Compatibility Report: Sierra MC7354 Mini-pcie LTE

gtj · Thu Jun 18, 2015 3:51 am

ROS version: 6.29.1
Hardware: NetMetal5 922UAGS-5HPacT

You have to split the case and remove the board completely to get the sim installed and of course you have to drill out the aux antenna ports. Be careful though, there are 4 phillips screws holding the board in at the corners PLUS 1 tiny phillips screw right in the middle of the board that's easily missed. You also have to unscrew the rp-sma connectors and wiggle the board out.

The rest is easy. Insert the sim and card and re-assemble.

In the cli, you need to set the USB port to mini-pcie... '/sys routerboard usb set type=mini-PCIe'

The device shows up as a usb device and a ppp interface was automatically added. The default ppp profile works fine. On the ppp interface, set the data and info channels to '2' and uncheck dial-on-demand. No need to set apn, user, modem init, etc. The card I got had AT&T's firmware and it came right up dialing '*99#'. I then put the card in a linux machine, flashed the Verizon firmware, then put it back in the NetMetal5 and it came right up dialing *99***3#.

Just a followup...: If the interface if flapping a lot it's probably because your're sending packets out of the interface with an ip address other than the one assigned via ppp. You MUST have a srcnat/masquerade rule in place to insure that only the assigned address is used.

3d0g · Thu Jun 25, 2015 12:05 am

I'm thinking about buying an MC7354. It seems like the older MC7710 is a lot more popular and is on the supported list. Would you get the MC7354 again? Is it stable?

gtj · Thu Jun 25, 2015 5:25 pm

The MC77xx cards are marked as obsolete and out of stock by my suppliers which is why I went with the MC7354. I've got 3 now and they've been perfectly stable. I'm about to order 20 more.

3d0g · Thu Jun 25, 2015 6:20 pm

Are you finding a good deal on them anywhere?

What carrier are you using them on? I'm planning to use one on Verizon and I'm wondering how much of a pain the activation will be. Thanks

gtj · Tue Jun 30, 2015 5:13 pm

I'm using them on both Verizon and AT&T.

This version is in stock for $160. It has the AT&T firmware but can be flashed with the Verizon FW.
http://www.richardsonrfpd.com/Pages/Pro ... Id=1119313

This version is backordered and also $160. It has the Verizon firmware but can be flashed with the AT&T FW.
http://www.richardsonrfpd.com/Pages/Pro ... Id=1142424

You can get the firmwares at the Sierra website.

The only problem I had activating in the NetMetal5 was getting a mini-SIM. The Verizon retail stores around me don't carry them anymore so you have to call in to get one sent to you. You CAN'T use a micro or nano SIM in an adapter to activate. Verizon's systems won't allow it. If you already have an activated micro or nano SIM and an adapter, you can use it.

3d0g · Sat Jul 11, 2015 2:32 am

I got the MC7354. Problem is, Verizon won't activate it. I tried online, and it failed saying it doesn't support GPS. When I phoned in, their system rejected it because it doesn't support E911. They tried activating it multiple times with both the IMEI and the MEID. They told me it's not a Verizon compatible device and their system won't activate it, ever. In spite of the fact that I purchased it directly from Sierra with Verizon firmware on it... So frustrating

3d0g · Sat Jul 11, 2015 2:39 am

Actually, looking at Sierra's site, it appears I have Telus firmware, not Verizon.

ATI
Manufacturer: Sierra Wireless, Incorporated
Model: MC7354
Revision: SWI9X15C_05.05.16.03 r22385 carmd-fwbuild1 2014/06/04 15:01:26

Sierra says

Verizon SWI9X15C_05.05.58.01

I don't think I have any way to change the firmware on this device. I ordered a USB adapter from China, but they sent something entirely different.

Would different firmware change the MEID?

gtj · Sat Jul 11, 2015 2:57 am

The only way to change the firmware is to put it in a computer that has a mini-pcie slot (a laptop perhaps) and use either Windows or Linux to flash the firmware. Windows is easier <sigh>. I had to compile the Sierra SDK for Linux. You *may* be able to leave the Telus firmware and manually enter the correct Verizon APNs. I have them but not handy. I can post later. Not sure what adapter you got but a PCI-e to Mini-PCIe adapter is what you want for a desktop system. They're about $10 on Amazon.

I don't believe firmware changes the meid but I'm not 100% sure.

One thing you could try to activate... Get a USB551U (Novatel) from Amazon for $14 and use it to activate. Now that I think about it, I may have had the USB adapter first and activated, then got the card a few days later and just put the sim from the USB adapter in. My Verizon account does show that line being assigned to a Sierra MC7354 though so they must have it in their system.

3d0g · Sat Jul 11, 2015 3:40 am

If only the SIM is activated, then it will only work with LTE.

Regardless, Verizon wants $20/mo for service with my shared data pool. I was expecting $10. I may go with a T-Mobile pay as you go plan.

gtj · Sat Jul 11, 2015 4:13 am

If only the SIM is activated, then it will only work with LTE.

Ah, I hadn't thought of that.

kristaps · Wed Jul 22, 2015 5:33 pm

Hello can we get some feedback how this MC7354 is working in latest 6.31rc ?

it should have ppp-out interface.

but you need to set in right mode using at command.

Enable passqord protected command:
AT!ENTERCND="A710"

Query status:
AT!UDUSBCOMP?

Query list:
AT!UDUSBCOMP=?

Set mode (default 8 change to 7)
AT!UDUSBCOMP=7

AT!UDUSBCOMP=?
0 - reserved
1 - DM AT
2 - reserved
3 - reserved
4 - reserved
5 - reserved
6 - DM NMEA AT QMI
7 - DM NMEA AT RMNET1 RMNET2 RMNET3
8 - DM NMEA AT MBIM

in version 7 we will support mbim then you need change back
mbim will have full speed

gtj · Wed Jul 22, 2015 6:25 pm

I can test in a NetMetal 5 later this week.

3d0g · Mon Aug 03, 2015 12:52 am

I finally received an adapter from China to re-flash the MC7354 to Generic/T-Mobile firmware. The flashing was successful. I purchased and activated a T-Mobile US prepaid data SIM.

I tried RouterOS 6.30 and 6.31rc12. The modem is set to PPP mode as in the previous post. I tried various dial numbers, APN settings, etc., and the most I can get is it connects, but I get a bogus local IP address in the 30.0.0.0/8 netblock and it doesn't know the remote IP address.

 4 D 30.237.82.83/32    10.112.112.120  ppp-out1

16:29:42 async,ppp,info ppp-out1: initializing...
16:29:42 async,ppp,info ppp-out1: reseting link...
16:29:43 async,ppp,info ppp-out1: initializing modem...
16:29:44 async,ppp,info ppp-out1: dialing out...
16:29:44 async,ppp,info ppp-out1: authenticated
16:29:44 async,ppp,info ppp-out1: could not determine remote address, using 10.112.112.120
16:29:44 async,ppp,info ppp-out1: connected

[jeff@MikroTik_ELK] > ip route print
Flags: X - disabled, A - active, D - dynamic, C - connect, S - static, r - rip, b - bgp, o - ospf, m - mme,
B - blackhole, U - unreachable, P - prohibit
 #      DST-ADDRESS        PREF-SRC        GATEWAY            DISTANCE
(snip)
 3 ADC  10.112.112.120/32  30.237.82.83    ppp-out1                  0
(snip)

[jeff@MikroTik_ELK] > ping src-address=30.237.82.83 8.8.4.4 interface=ppp-out1
  SEQ HOST                                     SIZE TTL TIME  STATUS
    0 8.8.4.4                                                 timeout
    1 8.8.4.4                                                 timeout

[jeff@MikroTik_ELK] > /interface ppp-client monitor
numbers: 0
          status: connected
          uptime: 9m1s
        encoding:
   connect-speed: 100000000
             mtu: 1500
             mru: 1500
   local-address: 30.237.82.83
  remote-address: 0.0.0.0

[jeff@MikroTik_ELK] > system resource usb print
 # DEVICE VENDOR                                  NAME                                  SPEED
 0 1:1    Linux 3.3.5 ehci_hcd                    RB400 EHCI                            480 Mbps
 1 1:2    Sierra Wireless, Incorporated           MC7354                                480 Mbps

ATI
Manufacturer: Sierra Wireless, Incorporated
Model: MC7354
Revision: SWI9X15C_05.05.58.00 r27038 carmd-fwbuild1 2015/03/04 21:30:23
MEID: XXX
ESN: XXX, XXX
IMEI: XXX
IMEI SV: 18
FSN: XXX
+GCAP: +CGSM


OK
AT!PACKAGE?
1102225_9903442_MC7354_05.05.16.03_00_Generic_005.005_000


OK
AT!UDUSBCOMP=?
0  - reserved                                     NOT SUPPORTED
1  - DM   AT                                      SUPPORTED
2  - reserved                                     NOT SUPPORTED
3  - reserved                                     NOT SUPPORTED
4  - reserved                                     NOT SUPPORTED
5  - reserved                                     NOT SUPPORTED
6  - DM   NMEA  AT    QMI                         SUPPORTED
7  - DM   NMEA  AT    RMNET1 RMNET2 RMNET3        SUPPORTED
8  - DM   NMEA  AT    MBIM                        SUPPORTED
9  - MBIM                                         SUPPORTED
10 - NMEA MBIM                                    SUPPORTED
11 - DM   MBIM                                    SUPPORTED
12 - DM   NMEA  MBIM                              SUPPORTED
13 - Config1: comp6    Config2: comp8             NOT SUPPORTED
14 - Config1: comp6    Config2: comp9             SUPPORTED
15 - Config1: comp6    Config2: comp10            NOT SUPPORTED
16 - Config1: comp6    Config2: comp11            NOT SUPPORTED
17 - Config1: comp6    Config2: comp12            NOT SUPPORTED
18 - Config1: comp7    Config2: comp8             NOT SUPPORTED
19 - Config1: comp7    Config2: comp9             SUPPORTED
20 - Config1: comp7    Config2: comp10            NOT SUPPORTED
21 - Config1: comp7    Config2: comp11            NOT SUPPORTED
22 - Config1: comp7    Config2: comp12            NOT SUPPORTED


OK
AT!UDUSBCOMP?
!UDUSBCOMP: 7

OK

[jeff@MikroTik_ELK] > interface ppp-client scan 0
Flags: C - current, A - available, F - forbidden
  OPERATOR                                           CODE ACCESS-TECHNOLOGY                                     SIGNAL-STRENGH
C T-Mobile                                         310260 Evolved 3G (LTE)
A T-Mobile                                         310260 3G
A T-Mobile                                         310260 GSM compact
A Sprint                                           310120 Evolved 3G (LTE)
A AT&T                                             310410 Evolved 3G (LTE)
A Verizon                                          311480 Evolved 3G (LTE)
A AT&T                                             310410 3G
A AT&T                                             310090 Evolved 3G (LTE)

[jeff@MikroTik_ELK] > interface ppp-client info 0
       modem-status: call in progress
         pin-status: no password required
      functionality: full
       manufacturer: Sierra Wireless, Incorporated
              model: MC7354
           revision: SWI9X15C_05.05.58.00 r27038 carmd-fwbuild1 2015/03/04 21:30:23
      serial-number: XXX
   current-operator: T-Mobile (cellid XXXX)
  access-technology: Evolved 3G (LTE)
     signal-strengh: -75 dBm
   frame-error-rate: n/a

[jeff@MikroTik_ELK] > interface ppp-client print detail
Flags: X - disabled, R - running
 0 X  name="ppp-out1" max-mtu=1500 max-mru=1500 mrru=disabled port=usb1 data-channel=2 info-channel=2 pin="" user=""
      password="" profile=default phone="*99#" dial-command="ATDT" modem-init="" null-modem=no dial-on-demand=no
      add-default-route=no use-peer-dns=no keepalive-timeout=0 allow=pap,chap,mschap1,mschap2

[jeff@MikroTik_ELK] > interface ppp-client export
# aug/02/2015 16:48:50 by RouterOS 6.31rc12
# software id = 0GCK-M8KT
#
/interface ppp-client
add add-default-route=no data-channel=2 dial-on-demand=no info-channel=2 keepalive-timeout=0 name=ppp-out1 phone=*99# port=\
    usb1 use-peer-dns=no
[jeff@MikroTik_ELK] > ppp export
# aug/02/2015 16:49:02 by RouterOS 6.31rc12
# software id = 0GCK-M8KT
#
/ppp profile
set *0 use-encryption=no use-mpls=no

Please let me know if you have any suggestions. Thank you.

gtj · Mon Aug 03, 2015 1:38 am

Are you saying you actually can't pass traffic? Don't be put off by the "bogus" address and lack of remote. That's what I get with Verizon only the address is in the 100.0.0.0 block. Check the "Add default route" box on the PPP connection and try it.

3d0g · Mon Aug 03, 2015 2:27 am

That's right, it can't pass traffic. The default route shouldn't be necessary if you specify the source IP and (superfluously) the interface. I tried adding the default route and it made no difference.

gtj · Mon Aug 03, 2015 3:05 am

When you say you added the default route, did you do that manually or did you check the ppp box? My connection adds 2 routes... one to 10.x.x.x with a source of my 100.x.x.x address via ppp-out1 and another route to 0.0.0.0/0 via the 10.x.x.x address.

Also, did you set up a srcnat/masquerade rule for the connection?

3d0g · Mon Aug 03, 2015 5:10 am

No, I didn't set up any srcnat/masq rules, because the connection doesn't work. The rules are totally unnecessary for doing tests using the carrier-issued IP, especially forcing the outbound interface.

There is a destination route for the carrier, 10.112.112.120/32, which is a bogus IP made up by RouterOS, but I guess that shouldn't prevent it from working as long as the end result is packets going out the PPP link. I don't think that IP would end up in PPP frames anyway, but it's been over 20 years since I used PPP, and I'm rusty.

30.x.x.x/8 belongs to the US department of defense. There is no way a carrier NAT would assign an address in that space. The other highly suspicious thing about that is that I get the same IP every time. I just had it disconnected for about 4 hours, reconnected and got the same 30.x IP address.

I'm hoping I just need to change the APN, or set a username/password, or something dumb like that.

Maybe I need an AT&T SIM card.

gtj · Mon Aug 03, 2015 6:47 am

Can't help any more then. I know it works on Verizon and AT&T but I don't have a T-Mo account to test with, sorry.

3d0g · Sun Aug 09, 2015 12:40 am

I got T-Mobile working! The problem was that the store didn't activate the SIM with the data plan. The clerk was new so I guess I shouldn't be surprised. When I put the MC7354 into my USB device, connected it to a Windows virtual machine, dialed out, and opened a browser, T-Mobile intercepted the browser session with some activation BS. It took a while to get it activated, and after it was done I still had to power cycle it. But it worked after that, and it works fine in the Routerboard now, too.

I'd still like to get it activated on Verizon, because it should theoretically be half the monthly cost, and one less account to manage.

gtj · Sun Aug 09, 2015 6:35 pm

Yay! That's good news.

3d0g · Tue Aug 11, 2015 2:45 am

Quick update: T-Mobile has been stable on the MC7354 so far. I'm running an OpenVPN UDP/TLS client (not the one built into RouterOS) over the MC7354 and it's been up and stable for 28 hours now. It's being health checked every 5 minutes by a monitoring service without any hiccups. Speed is good, 13-17 Mbps both up and down.

My only complaint is the $20/mo this will cost to operate.

I guess I need to find the cheapest tablet that works on Verizon and activate their SIM on that for $10/mo. Unless someone knows of a "connected device" that qualifies for the $5/mo tier? And then what happens if someone else tries to activate a different SIM in the same device? Will mine stop working? Thanks.

gtj · Tue Aug 11, 2015 6:05 am

Not sure about the $5/mo plan but the Novatel USB551 (was $14 on amazon. not sure now) can be activated on an existing share plan for the $10/month. You can then take the sim card and use it with the MC7354. They both take mini sims. I've done this a few times now. The device-sim pairing only matters during activation. Once the sim is activated you can move it anywhere and you can then activate a new sim in the old device.

gtj · Tue Aug 18, 2015 3:48 am

Hello can we get some feedback how this MC7354 is working in latest 6.31rc ?

it should have ppp-out interface.

but you need to set in right mode using at command.

Enable passqord protected command:
AT!ENTERCND="A710"

Query status:
AT!UDUSBCOMP?

Query list:
AT!UDUSBCOMP=?

Set mode (default 8 change to 7)
AT!UDUSBCOMP=7

AT!UDUSBCOMP=?
0 - reserved
1 - DM AT
2 - reserved
3 - reserved
4 - reserved
5 - reserved
6 - DM NMEA AT QMI
7 - DM NMEA AT RMNET1 RMNET2 RMNET3
8 - DM NMEA AT MBIM

in version 7 we will support mbim then you need change back
mbim will have full speed

I finally got to test 6.31rc16 on an RB912UAG. It was already set to 7 and has been working fine.

3d0g · Tue Aug 18, 2015 5:38 am

I finally got to test 6.31rc16 on an RB912UAG. It was already set to 7 and has been working fine.

Same experience here, although I went back to the latest stable release.

I've had my PPP/VPN link up with external health checking and it's been stable for almost a week. Fingers crossed! I still need to activate a Verizon SIM so I can save a few dollars.

3d0g · Tue Sep 15, 2015 3:43 pm

gtj,

I managed to get my MC7354 working on Verizon, but performance is poor compared to T-Mobile. What antennas are you using? I suspect that may be my issue. Thanks.

gtj · Tue Sep 15, 2015 6:31 pm

I'm using Laird MAF94300 antennas but these aren't really optimized for Verizon's LTE network which runs in the 700MHz band.

Taoglas TG.10.0113 or TG.30.8113 would probably be better.

3d0g · Wed Sep 16, 2015 10:22 pm

I'm done with Verizon as far as the MC7354 goes. I needed to add data to my plan and they wouldn't let me make any changes at all to my plan, either online or via customer support. I had them cancel the line with the MC7354 and bam, I can make account changes again. Back to T-Mobile...

gtj · Thu Sep 17, 2015 12:06 am

Yeah, I've found Verizon a pain to work with but my customer has a national account with them. Their system restrictions make it very difficult to work with the card. Personally, I've had no problems with AT&T and this card. I think AT&T and T-Mobile, having GSM based networks, are more used to working in an open environment. Well, a little more open than Verizon anyway.

bwbb · Thu Sep 17, 2015 1:40 am

Ting has pay as you go data through Sprint (which obv wouldn't help) and T-Mobile. Starts at $6/mo. Great deal if you don't use much data.

I'd post my affiliate code but that doesn't seem proper. PM if you wish.

Sent from my mobile device.

IntrusDave · Wed Sep 23, 2015 2:11 am

I can confirm the OP's info. The card works great with AT&T.

Installed current firmware via Windows.
Installed card into RB912UAG-5HPnD with active AT&T SIM.
Configure PPP-Out Interface:

Data Channel 2
Info Channel 2
Disable Dial on demand
Dial String "ATD*99#"
APN "broadband"

I have not tried the GPS yet. I will once I get the U.FL adaptor for the antenna. Does anyone know what channel the NEMA data is on?

gtj · Wed Sep 23, 2015 3:48 am

I believe the NMEA output is on channel 1 and although I've been able to get a fix using the AT commands I've never been able to get it to stream anything.

jonathandick · Mon Mar 13, 2017 10:03 am

I recognize this thread has been dormant for a while but we recently purchased some sierra mc7354b's to use in our RB912UAG-2HPND. We've been able to get working using ppp but the LTE interface is not automatically loading. We're using the most recent firmware (SWI9X15C_05.05.66.00). We are set to mode 7 as suggested by @kristaps. We are using RouterOS 6.38.5.

Any ideas?

Thanks.

RogerWilco · Tue Mar 14, 2017 1:29 am

I recognize this thread has been dormant for a while but we recently purchased some sierra mc7354b's to use in our RB912UAG-2HPND. We've been able to get working using ppp but the LTE interface is not automatically loading. We're using the most recent firmware (SWI9X15C_05.05.66.00). We are set to mode 7 as suggested by @kristaps. We are using RouterOS 6.38.5.

Any ideas?

Thanks.

I don't think you can... I've got the MC7304 and cannot get LTE to work, only PPP. When I contacted supported, they told me that full LTE is only supported in v7.

jonathandick · Fri Mar 17, 2017 3:48 pm

@RogerWilco, what speeds are you getting for up and down using the PPP on the 7304?

RogerWilco · Sat Mar 18, 2017 1:38 am

@RogerWilco, what speeds are you getting for up and down using the PPP on the 7304?

At the moment with a crappy antenna, 7.5mbps. With antenna properly aligned and MIMO, caps out at about 22-25mbps with PPP.

KeithITKW · Thu Jul 19, 2018 5:29 am

Hello:

This topic is 3 years old, but it is relevant to my current problem. I wanted to use the Sierra MC7354 with Verizon. We have used a lot of MC7354 cads with AT&T, but never Verizon.
So I searched and searched for information and this thread is the most promising (although I have tried a lot of other things from many other sources).
Several posts on this topic indicated working units with Verizon.

This is specific to Verizon in the USA, where I am located.

Here is what I did (I tried this with a BaseBox and a wAP R)
1. Received a Verizon SIM and activated it in a Verizon USB551L (everything went great and it worked on my laptop)
2. Mounted the MC7354 in a USB to PCIe interface and connected to my laptop[/list]
3. Downloaded latest firmware from Sierra and flashed the card (success)
4. Inserted the Verizon SIM into the USB to PCIe device, connected an LTE antenna and successfully connected to the Internet using the USB/Sierra/SIM combo
5. Mounted the MC7354 into a Mikrotik wAP R, connected internal antennas, inserted SIIM
6. Updated Mikrotik to ROS 6.42.6
7. Executed '/sys routerboard usb set type=mini-PCIe'
8. Got the ppp-out1 interface, configured it with: data channel=2, info channel=2, APN=vzwinternet, dial command=ATDT -the rest I left at defaults
9. Added a firewall filter as recommended in this topic: viewtopic.php?t=39244 (somewhat related information)
10. Added a masqurade rule for traffic going out the ppp-out1 interface

Problem:
I watch the logs and I see that I get all the way to "connected", with an IP address, then 5-15 seconds later, disconnect.
It will keep trying and every 3-6 tries it will get a connect for a short time, then a disconnect.
I think as soon as any data goes out the interface it disconnects (a little bit of a guess)
I have tried different APN (internet, vzwinternet, and <nothing>)
I tried various dial numbers that were suggested from old posts.
I found a webpage where someone got Verizon working on a R11e-LTE-US - and I have one of those, but specs show it does not support Verizon's main channel: 13

I am no "expert" on LTE communications, we primarily use it to setup our clients with "fail-over" in case the main ISP fails. And we have always used AT&T up until now.

Any help or guidance would be appreciated. Maybe MC7354 is just not supported anymore....

Thank you!