Get started with conne8tMe
A practical guide to testing on an authorized network and understanding device compatibility.
Quick start
For a longer walkthrough covering Cisco, Huawei, Juniper and Fortinet, see the free SSH client for Windows guide.
Release status: The experimental Windows v1.3 EXE is available to download free, without registration. It is unsigned and not certified for sensitive production use. Download or verify its checksum.
Use an authorized test environment
Test only on devices and management networks you own or have permission to access. Keep legacy Telnet/FTP traffic isolated.
Open the native Windows application
When you have an approved build, launch conne8tMe on Windows 10/11 x64. The application opens as a desktop window, not a website.
Choose a protocol and host
Select SSH, Telnet, FTP or Serial; enter the device address or COM port and use a permitted account to connect.
Organize your sessions
Save device profiles and switch between up to 10 terminal panes in the prototype.
Connection settings
| Protocol | Typical field | Default value |
|---|---|---|
| SSH | Host / IP | TCP 22 |
| Telnet | Host / IP | TCP 23 |
| FTP | Host / IP | TCP 21 |
| Serial | COM port | Baud rate defined by device |
These ports are conventions and may differ in your environment. Confirm encryption and device configuration independently.
SSH example
For a lab router at 192.0.2.10 (documentation-only example), select SSH, enter the target address, choose port 22, and enter the assigned username. Only proceed after verifying the device's SSH host key using a trusted source.
Ten tiled terminal sessions
In the existing prototype, the desktop window can display up to 10 sessions simultaneously and store up to 500 host definitions. Keep long-running sessions in their own panes; disconnect from devices when your task is complete.
Vendor compatibility guidance
| Network OS / Vendor | Typical preferred access | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cisco IOS XE / IOS XR / NX-OS | SSH | Settings and supported algorithms depend on device/software release |
| Huawei VRP / NE / AR | SSH | AAA profiles and SSH version/cipher policy must match |
| Fortinet FortiOS | SSH | Administrative access must be enabled on the management interface |
| Juniper Junos | SSH | Remote access configuration and credentials required |
| Other devices | SSH / Serial | Confirm compatibility individually |
Vendor compatibility above is a protocol-based expectation, not proof of successful tests on every model or software version. A structured device test matrix is needed before public release.
Frequently asked questions
Does it run inside a website?
No. conne8tMe is a native Windows desktop application. This website offers an experimental unsigned v1.3 free download, setup information and documentation. Signed stable releases are planned.
Can I use the app from anywhere?
Only if you have authorized network reachability to your devices. Prefer VPN or a managed bastion for remote infrastructure; never expose router management services to the internet just to make a desktop client work.
Does Gmail / Microsoft login work now?
No. A separate OTP server proof of concept exists, but it is not integrated with the desktop prototype. Future public releases should use an identity provider with appropriate MFA.
Why can Windows show a SmartScreen warning?
The current experimental v1.3 EXE is unsigned, so Microsoft Defender SmartScreen may flag its unknown publisher. Code signing and independent security testing are still needed. Do not bypass company security controls.
Does it support SFTP or SCP?
They are planned security improvements. Plain FTP support in the earlier prototype is not a substitute for encrypted file transfers.