What is the default setting for stop bits on a Cisco console port?

The default setting for stop bits on a Cisco console port is 1. In serial communication, stop bits are used to indicate the end of a data packet. When a device like a Cisco router or switch is configured to use 1 stop bit, it means that the communication will have a single stop bit following each byte of data transmitted. This setting is common in many serial communications as it provides a good balance between efficiency and data integrity, ensuring that the receiver has sufficient time to recognize the end of a byte without introducing unnecessary delays.

Since most terminal emulation software and configuration equipment default to 1 stop bit, this setting typically works seamlessly for connecting to Cisco devices. Other options, such as 0, 2, or 3 stop bits, are rarely used in standard configurations and could lead to communication errors if the sending and receiving devices do not have matching stop bit settings.