Connecting to the CLI using a local console
Local console connections to the CLI are formed by directly connecting your management computer or console to the FortiGate unit, using its DB-9 or RJ-45 console port. To connect to the local console you need:
- A console cable to connect the console port on the FortiGate to a communications port on the computer. Depending on your device, this is one of:
- null modem cable (DB-9 to DB-9)
- DB-9 to RJ-45 cable (a DB-9-to-USB adapter can be used)
- USB to RJ-45 cable
- A computer with an available communications port
- Terminal emulation software
To connect to the CLI using a local serial console connection
- Using the console cable, connect the FortiGate unit’s console port to the serial communications (COM) port on your management computer.
- Start a terminal emulation program on the management computer, select the COM port, and use the following settings:
Bits per second
9600
Data bits
8
Parity
None
Stop bits
1
Flow control
None
- Press Enter on the keyboard to connect to the CLI.
- Log in to the CLI using your username and password (default: admin and no password).
You can now enter CLI commands, including configuring access to the CLI through SSH.