fully managed switch using a Windows-based compter:
Step 1: Download and install console driver:
- Go to support.netgear.com
- Search for your switch model.
- Under Downloads, locate and download the USB Console Driver.
- Unzip the downloaded file.
- Navigate to the Windows folder, and then navigate to the Win10 folder.
Note: There are two CP210xInstaller files. One is for 32-bit Windows versions and one is for 64-bit. Double-click on the installer that matches your Windows version and follow the prompts to install the correct file.
Step 2: Establish a console connection:
- Connect the computer to the switch’s USB Console port.
- Open Device Manager, and expand Ports (COM & LPT).
In the USB-to-UART Bridge, you can view the COM port number assigned by Windows.
Note: If you have USB links to multiple switches, each link has its own COM port assigned. - Open PuTTY and enter the following settings:
- Select Serial as connection type.
- Inthe serial line to the COM port number assigned by Windows.
- Set the speed (Baud Rate) to 115200.
4. Click the Open button.
A serial session window displays.
5. Click the Enter button to verify connectivity.
The login prompt displays (User:).