With USB-C taking over, many newer laptops lack USB-A ports. However, the AWM 20251 remains relevant because enterprise network gear still uses legacy RS-232 console ports. In 2026, manufacturers are transitioning to micro-USB or USB-C console ports, but the installed base of Cisco 2960/3560/3750 switches ensures this adapter will be needed for years.
Alternatives to consider:
Pro tip: Keep a copy of the legacy Prolific driver v3.3.2 on a USB drive. When Windows Update pushes a newer version, it can break your cable. Use the “Roll back driver” feature.
Official Source: WCH (Nanjing Qinheng Microelectronics) – www.wch.cn
Official Source: FTDI Chip – www.ftdichip.com
Prolific PL2303 HXA or TA chip versions may not work with newer Windows drivers (error 10/code 10).
No. You must match the driver to the chipset (PL2303, FT232, or CH340).
Once the driver is installed and you have your COM port number (e.g., COM4), open your terminal software (Putty, SecureCRT, or TeraTerm) and use these standard settings:
Summary: Start with the Prolific PL2303 driver; it is the standard for the AWM 20251 cable. If that fails, try the FTDI driver.
designation refers to the technical specification of the raw flat cable (UL AWM Style 20251) used in construction and is not a model number for the internal driver chip. To get your console cable working, you need the driver for the USB-to-Serial chipset embedded in the USB connector. Allied Wire & Cable
Most modern USB console cables (like those for Cisco, Juniper, or TP-Link) use one of two main chipsets. You can find the correct driver by checking Device Manager
for the chip name or by trying these common official sources: 1. FTDI Chipset (Most Common)
If your cable is "plug-and-play" on most systems, it likely uses an chip (e.g., FT232RL). Get the latest Virtual COM Port (VCP) drivers from the FTDI Chip official site
Windows 10 and 11 often install these automatically via Windows Update when the cable is first plugged in. 2. Prolific or Silicon Labs Chipsets
Some older or budget cables use different chips that require specific manual installs: Prolific (PL2303):
Popular in older "blue" cables. Drivers are available on the Prolific Technology website Silicon Labs (CP210x):
Used in many specialized networking adapters. Download the "CP210x Universal Windows Driver" from Silicon Labs Cisco Community How to identify your specific chip If you aren't sure which one you have, follow these steps: Plug the cable into your PC. Right-click the Start button and select Device Manager Look under Ports (COM & LPT) Other Devices Awm 20251 Console Cable Driver Download
Right-click the device (it might say "USB Serial" or "Unknown Device") -> Properties Hardware Ids
from the dropdown. Look for the "VID" (Vendor ID) and "PID" (Product ID). Silicon Labs Once the driver is installed, your cable will show up as a USB Serial Port (COMX) , which you can then use with terminal software like to find the exact driver link? USB Serial Port Driver for console cable - Problem Solved
(often labeled as AWM 20251 E101344 ) is a standard specification for the physical cabling used in many USB-to-RJ45 console cables, such as those from
. Because "AWM 20251" refers to the wire itself, the driver you need depends on the embedded in the USB connector (usually Silicon Labs CP210x Recommended Driver Downloads
For the most reliable connection, identify your cable's chipset and download the corresponding driver: FTDI Chipset Drivers
: Most high-quality console cables use FTDI. You can find the latest stable versions on the FTDI Chip Drivers page Silicon Labs CP210x Drivers : Many newer USB console cables use this chipset. The Silicon Labs VCP Driver Kit is the standard download for Windows 10/11. Cisco USB Console Driver
: If you are using an official Cisco-branded cable, Cisco provides a specific USB Console Driver through their support portal (requires login). Cisco Community Quick Setup Guide Properly Installing Cisco USB Console Driver
AWM 20251 Console Cable Driver Download: The Ultimate Setup Guide
If you’ve recently purchased a console cable for networking tasks—likely for configuring a Cisco switch, router, or firewall—you probably noticed the technical markings on the cable jacket: AWM 20251.
Getting this cable to talk to your Windows or Mac computer is often the most frustrating part of the job. This guide will help you identify the correct driver, download it safely, and get your terminal session up and running. What is an AWM 20251 Cable?
It is important to clarify that AWM 20251 is not actually the model number of the cable or the chip inside. It is a UL (Underwriters Laboratories) rating for the physical wire itself, indicating its heat resistance and voltage capacity.
However, 99% of cables marked with AWM 20251 are USB-to-RJ45 Console Cables. Inside the USB connector is a small bridge chip that converts USB signals to Serial (RS232). To make it work, you need the driver for that specific chip. Step 1: Identify Your Chipset
Before downloading anything, you need to know which driver you actually need. Most of these cables use one of two manufacturers:
FTDI (Future Technology Devices International): The gold standard. Very stable and often works automatically with Windows 10/11.
Prolific (PL2303): Very common in budget cables. Requires specific drivers to avoid the "Code 10" error. How to check: Plug the cable into your PC. Right-click the Start button and select Device Manager. Look under Ports (COM & LPT) or Other Devices.
If you see "USB Serial Port" or "PL2303," you’ve found your culprit. Step 2: Download the Correct Drivers For FTDI Chips (Most Common) With USB-C taking over, many newer laptops lack USB-A ports
If your cable uses an FTDI chip, do not download drivers from third-party "driver fix" websites. Go straight to the source. Official Link: FTDI VCP Drivers
What to look for: Choose the "Windows (Desktop)" executable or the "Mac OS X" version depending on your machine. For Prolific (PL2303) Chips
Prolific cables are notorious for driver issues, especially if the cable is an older version. Official Link: Prolific Support
Installation Tip: If you are on Windows 11 and the official driver doesn't work, you may need to "Roll Back" the driver to an older version (2008 or 2012) to maintain compatibility. Step 3: Installation and Configuration
Run the Installer: Unplug the cable, run the downloaded .exe or .pkg file, and follow the prompts.
Plug in the Cable: Once the installation finishes, plug the USB end into your computer.
Confirm the COM Port: Go back to Device Manager. You should now see something like USB Serial Port (COM3). Note that number (COM3, COM4, etc.).
Open Your Terminal: Use a program like PuTTY, Tera Term, or SecureCRT. Connection Type: Serial Serial Line: COM3 (or your specific number) Speed (Baud): 9600 (Standard for Cisco devices) Troubleshooting Common Issues
"Device Cannot Start (Code 10)": This usually happens with Prolific cables. It means the driver version is too new for the physical chip. Try installing an older version of the PL2303 driver.
No COM Port Assigned: Try a different USB port on your laptop. Avoid using USB hubs; plug the cable directly into the machine.
Garbage Characters in Terminal: This isn't a driver issue—it's a speed issue. Ensure your Baud rate is set to 9600. If that fails, try 115200. Conclusion
While "AWM 20251" is just a label for the wire's insulation, it almost always points toward an FTDI or Prolific USB-to-Serial converter. By identifying the chipset in your Device Manager and downloading the official manufacturer drivers, you can bypass the headache of "Unknown Device" errors and get back to configuring your network.
The AWM 20251 designation on your console cable is a technical specification for the physical wiring (Appliance Wiring Material) rather than the model of the internal communication chip. To download the correct driver, you must identify the chipset inside the cable's USB connector, which is typically manufactured by FTDI, Prolific, or Silicon Labs. 1. Identify Your Chipset
Before downloading, plug the cable into your computer and check Device Manager (Windows) or System Information (Mac):
FTDI (Most Common): Often appears as "USB Serial Port" or "FT232R USB UART".
Prolific: Usually labeled as "Prolific USB-to-Serial Comm Port" (e.g., PL2303). Pro tip: Keep a copy of the legacy Prolific driver v3
Silicon Labs: Typically shows as "CP210x USB to UART Bridge". 2. Official Driver Download Links
Once identified, use the official manufacturer sites to ensure stability and security:
FTDI Chip Drivers: Most modern Windows (10/11) and macOS systems include these drivers automatically. If yours is not recognized, download the VCP (Virtual COM Port) drivers from the FTDI Driver Page.
Prolific Drivers: If your cable uses a Prolific chip, download the latest installer from the Prolific Support Page.
Beware of "Code 10" errors on older Prolific cables; these often require a specific older driver version if the chip is a clone. Silicon Labs Drivers: For CP210x chipsets, the Silicon Labs CP210x Universal Driver is the standard for Windows and Mac. USB-TO-RJ45-Console-Cable - Waveshare Wiki
To download the correct driver for an console cable, you first need to identify the specific chipset inside the cable. "AWM 20251" is actually a UL rating for the raw wiring
(indicating it can handle 600V and 105°C), not the model of the USB-to-Serial converter chip itself.
Most modern console cables (like those used for Cisco, Juniper, or HP networking gear) use one of two major chipsets. 1. Identify Your Chipset
Before downloading, plug the cable into your computer and check Device Manager (Windows) or System Report Usually appears as "USB Serial Port" or "FT232R". Usually appears as "PL2303" or "Prolific USB-to-Serial".
Common in budget/generic cables, appearing as "CH340" or "USB-SERIAL". 2. Official Driver Download Links
Once you know the chip, download the official drivers from the manufacturer to ensure stability and security: FTDI Chipset (Most Reliable) Driver Name: VCP (Virtual COM Port) Drivers FTDI Official Drivers Windows 10/11 (often plug-and-play), macOS, and Linux. Prolific PL2303 Chipset Driver Name: PL2303 USB-to-Serial Bridge Controller Prolific Support Page
Be careful with older "Generic" Prolific cables, as newer drivers may disable "counterfeit" chips. CH340/CH341 Chipset Driver Name: WCH Official Site Commonly found in: Flat light-blue or silver console cables. 3. Installation Guide Disconnect the cable from your computer. Download and run the executable installer for your specific chipset. Restart your computer if prompted. Plug the cable back in. Device Manager Ports (COM & LPT) to find the assigned COM port number (e.g., COM3). 4. Troubleshooting Common Issues Code 10 Error:
This often happens with Prolific chips if the driver is too new for an older hardware version. Try rolling back the driver or using a specific "Legacy" version. No Port Appearing:
Try a different USB port or check if the "AWM 20251" cable has any physical damage. Yellow Warning Triangle:
Right-click the device in Device Manager and select "Update Driver" -> "Search automatically." Do you have the hardware ID
from your Device Manager (e.g., VID_0403&PID_6001) so I can point you to the exact file?