This article describes how to establish a console connection to a NETGEAR Managed Switch using a macOS 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 macOS computer (macOS 12 Monterey or later recommended)
- Administrative privileges to install drivers: User name and password to execute software installations
- 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.
- Open the downloaded file SiLabsUSBDriverDisk.dmg.
During installation, macOS might show a Security Warning. - Click Open to continue.
- Follow the on-screen steps and accept the license agreement.
- When prompted, enter your macOS user name and password to authorize installation.
- Important: Toward the end of installation, you might receive a message that a new driver extension is being installed.
a. Click Open System Settings when prompted.
b. Enable CP210xVCPDriver.app by clicking the CP210xVCPDriver.app toggle.
c. Enter your credentials again to confirm.
Step 2: Establish a console connection:
- Connect the MacOS computer to the switch’s USB Console port
- To open Terminal, do one of the following:
- Press cmd + spacebar, then type terminal and click enter
- Click on finder top-right, and type terminal
- In Terminal, list connected USB devices:
|
ls /dev/*USB* |
Example output:
|
/dev/cu.SLAB_USBtoUART /dev/tty.SLAB_USBtoUART |
Note: If no output appears, verify the driver installation and ensure the driver extension is allowed under System Settings > Security & Privacy.
4. Start a console session using the following screen command:
|
screen /dev/cu.SLAB_USBtoUART 115200 |
You are now connected to the switch console.
5. Press Ctrl + A, then K, and Y to exit the screen session.