attaching modem for remote management

[cameramonkey]

we are attempting to setup routers with modems for remote troubleshooting when a T1 fails.

I see in the docs cisco tells you to use a rolled satin cable (CAB-500rj) and a modem adapter (cab-25-as-mmod).

can you substitute the RJ45 to DB9 blue console cable (72-3383-01) and a db25M to DB9M (c29-4043-01) instead?

I ask because we have a ton of the latter combo laying around, and of course the modem adapter is insanely priced ($25).

thanks!

 

[North323]

no you can not...the document is very specific

 

[VinceWhirlwind]

My answer would be "yes you can" - why not try it and see?

 

[VinceWhirlwind]

Interesting about the $25 - that means I'm sitting on a stash worth $650!!!

Shame we're not on the same continent or I could let you have them for a much better price!

 

[cameramonkey]

Yeah, Cisco definitely overprices those cables and accessories. I remember working for CompUSA back in the day, and we sold similar cables and adapters for the same approximate price point. Our employee price (cost) was usually between 75 cents to a buck fifty. But I digress...

I was able to physically connect the modem to the router using the blue cable and adapter I have, but wasnt sure if it was coincidence that it connected up.

I was able to get the modem to answer, but it wouldnt complete a handshake. I wanted to make sure that the connection I had was good, and that it wasnt just a modem config issue.

I didnt want to waste my time if it wasnt going to work because it was "close enough" to make it act like it was going to work, but in reality the pinouts were off JUST enough to make it fail.

sounds like it is just close enough to not QUITE work.

I did find more reasonable generic adapters for only $8, so all is not lost.

 

[VinceWhirlwind]

A standard DB25 would work with a straight through cable, but the RJ45/DB25 adapter works with a rollover cable.
I don't know how the DB9/DB25 one is pinned, but you'd think it would be one or the other.

 

[cameramonkey]

anyone know if this hair brained idea would work?

I am building my own adapter, and want to use a straight through. In theory, I should be able to reverse the pinouts on the RJ specs in order to use a straight through?