Terminal Emulation Software

Terminal emulation packages are used to connect to various external communication program interfaces, such as tn3270 and vt100, and most commonly to directly attached serial interfaces (modems, console ports). The most popular tools are as follows:

• minicom (UNIX)

• C-Kermit (UNIX, VMS), Kermit 95 (Windows)

• TeraTerm Pro (Windows)

• Hyperterm (Windows)

Figure 6-1 shows the main functions of the minicom utility.

Figure 6-1. minicom Main Menu

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Most of the console ports use the connection settings 9600-8-N-1 (9600 bps, 8 data bits, no parity, 1 stop bit). Some require rollover, crossover, or straight-through cabling. They can run at speeds up to 115,200 bps. Older equipment might not have the Universal Asynchronous Receivers/Transmitters (UARTs) to support that speed and hit the ceiling at 38,400 bps. Figure 6-2 shows the communications settings for TeraTerm as an example.