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    Unable to access pfsense via serial cable

    Scheduled Pinned Locked Moved General pfSense Questions
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    • 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
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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...

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        • 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.

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              • 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.

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                • 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 ??

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                  • 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 ??

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                        • 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...

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                          • 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...

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                            • 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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                              • JKnottJ
                                JKnott @Sergei_Shablovsky
                                last edited by

                                @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.

                                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...

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

                                  @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.

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                                  • JKnottJ
                                    JKnott @Sergei_Shablovsky
                                    last edited by

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

                                    Of course, You need additional DB-9 to RJ-45 extender cable.

                                    Why does he need a DE-9 (yes, that is DE-9, not DB-9) anywhere? He has a USB port on a a computer and that box needs an RJ45, with some serial connection. Hopefully, it will be Cisco compatible, as that is what his cable appears to be.

                                    I have an adapter with a DE-9 and I then have to use another cable to connect to Cisco gear. I needed a different cable for Adtran and yet another for Ciena. That's what makes this so much "fun".

                                    However, until the OP contacts the manufacturer to find out what's needed, we are only guessing. As he mentioned, there might also be some configuration needed to even make the console work.

                                    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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                                    • jimpJ
                                      jimp Rebel Alliance Developer Netgate
                                      last edited by

                                      Not to mention it may (or may not) need a null modem adapter in the mix depending on the pinout of that port, and depending on the cable connected to that port. Far too many variables that only the OEM (or testing every combination) can verify.

                                      Remember: Upvote with the 👍 button for any user/post you find to be helpful, informative, or deserving of recognition!

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                                      • JKnottJ
                                        JKnott @jimp
                                        last edited by

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

                                        need a null modem adapter in the mix depending on the pinout of that port

                                        Not likely. That's one way things are pretty much standard. The only exception would be on routers, where there's both console and aux ports. The console port connects to a computer and the aux to a modem, for dial in access.

                                        Incidentally, there's something called a Yost cable, which can be used to connect anything to anything. Cisco is similar to it.

                                        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...

                                        Sergei_ShablovskyS jahonixJ 2 Replies Last reply Reply Quote 0
                                        • Sergei_ShablovskyS
                                          Sergei_Shablovsky @JKnott
                                          last edited by

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

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

                                          need a null modem adapter in the mix depending on the pinout of that port

                                          Not likely. That's one way things are pretty much standard. The only exception would be on routers, where there's both console and aux ports. The console port connects to a computer and the aux to a modem, for dial in access.

                                          Incidentally, there's something called a Yost cable, which can be used to connect anything to anything. Cisco is similar to it.

                                          Anyway, better to start with something that are standard and working without any problems on most appliances (I mean Prolific :)

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                                          • DerelictD
                                            Derelict LAYER 8 Netgate
                                            last edited by

                                            Making a serial cable requires the serial pin-outs for that specific port.

                                            To make a serial connection there you probably only need TXD, RXD, and signal ground - three pins.

                                            There are 120 combinations of 3 out of the 8 pins in any order so have fun guessing. With a multi-meter or oscilloscope you might be able to eliminate some of those.

                                            Documented pinouts is far easier.

                                            If a "cisco" console cable didn't work, the manufacturer needs to provide the pinouts and cable diagrams.

                                            If they don't have the required documentation, I would return it.

                                            Bottom line, this is not a problem for the pfSense firewall software to solve.

                                            Chattanooga, Tennessee, USA
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