This is great! Perfect guide too, no faffing around, just the required info with the right amount of extra info provided on each step. You're a great teacher 😊
Thanks for the video. I'm a little "old school" for mine. I used an old 1800 series router that I had that was collecting dust. I purchased a card and octopus cable off of eBay and built a Terminal Server. Cisco sells the 8, 16 & 32 port versions of the card. You can find these up for auction all the time.
I’m a Raspberry pi addict and have loads of them sitting around. I will now be adding this functionality to my PiVPN to get VERY remote access to my lab!
Great video as always, Keith. Thanks for the extra push and motivation to create a terminal server for the live gear at home for studying and practicing CCNA.
I have never had a need for this in my lab but I can see how a lot of people would grate project and grate video. I have some security questions running by in my head. now i need to dig up some gear to answer them tack for a project.
i already have cisco 2500 router which serve as AccessServer (connected to 2 routers and 3 switches) on my home lab so i use Raspberry pi to just connect to this AcessServer (by one usb-console cable) and from that i can connect to all my devices wirelessly its amazing thanks Keith for the video
I've been using the PI console server setup for a little while now for gear setups in area's where we are waiting for fiber to go in or troubleshooting hardware on days we don't want to sit on the floor. Also been using it quite a bit during the pandemic. Its a quick and easy option to a full blown console server.
Hi Keith! You have been my mentor for years! If you remember - you & I met at the CCIE Lounge back in 2015 we took a photo for Jermey C. :) I'd like to know what S/W is used for the chalkboard... You Rock!
Looks like ser2net is using a yaml file instead of a conf file for configuring the tty lines. It's more complicated than what you've done here, and I can't seem to get it to work for me. Not yet anyhow.
hai... do you set up the raspberry pi first as access point ?? how user connect to the raspberry?? which part you set raspberry pi as access point for user to connect to the wifi??
Hi Keith, I've setup the pi will all the setting that is listed in the video but when I try to telnet to the pi using putty, I get putty fatal error: Network error: connection refused. I've tested console from the Pi using minicom and i can connect to my router. I can telnet to the Pi on port 23 Not sure why the pi is refusing the connection. Any thoughts?
Is there a reason why you would choose to use the Gearmo 4 port to serial, then have to buy the serial to console cable VS. just getting a multi USB dongle and a bunch of USB to console cables?
Nice idea! I don't need it for my home lab, because I have a router with a 16-port async card installed with connections to all of my console ports. That router has its Ethernet port connected to my home network so I can do just like you did, telnet to the device and reverse-telent to whatever console port I want. I made it a little easier creating aliases for each device name that has the appropriate reverse-telnet command. Great idea though, and I may use it for my home firewall console port access, since it's in another room and not part of the lab. I do have an unused Pi at the moment. Hmmm...
Thank you Lex! I agree, those 8/16 async ports, and those octal cables are the BEST! Way to set it up. Thanks for the feedback, and your setup. Happy studies!
I know I'm a year behind, but I've heard allot about Telnet being extremely vulnerable -- have it disabled on my router/firewall. I will assume, however, that because you're only using it locally, there is good cause. No real mention of security though.
Keith I love this however I think the format of ser2net has changed and I'm struggling to get this to work now. Are you aware of any changes to this process that are needed?
Thank you for the question Wayne. For the 3B it was this case: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07BTHNW9W/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 I also tested this with the 4B and bought this kit: 👉🏼 amzn.to/3hiUkhB (this one is an affiliate link, fyi) Happy studies. I also have the exact steps for the terminal server on Github for download here: 👉 github.com/Keith-OGIT/FirstSteps That also includes the steps for setting Ansible on the Pi.
For those looking at the software Keith was using to connect, it is secureCRT - www.vandyke.com/products/securecrt/ I'm just posting since I wasn't familiar with it. Of course there's good ol' putty as well: www.chiark.greenend.org.uk/~sgtatham/putty/latest.html Or the slightly more useful multi-tab putty from TTY+ : ttyplus.com/multi-tabbed-putty/
Great and informative Video! Thank you! Question, is it possible to have a username and pw prompt when I telnet into the raspberry pi and console into the device?
Thank you for the question Ceejay. If we telnet directly to the PI (port 23) there is a password. Not sure about the ability to get a password when connecting to ports 2001, 2002, etc. We can certainly place a password on the console ports of the routers/switches by going to line console 0, specifying a password, and the word "login" there. Happy studies, and thanks for the question.
For those users who have more than 4 devices in their lab, is it possible to add a 2nd 4 port USB to serial adapter? I'm just assuming there would be another 4 lines to edit in ser2net.conf, correct?
Well, but... I have a Lantronix SLC01612N-01 to install, just because need my Raspberry for other purposes. 😈 Anyway the Pi with ser2net is a solution very low cost, and very reliable! And supports the Cisco USB interfaces too.
Hi Keith, thanks for the great video. I was wondering if you have a method for making the USB devices persistant. every once in a while i lose power or reboot the Pi and i get some scrambled devices. ttyUSB0 becomes ttyUSB4 etc.. Thanks!
Thank you for the question Chris Tristan. I use the Pi weekly, and haven't seen it swap any port numbers. I am careful though, to gracefully shut it down before powering it off. I use shutdown -h now.
Hi Keith, I'm curious - since there are USB to console cables, would that work with a USB hub? Is it possible to map USB devices on a common usb hub that you would connect to the USB port on the Raspberry Pi? You can have 8-port USB hubs or even more if necessary.
Thank you for the question Amos. The trick is that we need to redirect our connection to specific serial port, and a generic USB hub wouldn't provide that. The USB to 4 serial adapter has specific chips that allow it. I like your thinking!
Thank you for the question Scott. Likely related to Echo Echo. Based on the terminal emulator you are using, there is likely an echo setting that needs to be adjusted. MobaXterm has a free version, which is quite smart out of the box. Give that a try, and see if the problem resolves itself. mobaxterm.mobatek.net/
Just to re-iterate what Keith said at the end of the video. To properly and gracefully shut down the Rasberry Pi, the command mentioned is: sudo shutdown -h now
He installed telnet and telnetd Here's his "full" installation command list from the description of the video: sudo apt-get update sudo apt-get upgrade -y sudo apt-get install telnet -y sudo apt-get install telnetd -y sudo apt-get install ser2net -y
Thank you for the question Andrea Rivella. I have only tried it with the 4port, and 2 singles. I don't know if 4 4port USBs would work, as I haven't tested it. Have you considered some 16/32 async modules, with the associated octal cables??? I have a few on order that I will be doing additional videos on. With the number of devices you are talking about, you may want a more industrial solution like that. Stay tuned, and thanks again for the question.
@@KeithBarker yes I have already considered async but my company can buy only new stuff and it could be a very expensive solution. Anyway thank you for all your work, I m your biggest fan!
Cool video Keith! I actually had a Pi3 sitting in my lab room doing only RADIUS stuff for switch practice, and have been using a single roll over from a PC, not even thinking about the Pi! I ended up going with an 8 port version from Amazon: www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B000YB4G2I/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 The StarTech one is bus powered off the Pi3b+ just fine with only 4 consoles hooked up atm, but it also has an option 5VDC power (not included) if needed. The cables are even nicely numbered. I did try minicom in raspbian, which works fine (the ports show up as /dev/ttyUSB0-7), and I also installed the ser2net app. Just a heads up that on debian based distros, like Raspbian (they renamed it I think?), the ser2net package should already be enabled. I did noticed that the first restart didn't work, but the second did. Some helpful commands: restart the service: sudo service ser2net restart check running ports: sudo netstat -tnlp | grep ser2net watch the status/logs: sudo journalctl -u -f or sudo tail -F /var/log/syslog | grep ser2net Note: pi is in adm group by default, and syslog is adm group readible, so sudo isn't needed for /var/syslog grepping! For those looking to "lock down" their Pi from WiFi, either disable WiFi/bluetooth because they don't trust wireless (mgmt consoles should not be on wifi, after all!), or are just looking to setup a simple firewall, here are some tips for blacklisting modules, and installing UFW firewall. Blacklist -------------- This will require a reboot, but it will prevent the broadcom drivers, and thus WiFi/bluetooth, from loading on boot. This command will append (the: | sudo tee -a) the contents of what follows, input from stdin (the
Thank you for the question Sreejith Jinachandran. SecureCRT is a commercial product, and for a license, you would go to their site and purchase a license for its use.
I did this and I'm amazed how simple it is to get the console server running, so cheap too. Thanks Keith!
I can't find a usb to multi rj45 console cable.
This is great! Perfect guide too, no faffing around, just the required info with the right amount of extra info provided on each step. You're a great teacher 😊
Great to hear!
Thanks for the video. I'm a little "old school" for mine. I used an old 1800 series router that I had that was collecting dust. I purchased a card and octopus cable off of eBay and built a Terminal Server. Cisco sells the 8, 16 & 32 port versions of the card. You can find these up for auction all the time.
Very cool!
7am in Western Australia for a live tech video? That's basically unheard of.
Thank you Nathaniel!
Great video Keith. This is sweet love it.
Thank you kindly Pat!
Keith Barker you’re welcome Keith anytime.
I’m a Raspberry pi addict and have loads of them sitting around. I will now be adding this functionality to my PiVPN to get VERY remote access to my lab!
Thank you Michael!
Great video as always, Keith. Thanks for the extra push and motivation to create a terminal server for the live gear at home for studying and practicing CCNA.
You bet!
Absolutely amazing. Thank you. Now I can move my server rack away from my desk.
I have never had a need for this in my lab but I can see how a lot of people would grate project and grate video. I have some security questions running by in my head. now i need to dig up some gear to answer them tack for a project.
Go for it!
i already have cisco 2500 router which serve as AccessServer (connected to 2 routers and 3 switches) on my home lab so i use Raspberry pi to just connect to this AcessServer (by one usb-console cable) and from that i can connect to all my devices wirelessly its amazing
thanks Keith for the video
Thank you Khalid!
Great demo Keith, love these videos !!!
Thank you Ken
I've been using the PI console server setup for a little while now for gear setups in area's where we are waiting for fiber to go in or troubleshooting hardware on days we don't want to sit on the floor. Also been using it quite a bit during the pandemic. Its a quick and easy option to a full blown console server.
Thank you Eric Broke It
Best CCNA channel on UA-cam... love how Keith goes outside of the CCNA
Thank you zoltron30!
Excellent work around Keith ...👌
Thank you willu!
Awesome. Love this. I will definitely try this out. I will need to order a serial usb cable splitter. Thanks for this.
Enjoy!
Hi Keith! You have been my mentor for years! If you remember - you & I met at the CCIE Lounge back in 2015 we took a photo for Jermey C. :) I'd like to know what S/W is used for the chalkboard... You Rock!
Hi Alim! I use an image of a chalkboard, and then Corel Painter for the crayon/chalk look and feel. Nice to see you!!!
Looks like ser2net is using a yaml file instead of a conf file for configuring the tty lines. It's more complicated than what you've done here, and I can't seem to get it to work for me. Not yet anyhow.
Damn Kaith, it was really good . I'm looking small and cheap terminal server and you show it . Thank you very much for this solution.
Thank you RiFF!
Well, I know what I'm doing with that dusty Pi 3 I have in storage. Excellent and very informative video.
Thank you Paul Barker! Always great to see you.
Awesome content! Thanks!
My pleasure!
hai... do you set up the raspberry pi first as access point ?? how user connect to the raspberry?? which part you set raspberry pi as access point for user to connect to the wifi??
Amazing and a productive video thank you for sharing the idea.
You are so welcome!
Hi Keith,
I've setup the pi will all the setting that is listed in the video but when I try to telnet to the pi using putty, I get putty fatal error: Network error: connection refused. I've tested console from the Pi using minicom and i can connect to my router. I can telnet to the Pi on port 23 Not sure why the pi is refusing the connection. Any thoughts?
Been looking for solutions like this. I just got a Digi Cm48 but this is a great idea.
Thank you Bitking Ross
Keith Barker you are welcome!
This is so cool Keith :)
Thank you Sean
Is there a reason why you would choose to use the Gearmo 4 port to serial, then have to buy the serial to console cable VS. just getting a multi USB dongle and a bunch of USB to console cables?
Nice idea! I don't need it for my home lab, because I have a router with a 16-port async card installed with connections to all of my console ports. That router has its Ethernet port connected to my home network so I can do just like you did, telnet to the device and reverse-telent to whatever console port I want. I made it a little easier creating aliases for each device name that has the appropriate reverse-telnet command. Great idea though, and I may use it for my home firewall console port access, since it's in another room and not part of the lab. I do have an unused Pi at the moment. Hmmm...
Thank you Lex! I agree, those 8/16 async ports, and those octal cables are the BEST! Way to set it up. Thanks for the feedback, and your setup.
Happy studies!
I know I'm a year behind, but I've heard allot about Telnet being extremely vulnerable -- have it disabled on my router/firewall. I will assume, however, that because you're only using it locally, there is good cause. No real mention of security though.
I've done this and also hooked up an 8 way relay so I can turn my gear on and off as needed without having to traipse to the basement and back :-)
Awesome fiddley!
Keith I love this however I think the format of ser2net has changed and I'm struggling to get this to work now. Are you aware of any changes to this process that are needed?
Thank you for the question @user-um7ot2bb5x.
I haven't touched that in a couple years, so not sure what may have changed.
Thanks, Keith. Looking at Raspberry PI's, what kit did you get that came with that case?
Thank you for the question Wayne. For the 3B it was this case: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07BTHNW9W/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I also tested this with the 4B and bought this kit: 👉🏼 amzn.to/3hiUkhB (this one is an affiliate link, fyi)
Happy studies.
I also have the exact steps for the terminal server on Github for download here: 👉 github.com/Keith-OGIT/FirstSteps
That also includes the steps for setting Ansible on the Pi.
For those looking at the software Keith was using to connect, it is secureCRT -
www.vandyke.com/products/securecrt/
I'm just posting since I wasn't familiar with it.
Of course there's good ol' putty as well:
www.chiark.greenend.org.uk/~sgtatham/putty/latest.html
Or the slightly more useful multi-tab putty from TTY+ :
ttyplus.com/multi-tabbed-putty/
Thank you Amos, multi-tabbed Putty is a beautiful thing! ♥
tmux Keith, tmux is the magic word. :)
Great and informative Video! Thank you! Question, is it possible to have a username and pw prompt when I telnet into the raspberry pi and console into the device?
Thank you for the question Ceejay. If we telnet directly to the PI (port 23) there is a password. Not sure about the ability to get a password when connecting to ports 2001, 2002, etc. We can certainly place a password on the console ports of the routers/switches by going to line console 0, specifying a password, and the word "login" there.
Happy studies, and thanks for the question.
For those users who have more than 4 devices in their lab, is it possible to add a 2nd 4 port USB to serial adapter? I'm just assuming there would be another 4 lines to edit in ser2net.conf, correct?
jetfixer170 I have six on my ser2net :)
Thank you jetfixer170, I have a couple more on order, and plan test up to 12 ports. Stay tuned.
Well, but... I have a Lantronix SLC01612N-01 to install, just because need my Raspberry for other purposes. 😈
Anyway the Pi with ser2net is a solution very low cost, and very reliable! And supports the Cisco USB interfaces too.
Good job 🤙
Thanks ✌
How can I access this raspberry pai if it is the remote location by internet?
Random squirrel brain question. Where can I get a "perpetual motion" machine like the one behind you?
Amazon.
Hi Keith, thanks for the great video. I was wondering if you have a method for making the USB devices persistant. every once in a while i lose power or reboot the Pi and i get some scrambled devices. ttyUSB0 becomes ttyUSB4 etc.. Thanks!
Thank you for the question Chris Tristan. I use the Pi weekly, and haven't seen it swap any port numbers. I am careful though, to gracefully shut it down before powering it off. I use shutdown -h now.
Hi Keith, I'm curious - since there are USB to console cables, would that work with a USB hub? Is it possible to map USB devices on a common usb hub that you would connect to the USB port on the Raspberry Pi? You can have 8-port USB hubs or even more if necessary.
Thank you for the question Amos. The trick is that we need to redirect our connection to specific serial port, and a generic USB hub wouldn't provide that. The USB to 4 serial adapter has specific chips that allow it. I like your thinking!
I also want the same goal.
Raspberry pi > USB Hub > usbconsole (not serial console) > cisco. Is that possible
Keith, any idea why I'm getting a doube prompt (like I hit enter twice)? Same on all my routers and switched.
Thank you for the question Scott. Likely related to Echo Echo. Based on the terminal emulator you are using, there is likely an echo setting that needs to be adjusted. MobaXterm has a free version, which is quite smart out of the box. Give that a try, and see if the problem resolves itself. mobaxterm.mobatek.net/
I am using Windows terminal.
Just to re-iterate what Keith said at the end of the video. To properly and gracefully shut down the Rasberry Pi, the command mentioned is:
sudo shutdown -h now
Thank you Amos Feldman! So important so the file system doesn't go 💥. Thank you.
Hi sir.. you installed telnet?
He installed telnet and telnetd
Here's his "full" installation command list from the description of the video:
sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get upgrade -y
sudo apt-get install telnet -y
sudo apt-get install telnetd -y
sudo apt-get install ser2net -y
Yes I did. You can download the full set of instructions here as well 👉 github.com/Keith-OGIT/FirstSteps
@@KeithBarker I thought it's not secure.
@@mariembuenaventura1278 I have same tought. will it work with sship:2001>com1 sship:2002>com2
When can we see the 2 remains amazing methods for console access?
Thank you for the question Julius, the other console related videos are in the queue.
Hi keith! Could you please tell me wha's the maximum number of console connection for each raspberry? I have 34 device in my rack, thanks
Thank you for the question Andrea Rivella. I have only tried it with the 4port, and 2 singles. I don't know if 4 4port USBs would work, as I haven't tested it. Have you considered some 16/32 async modules, with the associated octal cables??? I have a few on order that I will be doing additional videos on. With the number of devices you are talking about, you may want a more industrial solution like that. Stay tuned, and thanks again for the question.
@@KeithBarker yes I have already considered async but my company can buy only new stuff and it could be a very expensive solution. Anyway thank you for all your work, I m your biggest fan!
Cool video Keith!
I actually had a Pi3 sitting in my lab room doing only RADIUS stuff for switch practice, and have been using a single roll over from a PC, not even thinking about the Pi!
I ended up going with an 8 port version from Amazon:
www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B000YB4G2I/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
The StarTech one is bus powered off the Pi3b+ just fine with only 4 consoles hooked up atm, but it also has an option 5VDC power (not included) if needed. The cables are even nicely numbered.
I did try minicom in raspbian, which works fine (the ports show up as /dev/ttyUSB0-7), and I also installed the ser2net app. Just a heads up that on debian based distros, like Raspbian (they renamed it I think?), the ser2net package should already be enabled. I did noticed that the first restart didn't work, but the second did.
Some helpful commands:
restart the service:
sudo service ser2net restart
check running ports:
sudo netstat -tnlp | grep ser2net
watch the status/logs:
sudo journalctl -u -f
or
sudo tail -F /var/log/syslog | grep ser2net
Note: pi is in adm group by default, and syslog is adm group readible, so sudo isn't needed for /var/syslog grepping!
For those looking to "lock down" their Pi from WiFi, either disable WiFi/bluetooth because they don't trust wireless (mgmt consoles should not be on wifi, after all!), or are just looking to setup a simple firewall, here are some tips for blacklisting modules, and installing UFW firewall.
Blacklist
--------------
This will require a reboot, but it will prevent the broadcom drivers, and thus WiFi/bluetooth, from loading on boot.
This command will append (the: | sudo tee -a) the contents of what follows, input from stdin (the
Thank you for all that! Sweet.
@@KeithBarker No problem bud! And thank you for pointing out ser2net, the clever Pi usage and all your book writings!
Dear Keith Sir I downloaded securecrt.
I need license for it.
For unlimited usage, what I need to do for it. How I can license it.
Thank you for the question Sreejith Jinachandran. SecureCRT is a commercial product, and for a license, you would go to their site and purchase a license for its use.
too late for me , maybe record it . btw my works fine in 115200
Thank you Yosef
Wifi ConsolerServer is good. LoRa ConsoleServer is better, for abandoned places.
Thank you Against NAZO!!