Cisco Break Sequence



Contents

Introduction

This document provides standard break key sequence combinations for the most common operating systems, and some tips on how to troubleshoot problems.

  1. Break Sequence for ASR 1002-X Hello, I have made a rookie mistake while configuring my ASR 1002-X Router. Cisco Nexus 1000V cloud switch is a virtual appliance.
  2. The Break Character For whatever historical reason (I used to know, but I’ve forgotten) the break character for Cisco IOS command line is Ctrl-Shift-6 and X.
Break

What is the difference between sending a standard break sequence using Control+Break and a special break command using PuTTY? The reason for asking is that my colleague could not send a break using the Control+Break keyboard keys but was able to interrupt to booting of an ME3600-X switch using the special break command from the PuTTY menu, which I find rather weird. Here’s how Cisco describe the problem: Routers with ROMMON version 15.0 (1r)M1 fail to respond to the break sequence command received from a device connected to the console port. This failure prevents normal password recovery of the device. If you have a 1941 you can simply pull the CF card to enter into ROMON. The break sequence for “screen” is to use Ctrl-A and then Ctrl-B. The Ctrl-A shifts the focus back to the screen process (away from the serial console) and the Ctrl-B issues the break sequence. You may need to break more than once. This is done by Ctrl-A, Ctrl-B, Ctrl-B, Ctrl-B.

The Electronic Industries Association RS-232 logic level uses +3 to +25 volts to signify a Space (Logic 0) and -3 to -25 volts for a Mark (logic 1). A break signal is when the data line remains in the space condition for a specified duration, usually 100 ms to ½ second. All characters begin with a start bit and end with a stop bit (and also a parity bit or two). The level condition of the start and stop bits is always opposite. So, no character combination can look like the break signal. A break signal enables you to access a ROM Monitor on Cisco IOS® devices when a password recovery is necessary.

Prerequisites

Cisco Break Sequence Dell Laptop

Requirements

Putty Break Sequence

There are no specific requirements for this document.

Components Used

This document is not restricted to specific software and hardware versions.

Cisco Break Sequence Mac

The information in this document was created from the devices in a specific lab environment. All of the devices used in this document started with a cleared (default) configuration. If your network is live, make sure that you understand the potential impact of any command.

Conventions

Refer to Cisco Technical Tips Conventions for more information on document conventions.

Standard Break Key Combinations

Software Platform Operating System Try This
Hyperterminal IBM Compatible Windows XP Ctrl-Break
Hyperterminal IBM Compatible Windows 2000 Ctrl-Break
Hyperterminal IBM Compatible Windows 98 Ctrl-Break
Hyperterminal (version 595160) IBM Compatible Windows 95 Ctrl-F6-Break
Kermit Sun Workstation UNIX Ctrl-l
Ctrl-b
MicroPhone Pro IBM Compatible Windows Ctrl-Break
Minicom IBM Compatible Linux Ctrl-a f
ProComm Plus IBM Compatible DOS or Windows Alt-b
SecureCRT IBM Compatible Windows Ctrl-Break
Telix IBM Compatible DOS Ctrl-End
Telnet N/A N/A Ctrl-], then type send brk
Telnet to Cisco IBM Compatible N/A Ctrl-]
Teraterm IBM Compatible Windows Alt-b
Terminal IBM Compatible Windows Break
Ctrl-Break
Tip Sun Workstation UNIX Ctrl-], then Break or Ctrl-c
~#
VT 100 Emulation Data General N/A F16
Windows NT IBM Compatible Windows Break-F5
Shift-F5
Shift-6 Shift-4 Shift-b (^$B)
Z-TERMINAL Mac Apple Command-b
N/A Break-Out Box N/A Connect pin 2 (X-mit) to +V for half a second
Cisco to aux port N/A Control-Shft-6, then b
IBM Compatible N/A Ctrl-Break

Tips to Troubleshoot

  • Problems that you encounter during password recovery often occur because you are not sure about what the break key sequence is for the (non-Cisco) software you use. For software not listed in the table, and for additional information, refer to the documentation of the individual software packages.

  • The auxiliary (AUX) port is not active during the boot sequence of a router. Therefore, it is no use if you send a break through the AUX port. You need to have connection to the console port, and have these settings:

    9600 baud rate

    No parity

    8 data bits

    1 stop bit

    No flow control

  • Some versions of Windows NT have hyperterminal software that cannot send the correct break key signal. Refer to http://www.hilgraeve.com/hyperterminal.html for more information and for an upgrade of the hyperterminal software.

  • In some cases, the break sequence might not get transmitted properly when using a USB/Serial converter cable. In such cases, use a keyboard with a different connector port (for example, a PS/2).

How to Simulate a Break Key Sequence

Break key sequence simulation is useful if your terminal emulator does not support the break key, or if a bug does not allow your terminal emulator to send the correct signal.

Note: The hyperterminal under Windows NT had this behavior in the past.

Complete these steps to simulate a break key sequence:

  1. Connect to the router with these terminal settings:

    1200 baud rate

    No parity

    8 data bits

    1 stop bit

    No flow control

    You no longer see any output on your screen, and this is normal.

  2. Power cycle (switch off and then on) the router and press the SPACEBAR for 10-15 seconds in order to generate a signal similar to the break sequence.

  3. Disconnect your terminal, and reconnect with a 9600 baud rate. You enter the ROM Monitor mode.

Cisco Break Sequence Traceroute

If all these methods fail to properly send a break, retry the procedures from a different terminal or PC platform.

Related Information

Page 1 of 1
[ 4 posts ]

Cisco Escape Sequence

Cisco break sequence ssh
Print viewPrevious topic | Next topic
AuthorMessage
Post subject: Does the “break” key function in GNS3?
I’m new to GNS3 and am using it whilst wading through a CCNA book.
I need to interrupt the boot sequence of a router but am unable to get the break key to do just that.
I have an added complication in that my Dell Latitude E6400 does not have a break key; Dell forums suggest I use Cntrl – Fn - F12 (F12 labelled as “Pause”) but that doesn’t appear to work.
I’ve even loaded the Windows On Screen Keyboard which has a “brk” key in the display. I’ve tried using this key, both on its own and “Cntrl – Break” but without success.
So, as per the title of this post, does the “break” key function in GNS3 or am I doing something wrong?
Thanks
Paul



Top

Cisco Catalyst Break Sequence

Post subject: Re: Does the “break” key function in GNS3?

Joined: Thu Jun 24, 2010 3:58 pm
Posts: 411
Location:[email protected]
It is complicated ;)
Well I'm not sure if it is possible with dynamips (Cisco IOS emulator)
System returned to ROM by unknown reload cause - suspect boot_data[BOOT_COUNT] 0x0, BOOT_COUNT 0, BOOTDATA 19
System image file is 'tftp://255.255.255.255/unknown'

The command 'R1(config)#config-register 0x****' has no effect from a router...
What you can do is to modify the 'confreg' value from ex: 'R1->Configuration (Right click menu) -> Advanced' to whatever you want. (it uses 0x2102 by default)
And this seems to work only if you put that value on a new 'Router' before starting it (is a bug, which cause a fatal error in dynamips if you change it later again :)
Why do you need to break the boot sequence anyway? (to access rommon mode)
Watch this video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hNL131UL ... r_embedded (Cisco Packet Tracer)


Top
Post subject: Re: Does the “break” key function in GNS3?

Joined: Sat Nov 03, 2012 9:01 pm
Posts: 8
In the Console type 'Shift+Ctl+6' that will break you out of traceroute, ping and others.


Top
Post subject: Re: Does the “break” key function in GNS3?

Joined: Wed May 22, 2013 7:48 am
Posts: 93
Location: Portugal
Short answer:
no
-----
Long answer:
The ability to interrupt the boot sequence of the router is coded in the ROMMON.
The microcode that comes with dynamips (used by GNS3), internally named 'ROMMON emulation microcode', is very simple.
It has enough functionality to load and run the IOS image, but don't expect any of the other ROMMON features.
Dynamips has the option '-R' that allows you to load your own version of the microcode.
If you get an original ROMMON image, you can try using it... but be warned, I haven't tried it before (can't find one) and I suspect no one else has, so it might not work at all from missing hardware features in the emulation.


_________________
Dynamips maintainer and sporadic developer
https://github.com/GNS3/dynamips


Top
Page 1 of 1
[ 4 posts ]