Connect to OS6860/E USB-Console with your Apple Macbook (MacOS X)

The Alcatel-Lucent OmniSwitch 6860/E (both models E/non-E) support the configuration/connection through USB console. This allows to just use an USB-to-Micro-USB cable and no longer requires specialised USB-to-serial adapters.

If you want to leverage that interface from your Apple Macbook (Pro) running MacOS X (in my case v10.9.2), you'll need to install a UART-driver (Universal Asynchronous Receiver Transmitter). This driver will create a new virtual COM-port / interface that you can use in Minicom/Screen as you used to with your serial-connection, the exact description is: CP210x USB to UART Bridge Virtual COM Port (VCP) driver

You can download the necessary driver, for various operating systems including Apple MacOS X, from the following website:

• Silicon Labs CP210x USB to UART Bridge VCP Drivers (External Link, we're not responsible for the contents!)

Example of a connection to the OS6860/E:

During installation the driver will create a new interface:

MacBook:~ Benny$ ls /dev/tty.*
/dev/tty.Bluetooth-Incoming-Port	/dev/tty.Bluetooth-Modem		/dev/tty.SLAB_USBtoUART

MacBook:~ Benny$ screen /dev/tty.SLAB_USBtoUART 9600

Welcome to the Alcatel-Lucent OS6860E-P24 8.1.1.267.R01 Development, February 25, 2014.

Copyright (c) 1994-2014 Alcatel-Lucent.  All Rights Reserved.

OmniSwitch(tm) is a trademark of Alcatel-Lucent,
registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office.

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There is still a „traditional“ RS232 console connection available, that will need an adapter MicroUSB-to-RJ45 + the USB-to-serial adapter on Macbook/Laptop side.

The connection speed is factory default of 9600 BAUD.