Configuring APC Master Switch Power Controller

[Anonymous user]

Hello,

This is my first post on the forums.

What I have here is an old APC Master Switch Power Controller that has 8 NEMA 5-15 outlets, a 10Base-T Ethernet port, and a 9-pin male serial interface. It looks exactly like this one http://www.andovercg.com/datasheets/apc-ap9210-masterswitch.pdf same specs and everything. I am not sure what the model number is because it isn't printed or labeled on the unit anywhere, but I'm assuming it's a 9210 or something close.

My problem is I have no idea what the IP address of the unit is, and I don't have the serial cable for it, so I really have no means of communicating with the device. I work in a SOHO environment so I do not have much access to networking equipment to configure this thing - basically all I have is a laptop and a few straight-thru Ethernet cables. So what are my options for connecting to and configuring this thing? Would my best bet be to buy a generic 9-pin serial cable and configure the unit via terminal emulator?

Thanks,
-Austin

[Anonymous user]

Update:

Per your advice I was able to find the model number (AP9210), serial number, and MAC address of the unit by removing the rackmount ears on the sides - thanks!

Regarding connecting to the unit I ended up acquiring a generic DB9 null modem serial cable, connected one end to the serial port of my PC and the other to the console port on the powerswitch, set my hyper terminal settings (2400, 8 bits, no parity, 1 stop bit, and no flow control), but was not able to establish a session with the unit. After hitting enter several times and waiting several minutes I was left with just a blinking cursor. Any ideas as to what's going on here? Does this unit use a proprietary null modem cable by chance?

Thanks
-Austin

[Anonymous user]

I forget if those old units run at 2400 or some other speed (9600 or 19200 are the likely alternatives). I also don't remember if these use the same 940-0024 proprietary cable as other APC units. Probably, as the AP9211 is the same box but with a removable SmartSlot management card. APC won't tell you the pinout and may say something about warranties, but your unit is long obsolete, so a web search for "apc 940-0024 pinout" would be useful.

Please be aware of the giant security hole I mentioned in my prior post - anyone who has access to the unit via either the serial or network ports can take complete control of it, lock you out, and turn off the outlets.

[Anonymous user]

Wow that was a fast reply! 😉

I was looking at the wrong user guide and thus was entering the wrong bit rate settings in hyper terminal. After entering the correct bit rate (192000) I was able to establish a console connection with the unit. However, the password and default username have been changed, so I cannot gain access into the system settings. Any backdoors that I could use to gain access?

Much appreciated!
-Austin

[Anonymous user]

As I'm a guest here on APC's forum, I'd like to remain on good terms with them. I strongly suggest you read the thread that I linked to in my first reply to you here, particularly my post in that other thread.

[Anonymous user]

Thanks Terry!

I have read and fully understand that this unit has a major security flaw. If this device were to be introduced onto our network it would be deployed behind a firewall, and would only be made accessible to specific users on the LAN.

[voidstar_apc]

>
I have read and fully understand that this unit has a major security flaw.
>

I think Terry is saying that, in your case, it's also a feature.

[Anonymous user]

😉

[Anonymous user · Accepted solution]

I believe the model number is on the serial number label, which is a small rectangular white label with barcodes. If you have the rackmount ears attached, I think the label is under one of them. I might be thinking of the MAC address label, though, in which case the model / serial label would be on the bottom of the unit.

An AP9210 has the network cable connector directly on the beige chassis. An AP9211 (slightly newer) has the network cable plugged into an AP9606 management card (black faceplate) which is then mounted in the chassis. The newer models have the console and network ports on the outlet side of the unit.

[This thread|Referenced content removed] has some info on the default passwords, as well as an important security warning which you should read.

The preferred way to recover from a lost password on these was to contact APC support with the model and serial number, and they'd give you a special password valid only for that particular unit. I don't know if that service is still offered, since those units were obsoleted many years ago. The security warning I mentioned above is about a password that works on ALL units.