What is the default baud rate for a Cisco console port?

The default baud rate for a Cisco console port is 9600 bits per second. This standard setting allows for a reliable and effective communication speed between the computer or terminal that is used to access the router or switch and the console port itself.

When connecting to Cisco devices, configuring the terminal settings to match this baud rate ensures that the data being transmitted is correctly interpreted. Typically, this is accompanied by specific configurations for the number of data bits, stop bits, and parity settings, which, along with the baud rate, create a standard serial communication configuration. Using 9600 bps is common in network devices for console access, making it straightforward for users to get started without needing to change additional settings.

In practice, many network professionals will connect to their Cisco devices using terminal emulation programs configured to these default settings unless specified otherwise, encouraging consistency and ease of use across different devices within Cisco's hardware lineup.