designation refers to a specific UL-style of flat cabling, often known as "Silver Satin" wire. While this is a generic cable standard, it is most famously used in Cisco System Serial Console Cables
(RJ45 to DB9) for configuring networking equipment like routers and switches. Understanding the "Driver" Need
Whether you need a driver depends entirely on how you are connecting the cable to your computer: Native DB9 Connection
: If you are using a standard RS-232 DB9 (9-pin) to RJ45 cable and your PC has a physical serial port, it is OS independent and requires no driver installation USB-to-Serial Adapters
: If you are using a USB-to-RJ45 console cable (which may still use AWM 20251 wiring internally), you must install a driver for the internal chipset. Compatible Drivers by Chipset
Most modern USB console cables use one of two main chipsets. You can identify which you need by checking your PC's Device Manager after plugging the cable in: Cisco usb console driver
While "AWM 20251" is a technical specification for the internal wiring material (Appliance Wiring Material) , it is most commonly found on Cisco console cables and standard telephone or DSL cords
. If you are looking for the driver to make this cable work with your computer, the "driver" you need is actually for the USB-to-Serial converter chip inside the cable's connector. The Most Likely Drivers
Most modern console cables use one of two main chipsets. To find the right one, check your Device Manager
on Windows to see if it shows up as an "Unknown Device" or "USB Serial Port." FTDI Chip Drivers Awm 20251 Console Cable Driver
: This is the most common high-quality chipset for console cables. You can download the latest version from the FTDI Chip Drivers page Prolific PL2303 Drivers
: Older or more budget-friendly cables often use Prolific chips. If the FTDI driver doesn't work, try the Prolific Support page PL2303 USB-to-Serial controller Go to product viewer dialog for this item. How to Install and Use How to Use a Console Cable (Full Details)
The AWM 20251 Console Cable Driver refers to the software required for a computer to recognize a specific type of flat, multi-conductor cable—often branded as "Silver Satin"—when it is used for serial console connections.
Because AWM 20251 is actually a UL standard for the physical wire itself (often used in phone lines or low-speed data transfers), the "driver" you need usually depends on the USB-to-Serial chipset inside the adapter or cable, rather than the wire's jacket rating. Quick Driver Solutions
If your AWM 20251 cable is being used as a USB console cable (e.g., for Cisco, Juniper, or HP hardware), it likely uses one of these three common chips: Drivers - FTDI
The Go to product viewer dialog for this item. is not a specific "console cable" model but a UL (Underwriters Laboratories) safety standard for internal wiring, specifically "Silver Satin" flat telephone wire. While widely used in legacy DB9-to-RJ45 console cables for brands like Cisco and SonicWall, the "driver" you need depends entirely on the USB-to-Serial chipset inside your adapter, not the cable's physical wiring. Driver Identification & Setup
If your cable has a USB end, it contains a chipset that converts USB signals to serial. To find the correct driver, you must identify this chip:
FTDI (Recommended): The most reliable for networking. Windows 10/11 typically includes FTDI drivers automatically.
Silicon Labs (CP210x): Common in newer Cisco micro-USB ports. Requires the CP210x VCP driver. designation refers to a specific UL-style of flat
Prolific (PL2303): Found in many budget cables. Drivers can be difficult to install on modern Windows versions due to compatibility issues with older or counterfeit chips. How to find your driver: Connect the cable to your PC. Open Device Manager. Look for "Unknown Device" or "Other Devices."
Right-click → Properties → Details tab → Select Hardware Ids from the dropdown.
Search for the VID (Vendor ID) and PID (Product ID) to find the exact manufacturer.
For a step-by-step guide on connecting and configuring these cables for network management: USB Console Cable - Connection, Install and Use - 2022 YouTube• Feb 15, 2022 Deep Review: Cable Specs Properly Installing Cisco USB Console Driver
Most modern console cables use one of three main chipsets. To find the right driver, check your Device Manager on Windows to see the chip manufacturer or hardware ID:
FTDI (Future Technology Devices International): One of the most common chips for high-end console cables. You can download the latest drivers from the FTDI VCP Drivers page.
Prolific (PL2303): Often found in budget or older blue console cables. Drivers are available on the Prolific Technology website.
Silicon Labs (CP210x): Frequently used in integrated USB console ports (like mini-USB or USB-C ports on Cisco routers). Download these from the Silicon Labs CP210x USB to UART Bridge page. General Installation Steps
Disconnect the Cable: Do not plug the cable into your computer until the installer prompts you. ✅ For Prolific PL2303
Run the Installer: Download the .exe or .inf file and run it with administrative privileges.
Restart Your Computer: A reboot is often necessary to correctly bind the driver to the COM port.
Verify in Device Manager: Plug in the cable. Look under Ports (COM & LPT); it should list a specific COM port number (e.g., COM3). Common Troubleshooting Properly Installing Cisco USB Console Driver
Since "Awm 20251" is not a specific brand name but rather an industry standard cable rating (UL AWM Style 20251), this review focuses on the generic USB-to-Serial Console Cables (commonly used for Cisco, Juniper, and HP network gear) that carry this marking.
These are the ubiquitous "Cisco Blue" (or occasionally black/beige) flat cables found on Amazon and eBay, often sold by brands like Cable Matters, StarTech, or generic unbranded sellers.
Here is a deep review of the AWM 20251 Console Cable Driver ecosystem and performance.
.exe as administrator.COMx appears under Ports (COM & LPT) in Device Manager.Assuming your AWM 20251 cable uses a compatible Prolific PL2303TA:
Method 1: Automatic (If cable is genuine)
PL2303_Prolific_DriverInstaller_v1.14.0.zip.Method 2: For Fake/Counterfeit Chips (The “Driver Fix” you need) If you get “Error 10: This device cannot start”:
Method 3: The Ultimate Workaround Stop using the AWM 20251 USB cable entirely. Buy a USB to DB9 RS232 adapter (genuine FTDI) and a separate rollover console cable. This bypasses the integrated chipset lottery.
Many AWM 20251 cables are not Plug‑and‑Play on Windows 10/11. Windows Update may install a generic “USB Serial” driver that fails to function. Always download the chip manufacturer’s official driver.