The ​​CAB-SS-232MT=​​ is a Cisco Smart Serial RS-232 modem cable, critical for configuring and managing legacy and modern network devices. This article clarifies its purpose, compatibility, and procurement strategies—using data solely from Cisco.com and itmall.sale.

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​​Core Functionality and Technical Specs​​

The ​​CAB-SS-232MT=​​ is a ​​1.5-meter shielded serial cable​​ with a ​​DB-9 (male) to Smart Serial (male)​​ interface, designed for out-of-band management and modem connectivity. Key features include:

• ​​RS-232 signaling​​ for reliable communication at speeds up to 115.2 kbps.
• ​​Shielded twisted-pair (STP) design​​ to reduce noise in electrically noisy environments.
• ​​Locking connectors​​ to prevent accidental disconnects during critical configurations.

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It’s engineered for ​​Cisco 800, 1900, 2900, and 3900 series ISR routers​​, as well as ​​ASR 1000/9000​​ platforms requiring serial console access or dial-up backup.

​​Compatibility and Deployment Scenarios​​

​​Supported Devices​​

• ​​Cisco 891F Integrated Services Router​​: Mandatory for initial setup via console port.
• ​​ASR 1001-X Router​​: Used for modem-based failover during WAN outages.
• ​​Catalyst 2960-X Switches (with serial modules)​​: For local management without Ethernet.

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​​Unsupported Devices​​

• ​​Meraki MX appliances​​ (USB-C only).
• ​​Nexus 9000 switches​​ (RJ-45 console port).

Always verify port types on Cisco.com’s Serial Cable Compatibility Matrix before purchasing.

​​Pricing and Availability at itmall.sale​​

Cisco.com lists the CAB-SS-232MT= as a ​​legacy accessory​​, often bundled with end-of-life routers. For standalone purchases, itmall.sale offers:

• ​​50–60% cost reduction​​ versus Cisco’s historic pricing.
• ​​New old stock (NOS)​​ units with original packaging and certification.
• ​​Bulk discounts​​ for IT teams managing large device fleets.

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​​Critical note​​: Counterfeit cables may lack shielding or use undersized conductors, risking data corruption. itmall.sale provides ​​Cisco-authenticated SKU verification​​ upon request.

​​Why This Cable Still Matters in 2024​​
In industrial sites and remote branches, Ethernet isn’t always viable. I’ve used the CAB-SS-232MT= to recover bricked ASR 1000 routers via console when SSH failed—a lifesaver when deadlines loom. While Cisco.com phases out legacy documentation, platforms like itmall.sale keep these cables accessible. Avoid generic alternatives; the shielding and pinout precision in genuine cables prevent hours of troubleshooting. If your team manages older infrastructure, keep at least two on hand—failures often happen at the worst times.