Cisco USB Console Driver 3.1: A Comprehensive Review for Windows 10 Users
How to Download and Install Cisco USB Console Driver for Windows 10
If you have a Cisco device that has a mini-USB console port, you may want to connect it to your Windows 10 computer using a USB cable. However, you will need a special driver software to make this connection work. This driver software is called Cisco USB console driver, and it allows you to communicate with your Cisco device via a virtual COM port.
In this article, we will show you how to download and install Cisco USB console driver for Windows 10, as well as how to use it and troubleshoot it. We will also compare it with some alternatives and provide some FAQs for your reference.
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Introduction
What is Cisco USB console driver and why do you need it?
Cisco USB console driver is a software program that enables your Windows 10 computer to recognize and communicate with your Cisco device that has a mini-USB console port. The mini-USB console port is a small port that looks like this:
The mini-USB console port allows you to access the command-line interface (CLI) of your Cisco device without using a serial cable or an adapter. You can use a standard USB A-to-mini-B cable to connect your computer to this port.
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However, before you can use this connection, you need to install Cisco USB console driver on your computer. This driver creates a virtual COM port on your computer that emulates a serial connection. You can then use any terminal emulator program (such as PuTTY) to open this COM port and access the console of your Cisco device.
What are the benefits and features of Cisco USB console driver?
Cisco USB console driver has several benefits and features that make it a convenient and reliable option for connecting to your Cisco device console. Some of these benefits and features are:
It eliminates the need for a serial cable or an adapter, which - may not be available or compatible with your computer or device - may cause signal interference or loss - may be cumbersome or inconvenient to use or carry around
It supports high-speed data transfer and low-latency communication, which - improves the performance and responsiveness of your console session - allows you to execute commands and configure settings faster and easier - reduces the risk of errors or timeouts
It is easy to install and use, as it - has a simple and straightforward installation wizard - does not require any additional configuration or settings - works with any terminal emulator program that supports serial communication
It is compatible with most Cisco devices that have a mini-USB console port, such as - routers, switches, firewalls, access points, and wireless controllers - devices from different series and models, such as Catalyst, Nexus, ISR, ASR, ASA, and WLC
What are the requirements and compatibility of Cisco USB console driver?
Before you download and install Cisco USB console driver, you need to make sure that your computer and device meet the following requirements and compatibility criteria:
Requirement/Compatibility
Description
Operating system
You need to have Windows 10 (32-bit or 64-bit) installed on your computer. Other versions of Windows are not supported by Cisco USB console driver.
USB port
You need to have a USB 2.0 or higher port on your computer. You cannot use a USB hub or a docking station to connect your device.
USB cable
You need to have a standard USB A-to-mini-B cable that is compatible with both your computer and device. You cannot use a USB-C or micro-USB cable.
Device firmware
You need to have the latest firmware version installed on your device. You can check the firmware version by using the show version command on your device console.
Device model
You need to have a Cisco device that has a mini-USB console port. Not all Cisco devices have this port. You can check the device model by using the show inventory command on your device console.
How to Download Cisco USB Console Driver
Where to find the official download link for Cisco USB console driver?
The official download link for Cisco USB console driver is available on the Cisco website. You can access it by following these steps:
Go to the Cisco Support & Downloads page.
In the search box, type cisco_usbconsole_driver_3_1.zip and press Enter.
You will see a list of results that match your search query. Click on the one that says Cisco USB Console Driver for Windows 10 (ZIP - 1 MB).
You will be redirected to the download page for Cisco USB console driver. You may need to log in with your Cisco account or create one if you don't have one.
Click on the Download Now button to start downloading the zip file.
Save the zip file to a location of your choice on your computer.
How to choose the right version of Cisco USB console driver for your device?
The zip file that you downloaded contains two versions of Cisco USB console driver: one for 32-bit Windows 10 and one for 64-bit Windows 10. You need to choose the right version for your computer based on its architecture. You can check your computer's architecture by following these steps:
Right-click on the Start button and select System.
In the About section, look for the System type field. It will tell you whether your computer is running a 32-bit or 64-bit version of Windows 10.
Note down the system type of your computer and use it to select the right version of Cisco USB console driver when you install it.
How to verify the integrity of the downloaded file?
To ensure that the zip file that you downloaded is not corrupted or tampered with, you can verify its integrity by checking its checksum value. A checksum is a unique string of characters that is generated by applying a mathematical algorithm to the file. You can compare the checksum value of the file with the one provided by Cisco to make sure they match. You can check the checksum value of the file by following these steps:
Download and install a checksum utility program, such as HashMyFiles or WinMD5.
Launch the checksum utility program and drag and drop the zip file into it.
Select the SHA-256 option from the list of hash algorithms.
The program will calculate and display the checksum value of the file. It should look something like this: 9d8f4c0f3c7e6b1f0c1f9b2d7b4c8e8a9a2c6e3d6f2e3b0f3d4e5f6e7b8c9d0f.
Go to the download page for Cisco USB console driver and look for the SHA-256 Checksum field. It should show the same checksum value as the one generated by the program.
If the checksum values match, it means that the file is intact and authentic. If they don't match, it means that the file is corrupted or modified. In that case, you should delete the file and download it again from a trusted source.
How to Install Cisco USB Console Driver
How to extract the zip file and run the setup file?
To install Cisco USB console driver, you need to extract the zip file and run the setup file. You can do this by following these steps:
Locate the zip file that you downloaded on your computer and right-click on it.
Select Extract All from the context menu and choose a destination folder for the extracted files.
Open the destination folder and double-click on the setup file. It should have a name like Cisco_usbconsole_driver_3_1_Windows_10_x64.exe or Cisco_usbconsole_driver_3_1_Windows_10_x86.exe, depending on your system type.
A User Account Control prompt may appear, asking you to allow the program to make changes to your computer. Click on Yes to continue.
How to follow the installation wizard and accept the license agreement?
To complete the installation process, you need to follow the installation wizard and accept the license agreement. You can do this by following these steps:
The installation wizard will start and welcome you to the Cisco USB Console Driver Setup program. Click on Next to proceed.
The license agreement will appear, stating the terms and conditions for using Cisco USB console driver. Read it carefully and select I accept the terms in the license agreement and click on Next to continue.
The installation folder will appear, showing the default location where Cisco USB console driver will be installed. You can change the location by clicking on Browse and selecting a different folder. Click on Next to continue.
The installation confirmation will appear, showing the summary of the installation options. Click on Install to start the installation.
The installation progress will appear, showing the status and duration of the installation. Wait for the installation to finish.
The installation completion will appear, showing the message that Cisco USB console driver has been successfully installed. Click on Finish to exit the installation wizard.
How to restart your computer and connect your device to the USB console port?
To complete the installation process, you need to restart your computer and connect your device to the USB console port. You can do this by following these steps:
A prompt may appear, asking you to restart your computer for the changes to take effect. Click on Yes to restart your computer.
After your computer restarts, plug one end of the USB A-to-mini-B cable into a USB port on your computer and the other end into the mini-USB console port on your device.
Your computer will detect the new hardware and install the driver automatically. You may see a notification that says Cisco Serial Driver (COMx) installed successfully, where x is the number of the assigned COM port.
Your device will power on and boot up. You may see some messages or indicators on the device display or LEDs.
How to Use Cisco USB Console Driver
How to check the device manager and find the assigned COM port?
To use Cisco USB console driver, you need to check the device manager and find the assigned COM port. You can do this by following these steps:
Right-click on the Start button and select Device Manager.
In the device manager window, expand the Ports (COM & LPT) category. You should see a device named Cisco Serial (COMx), where x is the number of the assigned COM port.
Note down the COM port number of your device. You will need it to configure your terminal emulator program.
How to launch a terminal emulator program and configure the serial settings?
To use Cisco USB console driver, you need to launch a terminal emulator program and configure the serial settings. You can do this by following these steps:
Download and install a terminal emulator program, such as PuTTY, MobaXterm, or Tera Term.
Launch the terminal emulator program and select Serial as the connection type.
In the serial settings, enter the following values:
Serial line: COMx, where x is the number of your assigned COM port.
Baud rate: 9600 bps.
Data bits: 8 bits.
Stop bits: 1 bit.
Parity: None.
Flow control: None.
Click on Open to start the serial connection.
How to access the console of your Cisco device and execute commands?
To use Cisco USB console driver, you need to access the console of your Cisco device and execute commands. You can do this by following these steps:
In the terminal emulator window, press . You should see a prompt that says something like User Access Verification, Rommon>, or Cisco IOS Software>, depending on your device model and mode.
If you see a prompt that asks for a username and password, enter them accordingly. The default username and password are usually cisco. If you don't know them, you may need to reset them by following this guide: Password Recovery Procedure for the Cisco 10000 Series Router.
If you see a prompt that says Rommon>, it means that your device is in ROM monitor mode. This mode is used for troubleshooting or recovery purposes. You can exit this mode by entering the command boot and pressing .
If you see a prompt that says Cisco IOS Software, it means that your device is in user EXEC mode. This mode is used for basic monitoring and testing. You can enter the command enable and press to enter privileged EXEC mode. This mode is used for advanced configuration and management.
Once you are in the desired mode, you can execute various commands to interact with your device. For example, you can use the command show version to display information about your device software and hardware, or the command show running-config to display the current configuration of your device.
To exit the console session, you can use the command exit or logout, or simply close the terminal emulator window.
Troubleshooting Tips for Cisco USB Console Driver
What are some common issues and errors that may occur with Cisco USB console driver?
Cisco USB console driver is generally reliable and stable, but sometimes you may encounter some issues or errors that prevent you from using it properly. Some of these issues or errors are:
The device manager does not show the Cisco Serial device or the assigned COM port.
The terminal emulator program does not open the COM port or shows a connection error.
The console session is slow, unstable, or unresponsive.
The console output is garbled, incomplete, or incorrect.
The device does not boot up or enter the desired mode.
How to fix or resolve these issues and errors?
To fix or resolve these issues and errors, you can try some of these troubleshooting tips:
Make sure that you have downloaded and installed the correct version of Cisco USB console driver for your system type and device model.
Make sure that you have extracted the zip file and run the setup file as an administrator.
Make sure that you have restarted your computer after installing Cisco USB console driver.
Make sure that you have plugged the USB cable into a USB 2.0 or higher port on your computer and the mini-USB console port on your device.
Make sure that you have used a compatible and functional USB A-to-mini-B cable.
Make sure that you have updated the firmware of your device to the latest version.
Make sure that you have configured the serial settings of your terminal emulator program correctly, matching the baud rate, data bits, stop bits, parity, and flow control of your device.
Make sure that you have entered the username and password of your device correctly, if required.
Make sure that you have entered the