Unable to access pfsense via serial cable
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@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.
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@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.
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 pointI haven't lost my mind. It's around here...somewhere...
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@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.
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@Derelict
@JKnott
@Gertjan
@jahonixGuys 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?
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It depends on how the port in your device is configured. You will need the documentation for that before anyone can help you.
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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.
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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.
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@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.
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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. -
@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.
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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 :
@smrehan00 : your turn.
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@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 pointI haven't lost my mind. It's around here...somewhere...
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@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.
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?? 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. -
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.
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I just noticed the Pondesk site has live chat available. You can go there and ask about that console cable.
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@smrehan00 said in Unable to access pfsense via serial cable:
@Derelict
@JKnott
@Gertjan
@jahonixGuys 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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@Sergei_Shablovsky said in Unable to access pfsense via serial cable:
At the first You need really well engendered USB-to-serial DB9 converter:
That box requires an RJ45 connector, not DE-9. If he had a DE-9, he'd then need a DE-9 to RJ45 cable. What he absolutely must do is find out the correct connection for that box. He can do that by contacting the manufacturer, as I mentioned.
We can't be expected to guess what that box requires, when there's so much variation in those cables.
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@JKnott said in Unable to access pfsense via serial cable:
@Sergei_Shablovsky said in Unable to access pfsense via serial cable:
At the first You need really well engendered USB-to-serial DB9 converter:
That box requires an RJ45 connector, not DE-9. If he had a DE-9, he'd then need a DE-9 to RJ45 cable. What he absolutely must do is find out the correct connection for that box. He can do that by contacting the manufacturer, as I mentioned.
We can't be expected to guess what that box requires, when there's so much variation in those cables.
Of course, You need additional DB-9 to RJ-45 extender cable.
And mostly because only a few USB-to-Serial converters have a cable more than 0.8-1m long. Admins confirm to You that common length 1.5-2.5 m would be comfort in any situation.
