NetGate m1n1wall default config
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I recently purchased a NetGate m1n1wall device (alix2c2) to alleviate some network issues I was having. We have a number of wired and wireless clients/printers and it was overwhelming consumer routers forcing regular resets. I was under the impression that since it came with pfSense already installed I'd be able to plug it in, it would assign DHCP to devices on my switch, and I would be able to connect to the webGUI 192.168.1.1. Clearly, I was mistaken. ;D
It turns out, I'm getting nothing when I connect it to my network on either of the ports. I get no DHCP and when I try assigning one of my client's IP addresses to 192.168.1.2, I still can't ping or connect to 192.168.1.1. All devices are working outside of the m1n1wall.
At this point, I'm not really sure what to do. I could shake it profusely and hope for the best? I have no desire to get out an old computer for a serial connection and I'm pretty sure I don't have a serial cable. Is there some sort of USB to null modem connection I can purchase? I have no experience using serial connections. What would I use to connect to it? Putty or Telnet or something?
We don't run any *nix devices anymore, all of our clients are vista or XP.
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When I got my device outdoor enclosure with the ALIX board from netgate they had installed PFSense on it but did not configure it. I had to connect to it using a serial cable with hyperterminal to assign the interfaces.
To do that do the following:
Connect one end of the null-modem cable to your computer’s serial port and the other end to the serial port on the ALIX. In my case I use a USB serial adapter.
If you are running windows then use Hyperterminal with the following settings:
* Baud rate: 9600
* Data: 8 bit
* Parity: None
* Stop: 1 bit
* Flow control: None
* Terminal: ANSIOnce connected follow the intuitive prompts and menu. When that is done you can then connect your client computer into your switch. Then continue configuring your firewall through the web interface.
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At this point, I'm not really sure what to do. I could shake it profusely and hope for the best? I have no desire to get out an old computer for a serial connection and I'm pretty sure I don't have a serial cable. Is there some sort of USB to null modem connection I can purchase? I have no experience using serial connections. What would I use to connect to it? Putty or Telnet or something?
You need a USB-serial adaptor.
I bought one to update the bios and configure my ALIX.
I'm not sure where you migh get one, but in switzerland the easiest way is http://distrelec.ch
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Would it help that many people if we pre-configured the pre-built units?
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Not having a serial cable / usb-serial-converter is like saying you won't need a sparetire in your car. There will be the day when you need it (think of reflashing the box, upgrading to a new bios, resetting the device to factory defaults, …). It makes getting started easier but believe me, sooner or later you'll need it.
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m0n0wall has images for dedicated embedded systems. we don't and we don't want to do that either. our embeddeds are made to be able to run on various sorts of embedded hardware, but you have to configure it. maybe netgate should add a note about the nullmodemcable and offer it as option/bundle for a few bucks more. these cables are cheap and it would save you some shippingcosts if you get it with the unit in one delivery. that's something netgate (or other resellers) have to decide though. just making some suggestions here :)
