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LTM Secret Menu

Posted by brian | Posted in LTM, Tips and Tricks | Posted on 13-08-2009

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4

So I learned this from an issue I had where the box had rebooted but gone to the wrong image and I did not have the root password or login credentials. I needed to reboot the LTM but I only had serial/console access to it. The answer? Escape-shift-9, yeap, hold down escape, hold down shift, then press 9, you will get this menu on the serial console:

escape-shift-nine

As you can see, you have a variety of options but I would steer clear of the halt option….then you’re pretty much stuck! I’m pretty sure this works with most F5 products all though I have not verified with the Firepass pair that I have.

Comments (4)

tatonca said on 17-12-2009

That’s the SCCP menu. It’s a small linux kernel that lives in the LB seperate from either the router or LB layers. It’s like having console access except it’s listening at the interface – I believe you can get to it even when the LB layer is otherwise not responding, as long as the network layer is still active, it will be there….
Chris Campbell said on 31-03-2010

If you configure the SCCP with an IP address you can ssh to the same menu and watch your box rebooting.
Matt said on 04-07-2010

Hello, this isnt a new feature, new to you maybe :)

I work for a company that provides support to all the F5 unit range, please feel free to email me or chat about any F5 subject – im willing to learn new things about this product as yourself.

Your’s matt.
Bhattman said on 26-09-2010

I wouldn’t say its secret….it’s not so advertised options…and with good reason it’s a double edged sword.

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