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    Connecting to pfsense on netgate SG-5100

    Scheduled Pinned Locked Moved General pfSense Questions
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    • K
      kscrib
      last edited by kscrib

      I have an Netgate SG-5100 that has been out of my network for a while. I am trying to connect to it to reconfigure some of the subnets for use in a different location, but I want to retain many of the other configurations.

      I know the SG-5100 used to be configured for 192.168.1.x, 192.168.29.x, 192.168.50,x and 192.168.100.x (all with 255.255.255.0 subnet mask and the default gateway on 192.168.x.1 for each of the subnets). I don't recall which subnet was associated with each of the physical ports on the SG-5100.

      I have tried configuring a PC for each of those subnets and tried connecting the PC to each of the 6 ports. But I can't get any of the ports to recognize the PC. The PC is plugged directly in the the 5100 and no other network cables are attached to the 5100. With no network cables connected to the 5100, only the power light on the front of the 5100 is lit. When I connect a network cable, the lights associate with that port turn on.

      I really don't want to do a reset to factory defaults of the SG-5100. How do I connect to the 5100 to manage it? I was hoping to use the web configuration interface.

      I know this should be simple, but I am fear I am missing something obvious...

      patient0P 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
      • patient0P
        patient0 @kscrib
        last edited by

        @kscrib try accessing it with a serial cable, there you would see the IPs set for the ports/VLANs:

        How to connect using the serial console:

        https://docs.netgate.com/pfsense/en/latest/solutions/sg-5100/connect-to-console.html

        K 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 2
        • K
          kscrib @patient0
          last edited by

          @patient0 Great idea! I had done that in the past, but did not think of it this time.

          I am not able to get the serial to connect either. I have tried 9600 baud and the documentation 115200. When I plug in the USB cable, windows sees the Prolific device (settings show COMM4, 9600 baud).

          What I find is odd, that when I boot the 5100, I never see the HDD light flicker. The only light on the front is the power light. The reboot button on the back does seem to work, a few minutes after pressing it, the power light goes off.

          I will continue trying different baud rates to see if I can get the console to display in Putty.

          S 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
          • S
            SteveITS Galactic Empire @kscrib
            last edited by

            @kscrib the docs are correct no need to test. Did you set putty to serial? You should see something during boot.

            Pre-2.7.2/23.09: Only install packages for your version, or risk breaking it. Select your branch in System/Update/Update Settings.
            When upgrading, allow 10-15 minutes to restart, or more depending on packages and device speed.
            Upvote 👍 helpful posts!

            K 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
            • K
              kscrib @SteveITS
              last edited by

              @SteveITS I did a cold boot and the serial connection is working now. I was trying serial post boot prior to this and that did not work.

              I am good now.

              Thank you @patient0 and @SteveITS

              1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 2
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