IPad and Ethernet and serial for network administrations

[nima0102]

Hi
In network administration world, one of necessary tools is ethernet cable and serial link for connecting to network devices.
Is there any accessory for ethernet connector and serial connector?

Thanks in advance

 

[Tim SPRACKLEN]

I'm afraid the answer is 'No'..there are no serial interfaces (other than USB for uploading photos only) and no way whatsoever that the iPad will connect to Ethernet.

Tim

 

[nima0102]

Hi
Thanks a lot for your quick reply
I think iPad does need to this accessory as converter.

Anyhow Thanks for your attention.

 

[Tim SPRACKLEN]

Even if a manufacturer came up with a device they would be limited by the fact that the iPad USB port can only supply 10mA, not enough for an Ethernet adaptor. Also, the iPad's operating system, iOS, doesn't have any drivers available for such a device and there are no APIs available that would enable a developer to provide their own. Bottom line - it's never going happen.

Tim

 

[Lusid]

There are in fact options.

I have a redpark console cable for iphone/ipad. Its designed to work on Cisco devices, and there is at least one app in the store that can work with the cable to get you onto a serial port. The cable has a dock connector on one end, and a rj45 male on the other using a cisco pinout. You would have to DIY an adapter to attach to a device with a different pinout.

If you need ethernet access, there are a number of compact travel routers that have ethernet on one end, and wifi N. Find one that can do route and bridge mode and you should be covered.

I think you could do just about anything with an iPad with some ingenuity and a 5 pound bad of accessories.

Here's a link to the redpark console cable:
http://redpark.myshopify.com/products/console-cable

 

[nima0102]

Thanks a lot for your reply.
Do you have any problem with redpark console? for example suddenly disconnection or another problem while working via console ?
Regarding to ethernet, Do you know any compact router for this purpose ?

Thanks in advance

 

[Tim SPRACKLEN]

Thanks for those great posts....I learn something new every day.

Tim

 

[Lusid]

I have not had any disconnect problems, but its not uncommon to have a password on a cisco device thats hard to type on the ipad. Sometimes it takes a few attempts to get into enable.
As far as routers go, I'm still researching them myself. I have an ancient B/G travel router that is definitely not up to the task.

 

[Tim SPRACKLEN]

Just a quick questionoes anyone have good tips for upgrade?

What type of upgrade are you looking for? There are very limited options for upgrading an iPad and most are external devices. So, for example, it's not possible to upgrade the flash memory or system RAM, or to change the processor or other hardware. But software upgrade, for sure, is possible - depending on what version of the iPad operating system, iOS, you're currently using.

Tim