Supported Platforms
Understanding the Console Port
Console ports allow root access to the Junos OS devices through a terminal or laptop interface, regardless of the state of the Junos OS device, unless it is completely powered off. By connecting to the console port, you can access the root level of the Junos OS device without using the network to which the device might or might not be connected. This creates a secondary path to the Junos OS device without relying on the network.
Using the terminal interface provides a technician sitting in a Network Operations Center a long distance away the ability to restore a Junos OS device or perform an initialization configuration securely, using a modem, even if the primary network has failed. Without a connection to the console port, a technician would have to visit the site to perform repairs or initialization. A remote connection to the Junos OS device through a modem requires the cable and connector (provided in the device accessory box), plus a DB-9 male to DB-25 male (or similar) adapter for your modem, which you must purchase separately. For more information about connecting to the console port, see the administration guide for your particular router or switch.
To configure the device initially, you must connect a terminal or laptop computer to the device through the console port, as shown in Figure 1.
Figure 1: Connecting to the Console Port on a Junos OS Device
