Windows will now install the Silicon Labs driver. After a few seconds, you should see: “Windows has successfully updated your drivers.”
This usually indicates a baud rate mismatch. The ASR 9xx series console expects 9600 8-N-1. If you accidentally set it to 115200 (common for other routers), you will see gibberish.
5.2 macOS
5.3 Linux (desktop and server)
Connecting to Cisco ASR 900 series routers (like the Go to product viewer dialog for this item. Go to product viewer dialog for this item. asr9xxusbconsoledriverszip
) often requires a specific USB console driver to bridge the gap between your modern laptop and the router’s management port. While standard RJ-45 console cables are common, many newer ASR models utilize a USB Type-A or Mini-B console interface that requires a virtual COM port driver to function. Driver Requirements and Downloads
The essential driver for most Cisco USB console connections is the Cisco USB Device Driver (often packaged as xrusbser_ver2100_installer.exe or similar).
Official Source: The driver is typically available through the Cisco Software Central portal.
Access Note: Be aware that downloading these drivers usually requires a valid Cisco Service Contract. Windows will now install the Silicon Labs driver
Platform Compatibility: Drivers are available for Windows (32-bit and 64-bit), Mac OS X, and Linux. Physical Connection Guide
Depending on your specific ASR model, the hardware connection may differ:
ASR 920 Series: Often features a USB Type-A receptacle that operates as a peripheral. This requires a specialized Type-A (male) to Type-A (male) USB cable. : Commonly uses the standard USB Mini-B console cable.
Mutual Exclusivity: Note that using the USB console port typically disables the standard RS232 (RJ-45) console port. Connection Settings Mac OS X
Once the driver is installed and the cable is connected, your terminal emulator (like PuTTY or Tera Term) should be configured with the following settings: Properly Installing Cisco USB Console Driver
Even with the correct asr9xxusbconsoledrivers.zip, problems can arise. Here are the most common fixes.
Many users assume that generic USB-to-serial drivers (like those for Prolific or FTDI chips) will work. This is a common mistake. The ASR 900 series uses a proprietary implementation of the Silicon Labs CP2102N chip. Without the exact driver package—or a very recent version of Silicon Labs’ universal driver—your operating system will:
Using asr9xxusbconsoledrivers.zip ensures that the USB console port enumerates correctly as a standard COM port (e.g., COM3, COM5), allowing your terminal emulator to communicate with the router’s ROMMON and IOS XR CLI.