Router – GNS3: Map the console output of a router on GNS3 to a COM Port (Serial Port)

gns3router

When a router is configured on GNS3 and started, it is possible to access the console output of the router by right clicking a router -> and then clicking Console

I need to be able to map this output to a virtual COM port (serial port) on the physical workstation. So that I can use terminal emulation software such as HyperTerminal to connect to the router as if it were plugged into a COM port of the workstation.

I need to be able to do this as a part of a project I am doing so that I don't need physical routers to demonstrate my project.

Appriciate any suggestions on how I could do this. Thank you for your time!

Best Answer

I was able to do this by redirecting the localhost: of the GNS router to a virtual COM port using the following software:

  1. Virtual Serial Ports Emulator - Freeware (32 Bit version is freeware. When installed on 64 Bit workstation, it asks for registration)

  2. Eltima Serial to Ethernet Connector - Commercial with a 14 day trial

Steps:

  1. Find out the console port that the GNS router is accessible on: Right click the router and click on Change console port

  2. Find out if you can telnet to it using Windows Telnet Client or Putty or similar. Use 127.0.0.1 (or localhost) and the port number found in step 1 above.

  3. Install one of the software mentioned above.

  4. Use the software to map the TCP/Telnet session accessed in step 2 above to a virtual COM port.

Screenshots of configuration:

Virtual Serial Ports Emulator Virtual Serial Ports Emulator

Eltima Serial to Ethernet Connector Eltima Serial to Ethernet Connector

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