Silas
asked on
Configure modem on AUX port for Cisco router
I want to configure a US robotics courier V.everything on my Cisco 3620 AUX port so I can remotely manage the router in case I can't telnet to it. Can someone give me some details on how to do this? Every time I see references to this it involves async ports on access routers. Any advice would be great!
Did you try it with serial port connection to modem.
ASKER
I am using the console cable with the RS232 end on it, as Cisco recommended.
odd that my first posting didnt showed up. anyways, here it is again. hope this helps.
http://www.cisco.com/warp/public/76/9.html
http://www.cisco.com/warp/public/76/9.html
Connect the modem to the CONSOLE port instead of the aux port. I do this everyday, using USR Sportster modems. I have a script to setup the sportster for auto answer, 9600 baud only. The advantage is that you can recover passwords, watch boot sequence error messages, etc that you cannot do over an aux port.
Find the book for the the Courier, and make sure you turn off local echo and call progress (ATE0Q1 should do it), set the modem for 9600 baud, enable autoanswer, and save your modem config.
Setup your console port to prompt for a username/password
username test password test
line con 0
login local
More on that subject here:
http://www.cisco.com/warp/public/707/21.html
http://www.cisco.com/univercd/cc/td/doc/product/software/ios11/acbook/acterms.htm
You can also daisy-chain other products, i.e. a catalyst switch, by plugging it's console port into your router's aux port. When you dial into the console port, you can reverse-telnet into the switch console port...
Find the book for the the Courier, and make sure you turn off local echo and call progress (ATE0Q1 should do it), set the modem for 9600 baud, enable autoanswer, and save your modem config.
Setup your console port to prompt for a username/password
username test password test
line con 0
login local
More on that subject here:
http://www.cisco.com/warp/public/707/21.html
http://www.cisco.com/univercd/cc/td/doc/product/software/ios11/acbook/acterms.htm
You can also daisy-chain other products, i.e. a catalyst switch, by plugging it's console port into your router's aux port. When you dial into the console port, you can reverse-telnet into the switch console port...
ASKER
can I use the console cable for this? or do I have to use a different cable? I've tried this in the past, I just never seemed to have any luck with it. Do I go to line con 0 and type in modem autoconfigure type usr_courier?
Try using "MODEM" adapter and roll cable supplied with router. Then from config
line aux 0
modem autoconfigure discovery
login
password password
speed 9600 (or whatever you like)
Job done !
(oh yeah, connect modem to phone line!)
line aux 0
modem autoconfigure discovery
login
password password
speed 9600 (or whatever you like)
Job done !
(oh yeah, connect modem to phone line!)
Yes, use the console cable, and do not put any modem commands on the console line. It does not require any configuration, only the modem itself needs to be setup..
ipr,
You've been around EE long enough, but I have not seen you in this area. We generally do not post answers unless we are 300% sure that we have the one and only one answer to the question. It locks the question out of the general discussion and forces the user to acccept or reject your answer. If you change your proposed answer to a comment this question will go back into the general discussion area. The question poser always has the option to accept your comments as an answer.
Regards,
les
ipr,
You've been around EE long enough, but I have not seen you in this area. We generally do not post answers unless we are 300% sure that we have the one and only one answer to the question. It locks the question out of the general discussion and forces the user to acccept or reject your answer. If you change your proposed answer to a comment this question will go back into the general discussion area. The question poser always has the option to accept your comments as an answer.
Regards,
les
ASKER
Sorry irp, it was a good answer, but here is my issue. When I use that configuration and dial into the modem attached to the router, I get a string of meaningless garbage accross my hyperterminal screen. I think I am very close to solving this, because the modem picks up, however, I still have this one problem. The Cisco web site deals primarily with using async ports, not the aux port -and it is one case where the website goes into TOO MUCH detail -I don't neet a reference of AT commands, I just need to be able to dial in. Any advice would be great! I'm close!
Silas,
Have you tried connecting the modem to the CONSOLE port?
Have you tried connecting the modem to the CONSOLE port?
ASKER
I have not yet tried the console port. Would I have the same problem with the garbled text? I have tried different setting in hyperterminal when I dial up the modem, but am still having the same issue.
The garbled text is the result of baud rate mismatch. Your console port is set for 9600. Set your Hyperterm to 9600, 8, N, 1, and no flow control. Your modem should be set to auto answer, 9600, and turn off local echo. Your modem documentation should tell you how to do this.
ASKER
Do I go to
line con 0 or aux 0
and set speed to 9600?
It does not seem to take the speed 9600 setting, although I can set it higher and it appears in running config
line con 0 or aux 0
and set speed to 9600?
It does not seem to take the speed 9600 setting, although I can set it higher and it appears in running config
Your line con 0 is 9600 by default, so setting it explicitly to 9600 will no sho up in the config...
Remember, default settings don't all show up with a show config...
Remember, default settings don't all show up with a show config...
IRPs answer is 100% right. You need not to ask how to configure the Cisco now but how to set up your modem.
Dont use the Console port cos thats not what it is there for.
The problem you have with your modem is that is has a set up that the DTE speed will be set to what ever the trainup speed works out at. So for example in the above answer by IRP when you tried it you got garbage. This is because the router is set up at 9K6 and you modem has chosen to change its speed to whatever you have trained up to (say 19K2,56K etc).
If you are using a default modem setup this would not nomally be a problem. Reset the modem to factory default by connecting to a PC and issuing AT&F then re-connect to router and use the enable command "CLEAR LINE AUX 0" the try again and lets us know what happens. It you still have no joy I'll try and dig out the AT commands to fix your modem.
Dont use the Console port cos thats not what it is there for.
The problem you have with your modem is that is has a set up that the DTE speed will be set to what ever the trainup speed works out at. So for example in the above answer by IRP when you tried it you got garbage. This is because the router is set up at 9K6 and you modem has chosen to change its speed to whatever you have trained up to (say 19K2,56K etc).
If you are using a default modem setup this would not nomally be a problem. Reset the modem to factory default by connecting to a PC and issuing AT&F then re-connect to router and use the enable command "CLEAR LINE AUX 0" the try again and lets us know what happens. It you still have no joy I'll try and dig out the AT commands to fix your modem.
adrianwatkins, I have to beg to differ with you. I setup and manage networks for a living and always connect the modem to the console port specifically for out of band management. There are many advantages to doing this. If the router has crashed and is sitting at a rommon> prompt, you will NEVER get a session open to the aux port, but you can ALWAYS connect to the console port. You can reboot the router and watch the boot sequence for error messages. You can watch debug messages if you want without redirecting them to another line. You can daisy-chain other equipment like a Switch or firewall's console to the aux port and reverse-telnet into it.
What do you do if the router does not have an aux port? One example is the 1600 series. How would you propose to manage it?
What do you do if the router does not have an aux port? One example is the 1600 series. How would you propose to manage it?
lrmoore, if the router is sitting at a rommon prompt then you have a serious problem.
CON or AUX, take your pick but I would tend to agree with adrianwatkins on this, the AUX port is there to allow you to connect a modem with greater ease. Another advantage is that you can also run PPP on this line allowing you to TFTP configs and IOS images to the router remotely.
For the CON port to work, you need to set your modem to completely transparent mode, no CONNECT messages, no result codes, no echo, and fix the DTE port speed to whatever your port is set to on the router. ("show line" gives a summary of async lines on the router). I would tend to fix the modulation to the same speed as the DTE. This isn't exhaustive, but something along the lines of ATE0Q1V0&N6 (not sure about value after N for the last one, fixes modulation, need to choose 9600 (V.32?)
With relation to your question regarding managing a 1600, of course you would have to use CON port, but the point being made, is if you have an AUX port, use it! There is no mention in the question of daisy chaining multiple routers/switches etc, so that's why nobody other than you has covered that. Don't think you invented that idea, we've all done it when necessary!
By the way, I also setup and manage networks for a living, fun isn't it?
CON or AUX, take your pick but I would tend to agree with adrianwatkins on this, the AUX port is there to allow you to connect a modem with greater ease. Another advantage is that you can also run PPP on this line allowing you to TFTP configs and IOS images to the router remotely.
For the CON port to work, you need to set your modem to completely transparent mode, no CONNECT messages, no result codes, no echo, and fix the DTE port speed to whatever your port is set to on the router. ("show line" gives a summary of async lines on the router). I would tend to fix the modulation to the same speed as the DTE. This isn't exhaustive, but something along the lines of ATE0Q1V0&N6 (not sure about value after N for the last one, fixes modulation, need to choose 9600 (V.32?)
With relation to your question regarding managing a 1600, of course you would have to use CON port, but the point being made, is if you have an AUX port, use it! There is no mention in the question of daisy chaining multiple routers/switches etc, so that's why nobody other than you has covered that. Don't think you invented that idea, we've all done it when necessary!
By the way, I also setup and manage networks for a living, fun isn't it?
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The important strings are:
&B1 which will fix the baud rate at the speed you are using to configure to the modem.
E0 which will stop local echo (V.important of the router will get into a continual loop of echoing to itself)
Q1 which will stop RING / OK etc from disturbing the router. For example if when the line rings the router gets RING and then sends back a response this can cause some modems to hangup.
S0=1 which will set up auto answer.
the console speed which should be 9K6 if default but may be different depending on Configation Registers or config.
Once this is fixed you can put the modem where you like.
Aux Port/ Console port is really a matter of preference and operating procedures. I have set up for both. As our superior being LRMoore has stated there are benfits to both (eg PPP via the aux port/ X remote etc..). And guess what I might just use the console port on a 1600, since Cisco dont put aux ports on thier little routers but do on all the enterprise stuff.
with the aux port and IRPs config if the modem is a normal autobauding modem out of the box you should be able to connect it straight up to the router without having to configure the modem since the router will manage this for you. This means that if LRmoores modems are default by power spike / line spike he could be in trouble.
I live happy in the knowledge that LRMoore manages networks for a living???
PS: I have dabled with network occationally myself.
&B1 which will fix the baud rate at the speed you are using to configure to the modem.
E0 which will stop local echo (V.important of the router will get into a continual loop of echoing to itself)
Q1 which will stop RING / OK etc from disturbing the router. For example if when the line rings the router gets RING and then sends back a response this can cause some modems to hangup.
S0=1 which will set up auto answer.
the console speed which should be 9K6 if default but may be different depending on Configation Registers or config.
Once this is fixed you can put the modem where you like.
Aux Port/ Console port is really a matter of preference and operating procedures. I have set up for both. As our superior being LRMoore has stated there are benfits to both (eg PPP via the aux port/ X remote etc..). And guess what I might just use the console port on a 1600, since Cisco dont put aux ports on thier little routers but do on all the enterprise stuff.
with the aux port and IRPs config if the modem is a normal autobauding modem out of the box you should be able to connect it straight up to the router without having to configure the modem since the router will manage this for you. This means that if LRmoores modems are default by power spike / line spike he could be in trouble.
I live happy in the knowledge that LRMoore manages networks for a living???
PS: I have dabled with network occationally myself.
lrmoore, may I draw your attention to the title of the question,
"Configure modem on AUX port"
---
By this, you could not possibly have the correct answer because you don't have the correct question.
"Configure modem on AUX port"
---
By this, you could not possibly have the correct answer because you don't have the correct question.
Oooh IRP, Handbags at dawn !!!
irp,
I don't agree with your last statement. Part of the question is "so I can remotely manage the router in case I can't telnet to it." and "Any advice would be great!"
I don't mean to antagonize a duel, but you notice that I did not arrogantly post my comment as an answer, I am merely providing "advice" on how to accomplish the requirement of "remotely manage the router in case I can't telnet to it" as requested.
I don't agree with your last statement. Part of the question is "so I can remotely manage the router in case I can't telnet to it." and "Any advice would be great!"
I don't mean to antagonize a duel, but you notice that I did not arrogantly post my comment as an answer, I am merely providing "advice" on how to accomplish the requirement of "remotely manage the router in case I can't telnet to it" as requested.
adrianwatkins,
>This means that if LRmoores modems are default by power spike / line spike
he could be in trouble.
No, they will not revert to default. The combination of dip switch throws in the procedure above prevent this from happening. We've covered all bases.
We've both said it here, that the bottom line is personal preference and company policies. I am very happy in knowing that I can remotely control all of my routers no matter what (unless, of course the phone lines go dead or an earthquake swallows the building, or my favorite--the good folk at the remote office unplugs the router and moves it to another building without telling anyone, and without providing a new phone line, better yet, the client forgets to pay the phone company and the whole network gets shut off).
I do make a good living at it, and have some very happy customers and partners.
Happy, happy, joy, joy.
>This means that if LRmoores modems are default by power spike / line spike
he could be in trouble.
No, they will not revert to default. The combination of dip switch throws in the procedure above prevent this from happening. We've covered all bases.
We've both said it here, that the bottom line is personal preference and company policies. I am very happy in knowing that I can remotely control all of my routers no matter what (unless, of course the phone lines go dead or an earthquake swallows the building, or my favorite--the good folk at the remote office unplugs the router and moves it to another building without telling anyone, and without providing a new phone line, better yet, the client forgets to pay the phone company and the whole network gets shut off).
I do make a good living at it, and have some very happy customers and partners.
Happy, happy, joy, joy.
ASKER
I have not been able to dial into the device for a few days now -when I am able to, I'll get back to ya'll. Thanks for all the advice.
Sorry Silas, forgot about you in all this.
You say you cannot dial in, did you connect your modem to the console or aux port by the way. :)
Good luck in the decisions that you are faced with.
You say you cannot dial in, did you connect your modem to the console or aux port by the way. :)
Good luck in the decisions that you are faced with.
Silas, have you had a chance to test either of our theories?
Silas,
Any updates? How is everything going?
Any updates? How is everything going?
Hi all,
This question has been open for awhile. I am going to allow feedback from the questioner and experts. If it is not resolved, I will delete or accept an answer based on the info I have been given. Experts, feel free to offer input. I will monitor this question for a period of 5-7 days and come back and evaluate the situation.
If an Expert has helped, please accept with the answer button.
If returned to I will leave open for discussion.
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Thank you,
ComTech
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This question has been open for awhile. I am going to allow feedback from the questioner and experts. If it is not resolved, I will delete or accept an answer based on the info I have been given. Experts, feel free to offer input. I will monitor this question for a period of 5-7 days and come back and evaluate the situation.
If an Expert has helped, please accept with the answer button.
If returned to I will leave open for discussion.
Please do NOT accept this notice as answer.
Thank you,
ComTech
Community Support Moderator
lrmoore will be awarded with the question, and also very thourough.
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