How to Access the AT Command Line via AT Over Telnet on RobustOS Routers

How to Access the AT Command Line via AT Over Telnet on RobustOS Routers

Overview

Robustel RobustOS routers provide a remote Telnet service that allows users to access the device's operating system and cellular module command line remotely. This feature is particularly useful for scenarios where a Remote Device or PC needs to control the router or send messages via terminal software like SecureCRT without a physical serial connection.


What You'll Need

Before starting the configuration, ensure you have the following hardware and information ready:


Hardware: Robustel RobustOS routers as R2000 or R3000.

  • A PC connected to the router via LAN.
  • An active SIM card installed in the router.

Software/Firmware: * Router running RobustOS version 2.0.3 or higher.

  • Terminal software (e.g., SecureCRT).

Default Credentials: * IP Address: 192.168.0.1

  • Username: admin
  • Password: admin


Step-by-Step Configuration Guide

To ensure the router can communicate over the network, you must first establish a primary internet connection.

  1. Log in to the Web GUI and navigate to Interface > Link Management.
  2. Set the Primary Link to WWAN1 (or the appropriate interface for your SIM card).
  3. Navigate to Interface > Link Manager > Link Settings and click Edit for your WWAN interface.
  4. Enable Automatic APN Selection or manually enter the APN, Dialup Number (e.g., *99***1#), and credentials provided by your ISP.
  5. In Ping Detection Settings, set Enable to ON and provide a Primary Server (e.g., 8.8.8.8) to maintain the connection.
  6. Click Submit and then Save & Apply.


Step 2: Enable Remote Telnet Access

By default, remote access services may be restricted for security. You must enable Telnet in the firewall settings.

  1. Navigate to Network > Firewall > Filtering.
  2. Locate Enable Remote Telnet Access and set it to ON.
  3. Locate Enable Local Telnet Access and ensure it is also set to ON.
  4. Click Submit and Save & Apply.

Step 3: Configure the Cellular Telnet Port

The AT command interface is mapped to a specific Telnet port.

  1. Navigate to Interface > Cellular > Edit.
  2. Under General Settings, find the Telnet Port field.
  3. Enter a port number (e.g., 7777).
  4. Click Submit and Save & Apply.


Verification & Testing

1. Check Network Status

Before testing the terminal, verify that the router has successfully registered on the network.

  • Navigate to Status > Internet Status.
  • Confirm the Active Link is WWAN1 and an IP Address has been obtained.



2. Connect via SecureCRT

Use your terminal software to establish the connection:

  1. Open SecureCRT and start a New Session.
  2. Select Protocol as Telnet.
  3. Enter the Hostname (Router IP: 192.168.0.1) and the Port you configured (e.g., 7777).
  4. Click Connect.


3. Enter AT Commands

Once connected, you can send AT commands to the module. For example, to send an SMS:

  1. Type ATE1 and press Enter to enable echo.
  2. Type AT+CMGF=1 to set the SMS mode to Text.
  3. Type AT+CMGS="[Phone Number]" and press Enter.

  1. Type your message (e.g., "hello") and press Ctrl+Z on your keyboard to send.
  2. A response of +CMGS: [ID] OK indicates the message was sent successfully.


Troubleshooting / FAQ

  • Q: I cannot connect to the Telnet port (e.g., 2222).
  • A: Verify that Remote Telnet Access is enabled in the Firewall settings. Also, ensure your PC's firewall is not blocking the specific port.


  • Q: The AT commands return an "ERROR".
  • A: Check if the SIM card is correctly installed and registered to the network. Ensure the router has obtained a valid IP address.


  • Q: Can I use this over a remote cellular IP?
  • A: Yes, provided you have a Public Static IP or a VPN connection to the router and Remote Telnet Access is enabled.

Revision History

Version

Date

Author

Changes

1.0

2026-01-15

Steven

Initial document 


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