for USG20W-vpn:Device error, Wrong CLI command, device timeout or device logout.

jimbobsmith

Where/How does one acquire the necessary cable(s) to connect my Windows laptop to my router?

What application am I using to connect, PUTTY?

Is there a Link to solution/instructions?

Zyxel_Melen

Hi @jimbobsmith ,

To connect your Windows laptop to your Zyxel USG20W-VPN router via the console, you will need two specific cables: a DB9 to RJ45 console cable for the connection to the router's console port, and an RS232 to USB adapter cable to connect to your laptop's USB port. While some Zyxel devices, including the USG20W-VPN, originally included a console cable, if you no longer have it, these cables can be acquired from electronics retailers or online.

For the application to connect, PuTTY is a widely used and recommended terminal emulator for establishing a Command Line Interface (CLI) connection. When configuring PuTTY, the serial connection settings are crucial for a successful connection:
* **Speed (Baud Rate):** 115200 bps
* **Data Bits:** 8
* **Parity:** None
* **Stop Bits:** 1
* **Flow Control:** None

You will also need to select the correct COM port in PuTTY, which corresponds to your USB-to-serial adapter. You can identify the correct COM port in your Windows Device Manager.

For instructions on connecting the console cable, you can refer to Zyxel support documentation. A relevant article that details the process for models like the USG20W-VPN is "How to connect the console cable to the USG Flex50/USG20-VPN/USG20W-VPN models?" found on the Zyxel Community.

If you are looking to use SSH instead of a direct console connection, SSH needs to be enabled on the router's web configurator under System > SSH. Additionally, the SSH protocol must be allowed from your computer's zone to the Zyxel device. The default login credentials for accessing the CLI via console or SSH are typically `admin` for the username and `1234` for the password, unless they have been changed.