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Emergency Console Login

This guide explains how to gain emergency command-line access to a TetherBox for manual troubleshooting when standard methods are unavailable.

Gaining Emergency Login

Step 1: Reboot the TetherBox

Connect a monitor and keyboard to the TetherBox, then reboot the unit.

Step 2: Access the GRUB Menu

Before the operating system boots, the screen shows the GRUB menu for a few seconds.

Step 3: Select Advanced Options

Use the down arrow key to highlight Advanced options, then press Enter.

Step 4: Select Recovery Mode

Use the down arrow key to highlight the first row containing recovery mode, then press Enter.

Step 5: Drop to Root Shell

Depending on your firmware version, you may see one of these options:

Option A: If you see a Recovery Menu, select root - Drop to root shell prompt and press Enter.

Option B: If you see "Press Enter for maintenance", press Enter.

Step 6: Enter the Root Password

If a password is requested, contact TetherX support to obtain it.

You now have root shell access to the TetherBox.

Manual Network Configuration

Once logged in, you can manually configure network settings to bring the unit online.

Test Network Connectivity

First, try pinging your router to check connectivity:

ping -c4 192.168.2.1

Replace 192.168.2.1 with your router's IP address.

Possible results:

Option 1: Get IP from DHCP

Use this method if your network has a DHCP server (most common).

1. Check current interface status:

ifconfig -a

If no inet line appears, the interface has no IP address.

2. Request an IP address from DHCP:

dhclient -v enp0s3

3. Verify the IP was assigned:

ifconfig

The inet line should now show an IP address.

Option 2: Set Manual IP (Temporary)

If DHCP is unavailable, configure a temporary manual IP address.

1. Assign IP address and subnet mask:

ifconfig enp0s3 192.168.2.70 netmask 255.255.255.0 up

2. Set the default gateway:

route add default gw 192.168.2.1

3. Configure DNS:

echo "nameserver 8.8.8.8" > /etc/resolv.conf

4. Verify DNS configuration:

cat /etc/resolv.conf

5. Check the configuration:

ifconfig -a

Option 3: Set Static IP (Permanent)

To configure a permanent static IP, edit the netplan configuration file.

1. Open the configuration file:

vi /etc/netplan/enp0s3.yaml

2. View the current configuration:

The default DHCP configuration looks like this:

3. Enter edit mode:

Press Insert to enter edit mode. -- INSERT -- appears at the bottom.

4. Edit for static IP:

Modify the configuration to use a static IP:

network:
  version: 2
  renderer: networkd
  ethernets:
    enp0s3:
      addresses: [192.168.152.137/24]
      gateway4: 192.168.152.1
      nameservers:
        addresses: [8.8.8.8, 8.8.4.4]
      dhcp4: false
      dhcp6: false

5. Save and exit:

Press Esc to exit edit mode, then type :wq and press Enter to save.

6. Apply the configuration:

netplan try

If successful, a countdown timer appears. Press Enter to accept the changes.

Verify Internet Access

After configuring the network, verify the TetherBox can reach the internet.

1. Check IP assignment:

ifconfig -a

2. Test internet connectivity:

ping -c4 google.com

All packets should be received with 0% packet loss.

Still Having Issues?

If you cannot bring the unit online, contact our support team with screenshots of the commands and outputs shown above.

Related Articles

• TetherBox Troubleshooting - Diagnose issues using the status page
• TetherBox Went Offline - Step-by-step offline diagnosis
• Connecting your TetherBox to the Internet - Network requirements and setup