Accessing new router/switch

[Tiffanypar23]

I have seen several post regarding this topic, but none of them seem to answer my issue.  I just bought a 3550 switch, 2611 routers, and 1841 routers.  My plan is to build a home lab to practice CCNP.   The problem I am have having is that I cannot get into any of the devices.  I have a console cable and putty installed, but because I do not have the device names or IP's I cannot get into them.  I have never had to work with fresh equipment before so please excuse my ignorance. Would someone please help me get into my devices.  Are their defaults I could be using?  Thanks. 

[Deepak Kumar]

Hi, 

How to access a new device? It is a question of CCNA classes and I hope you done it. If not then I advised to read about Cisco Router or Switch ports and its type.

https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/support/docs/routers/1600-series-routers/46789-port-pinout.html

How to access a new Cisco device?

A short note: Cisco doesn't have any default IP address for most of the devices (except SMB) and you have to connect console cable on router or switch and another side of the cable (USB or DB9) connect to your laptop.  Now You can access this device with putty or other software. 

I hope this is a good document for you:

https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/td/docs/routers/access/800/hardware/installation/guide/800HIG/connecting.html

Regards,

Deepak Kumar

[Tiffanypar23]

Thanks for your response. I may not have explained my issue well. I have a
console cable (DB 9 to usb because I am using my laptop) and I have plugged
it in into the console port. I pull up putty and it ask for a hostname or
IP address. Neither of which I have so I am wondering how to putty in
without this info. I have always worked on devices that were already
configured so although this is basic and seemingly simple stuff, I am
having a problem. I am sure the solution is something I will be kicking
myself about.

[Deepak Kumar · Accepted solution]

Hi, 

I got your point. 

Open Putty --->Session(Default Windows)--> Click on "Serial" Radio button.

Now Hostname has changed to "Serial Line" 

Now Open Device manager (Windows OS) and com port for your serial console cable. 

That "com port" but in the field "Serial Line" on putty windows.

as "COM11" and click on open.

Regards,

Deepak Kumar