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    Unable to access pfsense via serial cable

    Scheduled Pinned Locked Moved General pfSense Questions
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    • S
      smrehan00 @JKnott
      last edited by

      @JKnott
      @Gertjan

      Hi Guys! Thank you for responding back. Well, I am not an idiot :) and I know where to put the console cable in the console port.

      mnho-073 console.JPG

      The USB end goes into the USB port on my laptop and the rj-45 end goes into the console port.
      Can you tell me how to short the Tx and Rx lines?
      Can you share the color code for the wires required for it to work? In case the color code is not correct in my cable. I'll post the actual cable color code tomorrow as the cable is in the office and I am at home.

      Unfortunately, manufactures don't offer Rs-232 port anymore so I am stuck with the RJ-45 based console port.
      Here is the link to the serial cable which I got:

      https://www.daraz.pk/products/usb-to-rj45-for-cisco-usb-console-cable-ftdi-744664241835-i126626956-s1285112387.html?spm=a2a0e.searchlist.list.1.109060eaanGv2O&search=1

      JKnottJ jahonixJ 2 Replies Last reply Reply Quote 0
      • JKnottJ
        JKnott @smrehan00
        last edited by

        @smrehan00

        Here's the Cisco pin out, which likely matches your adapter. There is no standard colour code I'm aware of as different manufacturers do what they want. However, it's pins 3 & 6 that have to be connected. The easiest way to do that is with an Ethernet jack. However, those will generally need a punch tool, though some come with their own tool. You might also find some with screw terminals. If you're handy with soldering, you could make your own, with a circuit board mount connector, with which you'd then solder a jumper between 3 & 6.

        PfSense running on Qotom mini PC
        i5 CPU, 4 GB memory, 32 GB SSD & 4 Intel Gb Ethernet ports.
        UniFi AC-Lite access point

        I haven't lost my mind. It's around here...somewhere...

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        • jahonixJ
          jahonix @smrehan00
          last edited by

          @smrehan00 said in Unable to access pfsense via serial cable:

          don't offer Rs-232 port anymore so I am stuck with the RJ-45 based console port.

          What?
          That IS a serial RS-232 port just not on a DB-9 but an RJ-45 connector. Problem is that the pin-out of the RJ-45 is not standardised. Katron/KTI networks uses the same serial on RJ45 but with reversed RX/TX lines as compared to Cisco. That's an adaptor-mess unless you built your own cable.

          Ask the board manufacturer for the RJ-45 pin-out, maybe that's even printed in the manual.

          JKnottJ 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
          • JKnottJ
            JKnott @jahonix
            last edited by

            @jahonix said in Unable to access pfsense via serial cable:

            DB-9

            Actually, that should be DE-9. DB-9 is used by those who don't know any better. The "D" refers to connector type, the 2nd letter the shell size and the number refers to the number of pins. So, the old 25 pin serial connectors are DB-25 and the 9 pin, DE-9.

            D-subminiature

            BTW, at one point in my career, I used to order connectors by the hundreds. I wouldn't get very far ordering the wrong item.

            PfSense running on Qotom mini PC
            i5 CPU, 4 GB memory, 32 GB SSD & 4 Intel Gb Ethernet ports.
            UniFi AC-Lite access point

            I haven't lost my mind. It's around here...somewhere...

            jahonixJ 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 1
            • DerelictD
              Derelict LAYER 8 Netgate
              last edited by

              @JKnott said in Unable to access pfsense via serial cable:

              What does the RJ45 end connect to?

              We could also argue that it is not an RJ45, but an 8P8C connector/jack.

              Chattanooga, Tennessee, USA
              A comprehensive network diagram is worth 10,000 words and 15 conference calls.
              DO NOT set a source address/port in a port forward or firewall rule unless you KNOW you need it!
              Do Not Chat For Help! NO_WAN_EGRESS(TM)

              S JKnottJ 2 Replies Last reply Reply Quote 0
              • S
                smrehan00 @Derelict
                last edited by

                @Derelict
                @JKnott
                @Gertjan
                @jahonix

                Guys do any of you have a working console cable? If yes then can you post a picture of it ? Moreover, can you post an up close zoomed in on the pin layout of the Rj-45 connector? So, I can take notes and create a new connector?

                JKnottJ 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                • DerelictD
                  Derelict LAYER 8 Netgate
                  last edited by

                  It depends on how the port in your device is configured. You will need the documentation for that before anyone can help you.

                  Chattanooga, Tennessee, USA
                  A comprehensive network diagram is worth 10,000 words and 15 conference calls.
                  DO NOT set a source address/port in a port forward or firewall rule unless you KNOW you need it!
                  Do Not Chat For Help! NO_WAN_EGRESS(TM)

                  1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                  • provelsP
                    provels
                    last edited by provels

                    Beyond cable incompatibility, I'd probably try 9600 and 19200 baud as well. Then again, I might just SSH over IP and call it a day.

                    Peder

                    MAIN - pfSense+ 24.11-RELEASE - Adlink MXE-5401, i7, 16 GB RAM, 64 GB SSD. 500 GB HDD for SyslogNG
                    BACKUP - pfSense+ 23.01-RELEASE - Hyper-V Virtual Machine, Gen 1, 2 v-CPUs, 3 GB RAM, 8GB VHDX (Dynamic)

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                    • JKnottJ
                      JKnott @smrehan00
                      last edited by

                      @smrehan00

                      I have a few for Cisco, but they are DE-9 on one end, not USB. Regardless, a picture won't tell you anything. I have used cables for Cisco, Adtran and Ciena and they weren't compatible. You need to find out the connections required for your device and compare it with the Cisco pin out I provided.

                      PfSense running on Qotom mini PC
                      i5 CPU, 4 GB memory, 32 GB SSD & 4 Intel Gb Ethernet ports.
                      UniFi AC-Lite access point

                      I haven't lost my mind. It's around here...somewhere...

                      1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                      • JKnottJ
                        JKnott @Derelict
                        last edited by

                        @Derelict said in Unable to access pfsense via serial cable:

                        We could also argue that it is not an RJ45, but an 8P8C connector/jack

                        RJ45 is valid, as it refers to a registered jack type. 8P8C is the connector used with it. On the other hand, DB-9 doesn't exist, at least not in the commonly used connectors.

                        PfSense running on Qotom mini PC
                        i5 CPU, 4 GB memory, 32 GB SSD & 4 Intel Gb Ethernet ports.
                        UniFi AC-Lite access point

                        I haven't lost my mind. It's around here...somewhere...

                        S 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                        • S
                          smrehan00 @JKnott
                          last edited by

                          @JKnott

                          This is the cable pin out that I have on the cable I bought.

                          20200103_160058.jpg

                          JKnottJ 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                          • jahonixJ
                            jahonix
                            last edited by

                            These colors are not standardised so from viewing at it we know nothing.
                            You must provide the pins of the RJ-45 jack from your device.

                            1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                            • jahonixJ
                              jahonix @JKnott
                              last edited by

                              @JKnott said in Unable to access pfsense via serial cable:

                              Actually, that should be ...

                              And what does it help with the actual problem if it's DB or DE? We are not a micron closer to a solution.

                              1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                              • GertjanG
                                Gertjan
                                last edited by Gertjan

                                This https://www.amazon.com/Console-Essential-Accesory-Ubiquity-Switches/dp/B01AFNBC3K/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=Moyina&qid=1578056697&sr=8-1 is the cable ( I guess - it's the same image).
                                Pin layout is present.

                                Couldn't find any details about the RS-232 (RJ-45 like) plug :

                                884388c1-a01a-4e7c-8d1c-ad5fde3c8977-image.png

                                @smrehan00 : your turn.

                                No "help me" PM's please. Use the forum, the community will thank you.
                                Edit : and where are the logs ??

                                1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                                • JKnottJ
                                  JKnott @smrehan00
                                  last edited by

                                  @smrehan00 said in Unable to access pfsense via serial cable:

                                  This is the cable pin out that I have on the cable I bought.

                                  As has been said several times, there is no standard connection. I mentioned 3 brands of equipment, which all use different configurations. For us to help you, you have to provide the connections as required by your device. We simply don't know. Is there not any documentation for that computer that tells you what's required?

                                  PfSense running on Qotom mini PC
                                  i5 CPU, 4 GB memory, 32 GB SSD & 4 Intel Gb Ethernet ports.
                                  UniFi AC-Lite access point

                                  I haven't lost my mind. It's around here...somewhere...

                                  S Sergei_ShablovskyS 2 Replies Last reply Reply Quote 0
                                  • S
                                    smrehan00 @JKnott
                                    last edited by

                                    @JKnott There is nothing in the manual which shows about the pin status of console port. I will check in the system bios to see if the console port is activated via BIOS.

                                    JKnottJ 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                                    • GertjanG
                                      Gertjan
                                      last edited by

                                      ?? You actually bought a device with very needed peripherals that are not documented (and probably not standard) .... it's time to contact their support.
                                      Was the device sold with an optional console cable ? Your next best choice : get this cable.

                                      No "help me" PM's please. Use the forum, the community will thank you.
                                      Edit : and where are the logs ??

                                      1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                                      • JKnottJ
                                        JKnott @smrehan00
                                        last edited by JKnott

                                        @smrehan00

                                        Well, then you'll just have to start checking to see where what is. The Cisco connection is a good starting point. Years ago, we used to use something called a "breakout box", which made it easy to test individual pins or make appropriate connections, etc.. If you have a volt meter, you can probe the pins to see which ones have voltage on them. The transmit data will be a few volts and the receive line may have a fraction of a volt on it. You can also do a continuity test, to see which wires are ground. This is something that I have done, on many occasions, to test unknown connections. You can make your own "breakout box" with a couple of RJ45 to screw terminal blocks.

                                        Does the manufacturer of that computer have any support available? I have been browsing the Pondesk site and don't see your computer.

                                        PfSense running on Qotom mini PC
                                        i5 CPU, 4 GB memory, 32 GB SSD & 4 Intel Gb Ethernet ports.
                                        UniFi AC-Lite access point

                                        I haven't lost my mind. It's around here...somewhere...

                                        JKnottJ 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                                        • JKnottJ
                                          JKnott @JKnott
                                          last edited by

                                          @JKnott

                                          I just noticed the Pondesk site has live chat available. You can go there and ask about that console cable.

                                          PfSense running on Qotom mini PC
                                          i5 CPU, 4 GB memory, 32 GB SSD & 4 Intel Gb Ethernet ports.
                                          UniFi AC-Lite access point

                                          I haven't lost my mind. It's around here...somewhere...

                                          1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                                          • Sergei_ShablovskyS
                                            Sergei_Shablovsky @JKnott
                                            last edited by

                                            @smrehan00 said in Unable to access pfsense via serial cable:

                                            @Derelict
                                            @JKnott
                                            @Gertjan
                                            @jahonix

                                            Guys do any of you have a working console cable? If yes then can you post a picture of it ? Moreover, can you post an up close zoomed in on the pin layout of the Rj-45 connector? So, I can take notes and create a new connector?

                                            Let's to put my 5 cents in discussion:

                                            At the first You need really well engendered USB-to-serial DB9 converter: Prolific PL2303 (or it’s advanced version PL2303ta).

                                            “Well engendered” mean “compatible with most hardware serial interfaces which hardware manufacturer used”, no matter Cisco, Juniper, or some crappy no name router.

                                            Only after that a You need to make next step forward.

                                            —
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                                            Help Ukraine to resist, save civilians people’s lives !
                                            (Take an active part in public protests, push on Your country’s politics, congressmans, mass media, leaders of opinion.)

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