Remote Cisco console connection without TCP/IP

[Rich]

Was wondering if there was any programs out there that could let people connect to my computer/to the program that connected to the Cisco router via a console connection.

The reason I ask is I have a cisco router I would like people from my college to be able to connect to and play about on to learn on, but if I just set up a telnet for them, all it would take is for somone to take down the ethernet device (or any number of things really) and thats it. Would be better if they could get a direct console connection somhow from outside.

The only other idea I have is setting up a remote desktop account on my PC running hyper term, and they could connect to my PC and then get in via that, but obviously that exposes areas of my PC to them as well.

Anyways - if anyone knows of such a program or can suggest anything I would appreciated it.

Regards
Rich

[m00]

You could do it with unix and minicom or similar...

[Rich]

Negatronicle. the box with the router attached via serial is Windows and must remain windows :P

Cheers anyway

[m00]

You could always attach it to another box :p:

[Rich]

If I had one spare, yeah. Lacking spare bits at home tho atm. Might download cygwin and run minicom via that - just makes it that lil bit more complex for people to access tho which is a downside.

[m00]

Couldn't be sure it would work like that either... What you're after is a terminal server, in one way or another...

[Rich]

Yeah, I mean I could run a terminal server and let people telnet into my Windows PC, but then I would need a CLI app for windows that can connect to devices via serial ports. Can't find anything so was gonna try that miniport under Cygwin, but its just a lot more effort.

I really need a remote controllable hyperterm or somthing similar, or some sort of telnet-serial proxy. I dunno :S

[Mouce]

Citrix Metaframe server is what you're after. Set it up so that in the applications box was only HyperTerminal and then let people connect via the Citrix client to the remote application, problem solved :)

[Rich]

Yeah looks like one option, but just doing it that way means they have to download the client etc, is that proggy free? I had a quick look in the site but couldnt find the download for the server I need.

I'll bear it in mind but just a shame theres no lower level option out there.

[m00]

I said terminal server, not Terminal Services.
A terminal server provides a way of remotely accessing text terminals, usually via RS232.

[Rich]

Can you recommend one for windows? Needs to be free :P

cheers for the help

[WhiteKnight]

/me strokes his Xyplex terminal server he got with his routers ;)

I had the same issue until i set that up.

Unfortunatly they aint cheap but you CAN get one or two port ones on ebay for not too much if you look hard.

Edit: ok i lied...

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=1484&item=5720790509&rd=1&ssPageName=WD2V

They are a lot cheaper than they used to be. A bit overkill for your needs but they can be quite useful for other things like switches and anything else that has a serial management port.

Edit 2: Try this:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=1484&item=5720790509&rd=1&ssPageName=WD2V

That might be exactly what you need. Altho dont look at me to help you set it up.

[Rich]

Yeah, too overkill. need a software one for windows :P

[WhiteKnight]

Seriously tho, the hardware version is much simpler to setup than any windows solution... and offers more security to your home lan that any alternative too.

[Mouce]

Citrix Server is by far not free, the client is though.

[Rich]

Hmmm, sucks - I cant belive theres not Term Server software out there thats free and for windows. I mean ffs its not exactly doing a lot is it - connects to a facking serial port, like the oldest facking thing ever </rage>. I'd write this myself if I had skills lol ;S

I mean its like serial to pc uses no protocols, its just a raw connection. then theres the telnet side on the other end. People telnet in and that passes it to the serial connection and echos the results back to telnet o0.

[GeeDee]

Cisco have software that emulates their kit do they not? Used by people studying for a CCNA.

Don't know how / if it's distributed, but that's probably the easiest option. Don't need any hardware to be present then. :)

[Rich]

They do but its a bit tacky as its in flash, and not quite the same as the real thing. And you have to pay for it, although I think you can get it free with some of the CCNA books and sheet.

Just suprised theres no terminal server software out there for free that would do it really.