USB Modem and RB experience
Posted: Fri Oct 21, 2016 7:18 pm
Just wanted to post this here in case anyone else has difficulty with their USB modem setup.
The power light on the modem would show, but no activity and RouterOS would not recognize it no matter what I tried.
I went through the guide located on the MikroTik Wiki:
http://wiki.mikrotik.com/wiki/Option_Gl ... _USB_Modem
I double-checked to make sure I was purchasing a compatible USB modem:
http://wiki.mikrotik.com/wiki/Supported ... and_modems
Purchased:
hEX PoE lite (RB750UPr2)
Sierra Wireless USB 308 (Shockwave At&t)
Here is some general info on what was attempted:
Configuration was tried with default pre-loaded configuration and reset/wiped configuration.
Stock RouterOS and updated RouterOS were used as well as stock firmware and updated Routerboard firmware were used.
Modem power light turns on while plugged into the RB750UPr2.
Tried putting the modem into both "modes"; modem mode and software installation mode.
Modem works on multiple Windows computers without issue, detected and functioning correctly.
Modem firmware has been updated to the latest version.
Tried power-cycling the USB at various stages of attempts.
Used terminal commands and Winbox UI.
Contacted MikroTik support and they asked me to try the following troubleshooting steps:
Attempted:
/sy reso usb pr interval=1 and then attach modem.
Result:
No change, nothing shows up.
Attempted:
Can you try attach usb flash drive and see if it is detected ?
Result:
USB flash drive shows up under USB devices in RB.
Attempted:
Can you try insert usb hub(actually used USB extension cable) in middle between routerboard and modem ?
Result:
Works!!!
Attempted:
Plugging in the modem directly into RB again without USB extension cable.
Result:
Works, but sometimes doesn't show up under USB.
Conclusion:
It appears the physical shape of the modem is preventing it from plugging in "correctly/fully".
The extension cable makes this a non-issue, but there are some more conclusions to draw.
If I insert the modem and slightly continue pushing inwards while holding both devices, the USB modem is recognized.
USB port on the RB is recessed too far in and prevents full seating of the USB modem. Power is always shown on the modem whether RB recognizes it or not.
I should've tried some of these but I believed seeing the power light, that the connection was successful...apparently not.
The power light on the modem would show, but no activity and RouterOS would not recognize it no matter what I tried.
I went through the guide located on the MikroTik Wiki:
http://wiki.mikrotik.com/wiki/Option_Gl ... _USB_Modem
I double-checked to make sure I was purchasing a compatible USB modem:
http://wiki.mikrotik.com/wiki/Supported ... and_modems
Purchased:
hEX PoE lite (RB750UPr2)
Sierra Wireless USB 308 (Shockwave At&t)
Here is some general info on what was attempted:
Configuration was tried with default pre-loaded configuration and reset/wiped configuration.
Stock RouterOS and updated RouterOS were used as well as stock firmware and updated Routerboard firmware were used.
Modem power light turns on while plugged into the RB750UPr2.
Tried putting the modem into both "modes"; modem mode and software installation mode.
Modem works on multiple Windows computers without issue, detected and functioning correctly.
Modem firmware has been updated to the latest version.
Tried power-cycling the USB at various stages of attempts.
Used terminal commands and Winbox UI.
Contacted MikroTik support and they asked me to try the following troubleshooting steps:
Attempted:
/sy reso usb pr interval=1 and then attach modem.
Result:
No change, nothing shows up.
Attempted:
Can you try attach usb flash drive and see if it is detected ?
Result:
USB flash drive shows up under USB devices in RB.
Attempted:
Can you try insert usb hub(actually used USB extension cable) in middle between routerboard and modem ?
Result:
Works!!!
Attempted:
Plugging in the modem directly into RB again without USB extension cable.
Result:
Works, but sometimes doesn't show up under USB.
Conclusion:
It appears the physical shape of the modem is preventing it from plugging in "correctly/fully".
The extension cable makes this a non-issue, but there are some more conclusions to draw.
If I insert the modem and slightly continue pushing inwards while holding both devices, the USB modem is recognized.
USB port on the RB is recessed too far in and prevents full seating of the USB modem. Power is always shown on the modem whether RB recognizes it or not.
I should've tried some of these but I believed seeing the power light, that the connection was successful...apparently not.