With the driver successfully running, you need terminal emulation software—such as , Tera Term , or SecureCRT —to communicate with your network switch. Use the following standard configuration parameters: Connection Type: Serial
If you are using a modern laptop, you have almost certainly noticed it does not have a DB9 COM port. This is where the confusion begins. To connect the AWM 20251 cable to your modern computer, you must use an active adapter, most commonly a .
: These do not contain a chip and do not require a driver. You will instead need a driver for your computer's USB-to-Serial Adapter if your PC lacks a native COM port. 2. Locate the Correct Driver If your cable has a USB end, use these official sources:
Enter your exact port (e.g., COM3 on Windows, or /dev/tty.usbserial on Mac). Awm 20251 Console Cable Driver
Visit the official FTDI Chip VCP (Virtual COM Port) Drivers page.
Always download drivers from the official chip manufacturer’s website to avoid malware.
Before downloading a driver, you must know which chipset your AWM 20251 cable uses. The two most common are: Highly reliable, often native in Linux/macOS. With the driver successfully running, you need terminal
The most common chipsets used in these console cables include: How to Use a Console Cable (Full Details)
Because "AWM 20251" is just the wire's physical specification, the driver you need depends on the of the USB-to-Serial converter built into the cable, not the wire itself.
Go to the official website and look for the PL2303 USB-to-Serial bridge controller driver page. Download the official "PL2303 Windows Driver Installer." Unzip the folder and run the installer application. Restart your computer if prompted, then plug in your cable. For WCH (CH340/CH341) Chipsets To connect the AWM 20251 cable to your
Most modern computers lack a native serial port. To use a DB9 console cable, you'll need a . These adapters contain a chip that does require a software driver. The driver acts as a translator, allowing the computer to communicate with the serial device through a USB port.
If you are having trouble getting your computer to recognize the cable, tell me and what the device is called in your Device Manager , I can give you a direct link to the correct driver.
| Problem | Likely fix | |--------|-------------| | Code 10 (Prolific) | Driver too old or counterfeit chip. Use driver v3.8.25 or try FTDI/CP210x cable. | | No COM port appears | Try different USB port, cable, or check if chip is dead. | | Connects but garbled text | Wrong baud rate or flow control. Match device settings. | | Driver installs but device not working on macOS | Allow driver in (Apple menu → System Settings → Privacy & Security). |
Most modern console cables use one of three main chipsets. To find the right driver, check your on Windows to see the chip manufacturer or hardware ID:
Once downloaded, follow these steps to install the driver on Windows 11/10: