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Telnet

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Revision as of 13:50, 27 December 2011 by Roseway (talk | contribs)
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What is telnet?

In most cases, the main user interface to a router is its web interface which is accessed via a browser. In this interface the user can configure the router and obtain information from it. The frequently requested 'router stats' can usually be obtained here.

Many routers also provide a command-line interface in which commands can be typed to configure the router or to obtain information. Usually this interface will provide more comprehensive capabilities than the web interface, and should be considered an expert tool. Command line interfaces can also be used remotely, which can be very useful for administrators managing systems on behalf of others. There are different types of command-line interface, but the most commonly used one is telnet. This is not a secure protocol, so is not recommended for remote use, but is very convenient for local purposes.

How to use telnet

Most operating systems including Windows, Mac OS X and Linux include a telnet program in their normal software setup (or it can be easily installed). To use this, open a command line window and type

telnet <IP address>

or

telnet <IP address> <port number>

The default telnet port is 23, but some routers may use a different port, and in these cases the second form of the command must be used.

The IP address is the same address as you enter in a browser to access the router's web interface; this will be something like 192.168.1.254 - the actual address should be shown in the router's manual, or you may find it on the Kitz router stats page.

After entering the telnet command you will normally be asked for login details (user name and password) which are the same as those used when you access the web interface. If this is all entered correctly you will be logged into the router and will be presented with a > or # prompt. You can now type CLI commands into the router.

When you've finished your telnet session, it's good practice to log out again. The command to do this will probably be logout or exit .

Telnet with Netgear routers

Netgear routers have a telnet interface, but it isn't enabled by default. To enable it, you first have to use the web interface to put the router into debug mode. To do this, point your browser at the hidden page http://192.168.0.1/setup.cgi?todo=debug . The router will respond with a plain page which says 'Debug enable' at the top. After this you can close the browser and telnet into the router as described above.

CLI commands

It can often be difficult to find out what commands can be used here, because different routers have different command sets. Most manufacturers are rather secretive about this, and there are few published documents to help.

There is some information about CLI commands on some routers:


Roseway 13:50, 27 December 2011 (GMT)