3g 4g modem wi fi. Setting up a router via a mobile modem
Everyone who uses the Internet via a 3G USB modem sooner or later wonders how to distribute the Internet over a Wi-Fi network. If we have one 3G/4G modem, it doesn’t matter which Internet provider (for example, I have Intertelecom), we can connect the modem to only one computer. In this case, the Internet will only be on one computer to which the modem is connected.
And since there are now a lot of smartphones, tablets, laptops and many other devices that can connect to the Internet via Wi-Fi, we need to somehow distribute the Internet from a 3G USB modem. Yes, there are now modems that have a built-in Wi-Fi router, which can distribute the Internet via Wi-Fi. In addition, they can work autonomously. But they also have their disadvantages: a small network radius, you cannot connect many devices at the same time, etc. And if you already have a regular USB modem, then don’t throw it away.
In this article we will talk about real, regular routers that support 3G/4G modems. Almost every manufacturer now has several models that distribute the Internet from USB modems without any problems. At the same time, these routers support the connection of regular RJ-45 cable Internet. If you have the opportunity to connect instead of a modem cable internet, then you don’t have to change the router.
Routers that support 3G/4G modems
We have a USB modem, and we need to organize a Wi-Fi network so that the Internet from the modem can be distributed to all your devices via Wi-Fi, and you can connect, for example, a desktop computer via a network cable.
To do this, we need to buy a router to which we can connect our modem. The router will receive Internet from the modem and distribute it to your devices. Here's how it all works:
In principle, nothing is difficult. Only, there are some nuances in choosing the router itself. Since not all routers support USB 3G modems. And those that support do not work with all modems.
The manufacturer Asus, for example, has many models that support USB modems. For example: Asus RT-N18U, RT-AC56U, RT-N14U, RT-N66U, RT-N10U B, etc. I wrote about setting up a 3G modem on Asus routers in an article
Tp-Link also has several models: Tp-Link TL-MR3420, TL-MR3220 and a few more. ZyXEL has many good models: Zyxel Keenetic DSL, Keenetic Omni II, Zyxel Keenetic Viva, Zyxel Keenetic Extra and others.
As you can see, the choice is large. In the characteristics of a router that can work with a USB modem, as a rule, you can see something like: WAN port - USB 3G/4G. Well, they also support regular Ethernet.
If the router has a USB connector, this does not mean that it is exactly compatible with 3G modems. This information needs to be clarified. See the specifications, or ask consultants in stores.
Choosing a device is not difficult, but you need to check the compatibility of the router with the modem.
Checking the compatibility of the router with the modem
The main thing you need to know and what you need to make sure of when buying a router for a modem is compatibility. You need to check whether the router (which you are about to purchase) supports your modem. Since you most likely already have a modem.
As I wrote above, the router you choose simply may not work with your modem. Therefore, it is imperative to check devices for compatibility.
How do you know if your router is compatible with your modem? The best way is to look at the list of compatible devices on the router manufacturer's website.
Compatibility pages for some router manufacturers:
- Compatibility of 3G/4G modems with routers Tp-Link- http://www.tp-link.ua/ru/comp-list.html (select the desired model under the heading "List of compatible 3G/3.75G USB modems"). Save the .xlsx file to your computer, open it and look at the list of modems.
- Router Compatibility List Asus with modems - https://www.asus.com/event/networks_3G4G_support/. Look in the list for your country, modem model and provider. At the very top are the routers for which this list is suitable.
- List of USB modems that are compatible with all routers Zyxel who work for new version OS firmware NDMS V2 (second generation)- http://zyxel.ua/kb/2222
- To see the list of compatible 3G modems with routers D-Link, on the official website, find the page for the desired router. The supported modems will be listed there.
I can say for sure that the Asus RT-N18U router works perfectly with the Huawei EC 306 modem from Intertelecom.
At my home, the Huawei EC 306 modem is connected to the Asus RT-N18U. In addition, I recently connected . Everything works stably. It happens, however, that the Internet sometimes disappears, but this is most likely some kind of failure base station. Still, the devil wired Internet not as stable as wired.
This topic of setting up a router with a USB modem is very popular now. People have many different devices that they want to connect to the Internet via Wi-Fi. And the Internet is only available on the computer, via a modem. So we need to somehow get out of this situation. And installing and configuring a router with support for USB modems is the best solution.
This article should be useful to everyone who chooses a Wi-Fi router to work with a 3G/4G modem. Exactly with a USB modem. If you have cable Internet, then you need a regular router, the choice of which I wrote in the article. There I talked in detail about how to choose a router for your home, wrote about different characteristics, and even recommended specific models.
Most often, for village residents, the only way to connect to the Internet is to use a 3G/4G modem. As a rule, wired Internet is available only in the city, or in the villages closest to the city. The same ADSL is also not always possible to connect, even if you have a landline telephone. All that remains is wireless Internet, via USB modem. This is exactly the situation in Ukraine. It's most likely the same in Russia.
For example: everyone who accesses the Internet in the village where my parents live does so through the 3G operator Intertelecom. And in almost every family (young family with children), Internet connected. This is of course good. But practically the only 3G operator is Intertelecom. Essentially, there is no choice, and this one is bad. Intertelecom simply has the largest coverage. And there is no normal coverage of other operators. In Russia, it seems to me, the situation is a little better. There are Yota, MegaFon, MTS, Beeline. Although, I could be wrong. There are also many operators in Ukraine. But they don't yet have 3G coverage throughout the territory (and most likely there won't be). I'm not even talking about 4G. It's good to have choice and competition. This is a big plus for the user. After all, operators are trying to provide Better conditions, for more favorable price.
It doesn’t matter in which country or which operator you have 3G/4G Internet. In any case, we access the Internet via a USB modem, which is connected to a desktop computer or laptop. And that's the problem. More precisely, problems begin when more than one device needs to be connected to the Internet. For example, another laptop, smartphone, tablet, etc. appeared in the house. But the Internet can only be used on one computer. And here the question arises: how to distribute the Internet from a USB modem to several devices, including via a Wi-Fi network.
If your Internet is connected to a computer with a Wi-Fi receiver (laptop), then you can try to distribute the Internet without a router. Our computer will act as a router. Here are the detailed instructions: . The method is not the most stable, and it’s not guaranteed that it will work, but you can try.
Everything is decided by purchasing and setting up a Wi-Fi router that supports 3G/4G modems. This means that the router will connect to the Internet through our modem and distribute it to all devices. Via Wi-Fi network or network cable (if you have a PC or other device without a Wi-Fi receiver).
Key points in choosing a router for a 3G/4G modem
This important information, don't miss it!
- The router must support 3G/4G modems. This is indicated in the specifications. As a rule, it says “WAN port: USB 3G, USB 4G”.
- If the router has a USB port, this does not mean that it supports connecting USB modems. The USB port is also used to connect printers and USB drives.
- The most important thing is USB modem compatibility with router. Just because a router has support for USB modems does not mean that it will work with your modem. You need to carefully check the specific router model for compatibility with the specific modem model.
- There are lists of compatible modems on the official websites of router manufacturers. True, if the modem is not on the list, this does not mean that it is incompatible with the Wi-Fi router. You can search for compatibility information on the Internet. I will write more about this below.
- Please note: if in addition to the modem you want to connect a USB drive or printer to the router, then you need a router with two USB ports.
- Almost all routers that support wireless modems can distribute cable Internet without any problems. They have an RJ-45 WAN port for connecting a cable from your provider, or an ADSL modem.
- Some operators block Internet distribution through a router or from a computer. There are no such problems with Intertelecom. As far as I understand, this is a feature of Russian operators. To be honest, I'm not at all in the know on this issue. As far as I understand, the problem is solved by a replaceable TTL. You can easily find this information on the Internet for your operator.
These are the main points to understand and remember during the router selection process.
Once again :) The main thing is that the router is compatible with the model of your 3G/4G modem. Compatibility lists are available on the official websites of router manufacturers. Below I will provide links to these lists. If the modem is not in the list of compatible ones, then look for information on the Internet using the query “router model + modem model.” Maybe they are compatible, and someone has already set them up.
Now we will take a closer look at different models of routers supporting WAN 3G/4G from different manufacturers. Consider the cheapest and most affordable routers, I will share my experience, talk about the pros and cons of different models and manufacturers.
I’ll say right away that I have experience in setting up 3G modems on ASUS and TP-Link routers. And only with modems from the Intertelecom operator. Therefore, it is difficult for me to judge routers from other manufacturers and other operators. But TP-Link and ASUS are still leaders in the router market, and they have a sufficient number of router models that support connecting USB modems. Almost every network device manufacturer has at least 1-2 models that work with 3G modems.
On this moment, with USB modem (Huawei EC 306, formerly Novatel U720) I have a router from Intertelecom. The router is not cheap, with two USB ports. But without 5GHz Wi-Fi support.
ASUS routers with support for 3G/4G modems
Let's first look at the models of this manufacturer. It seems to me that ASUS devices are the best in this category. Not because they distribute the Internet better than others, or work more stable, but because they organize everything very simply. And a good list of compatible modems. It is more or less clear whether the modem will work on the router or not.
Almost all ASUS routers that have a USB port support 3G modems (and it is right!). And these are more than 10 models. The cheapest router model, if I'm not mistaken: Asus RT-N14U. Feel free to consider this router. Other models: Asus RT-AC750, RT-AC51U, RT-N18U, RT-N56U, RT-AC1200G+, RT-N66U, RT-AC87U, RT-AC55U, RT-AC3200. And that is not all.
List of compatible modems for all models: https://www.asus.com/event/networks_3G4G_support/
Useful articles:
- Setting up a connection via a 3G modem using the ASUS RT-N18U router as an example:
- Separate article on this topic: .
- What else do you need a USB port for on an ASUS router:
TP-Link routers compatible with USB modems
At first I had a TP-Link TL-MR3220. A good, inexpensive router. But now it seems to have been discontinued. Therefore, TP-Link has released several new, modern models. At TP-Link, everything is somehow made a little more complicated. In the sense that it is difficult to figure out which router model supports which modems, and in which country.
The manufacturer's website lists the following models:
TP-Link TL-MR3420, TL-MR3220, TL-MR3020, TL-MR3040, TD-W8968, TD-W8970, Archer VR900, Archer C2, TL-WR1045ND, Archer C7, Archer C50, TL-WR942N.
I would recommend considering the TP-LINK TL-MR3420. This is already an old model, there good base compatible modems. From new ones, from Wi-Fi support 5GHz yes interesting model Archer C2. But before buying, you need to make sure that it supports modems. There should be a corresponding icon on the box.
We have instructions for setting up: . However, there are no instructions yet for new models with a new control panel.
ZyXEL routers
ZyXEL also has many models that support 3G/4G modems. The list is large:
ZyXEL Keenetic II, III, Omni, Omni II, 4G II, 4G III, Giga II, Giga III, DSL, VOX, Extra, Extra II, Viva, Ultra and Ultra II
For a list of compatible modem models, see the link: https://zyxel.ua/kb/3390/
D-Link
D-Link also has routers that support USB/3G/LTE modems. These are the models:
DIR-620/GA, DIR-632, DIR-620, DIR-815/AC, DIR-320, DIR-816L, DIR-825/A, DIR-825/AC
To find out the list of compatible modems, you need to open the page of a specific router on the D-Link website, and there you will see “Supported USB modems.”
Other manufacturers
There are also such routers from other manufacturers. For example, MikroTik, NETIS, Cisco.
Which router model should I buy? How to choose?
Go to some large online store, go to the section with routers, and in the filter settings, select routers that support “WAN port: USB 3G, USB 4G”. This setting may be called differently. But there most likely is such a function. Then, you can sort the routers from cheap to expensive if you're on a budget or want to find the cheapest router.
We will receive a list of routers that work with modems. Choose a model that suits your price and features. Then, be sure to check it for compatibility with your modem (as I wrote above). Also, type in Google or Yandex the request “router model + modem model”. Open a couple of pages and read. I think you will find a lot of useful information. Look at the specific model page on the manufacturer's website.
I think this is The best way choose the optimal model for yourself, with minimal risk of getting incompatible devices. And then you can order online, or buy in a regular store.
If after purchase the router does not see the modem
First, look for the setup instructions to make sure you're doing everything correctly. Above I provided links to some instructions. Connect the modem without a USB extension cable, if you have one. Update the router firmware. Please double check that your devices are compatible.
I hope this article helped you in choosing a router to work with a USB modem. Write in the comments what router you have and what modem it worked with. This helpful information. You can also ask questions. Best wishes!
Nowadays, the Internet is needed almost always and everywhere. Moreover, this applies not only to city everyday life, when we can get 3G or 4G from a smartphone or tablet almost anywhere in the city. If we talk about a laptop, then we can, of course, find a Wi-Fi network or distribute the Internet from a smartphone. But you must admit, this is not possible and not so convenient everywhere. And what can we say about country trips, when getting 2G is already good, and free Wi-Fi networks we can only dream. Okay, a smartphone or tablet, but what about a laptop? What if there is a desktop computer at the dacha? What if they call you from work? It would be possible to complete urgent tasks right outside the city, but there is no Internet, so you have to go home.
On long trips you also need the Internet: on business trips - for work, on tourist trips - to study maps, search for interesting places, publish photos on Instagram and others. social media. Do you really have to search for Wi-Fi forever or distribute the Internet from your phone?
Modems will come to the rescue and mobile routers. The principle of their operation is simple: insert a SIM card and enjoy the Internet. The signal strength depends only on the coverage area of your operator. “Great!” - you say and open the page with modems. And there are so many of them... And such different prices... How to choose? It all depends on how exactly you want to use the gadget. It is important what devices you will connect to it, as well as where you will use it.
An important point is the choice of operator. The signal level, and, consequently, the data transfer speed depends on it. Many operators offer their own “branded” modems. They have two disadvantages. The first is that they are often more expensive. Secondly, you will only be able to use the services of this operator. If in the place where you are, its networks do not work - well, alas. Therefore, we suggest considering modems and mobile routers from third-party companies.
How are modems different?
USB modem or mobile router
A USB modem is a transceiver that uses operator networks mobile communications for transmitting and receiving information. It connects to the USB connector of your computer and after a little setup allows you to use the Internet. It can also be used with a regular router. A SIM card is inserted into the USB modem, the choice of which depends only on the coverage of the operator’s network in the location you need. All USB modems are very small and lightweight, allowing you to carry them in a bag or pocket.
A mobile router is a device that operates on the principle of an ordinary modem. A SIM card is inserted into it, the device receives a signal from a mobile operator and, unlike a USB modem, provides mobile Wi-Fi. Such a gadget is usually powered by a battery, which requires regular charging. Mobile routers are not as small as USB modems. Some models can be put in your pocket, while others will only fit in a bag.
To choose between these two types of gadgets, answer the question: what do you need this device for? If you want to use it only with a laptop to have Internet anywhere, or with a desktop computer, purchase a USB modem. If you are interested in a portable Wi-FI access point for connecting a number of devices, it is better to purchase a mobile router.
3G or 4G
3G and 4G are wireless communication technologies that allow you to get high-speed Internet access from mobile devices. The letter G in their names comes from the word “generation”, that is, “generation”. Therefore, 3G is the third generation of wireless communications, and 4G is the fourth.
The main difference between these two generations is the data transfer speed. 3G networks are capable of transmitting data from different speed, which depends on the operating frequency of the mobile operator. Leading operators have an operating frequency of 15 MHz, while some small ones have only 4.5 MHz. Therefore, the speed range of 3G networks ranges from several hundred kilobits to several tens of megabits per second.
The main advantage of 3G networks is their coverage area, which covers most territory of Russia. Also a plus will be the low cost of modems that only work with 3G.
4G networks are capable of transmitting data at much higher speeds – up to 1 Gbit/s. True, this depends on the type of device: for example, not all mobile devices will be able to achieve a speed of 100 Mbit/s.
The downside of 4G networks is the poor coverage in Russia: it only covers large cities. Also, due to high-speed data transfer, devices working with 4G have higher power consumption.
So, when choosing a gadget for your dacha or travel, it’s better to go with a 3G modem, since you’re unlikely to get 4G anyway, and you’ll spend less money on the device. For the city, a 4G modem is better suited.
GSM, GPRS, EDGE, HSPA, LTE
All these scary abbreviations are nothing more than communication standards and technologies of different generations.
GSM is the main second generation communication standard. GPRS packet data transmission technology has been created for it, the transmission speed of which can reach 115 kbit/s.
EDGE is a packet data transmission technology used by the second generation CDMA communication standard. The speed with it reaches 384 kb/s. By the way, this is the same E,
which is displayed on the screen of a smartphone or tablet when it does not receive 4G, 3G, or H.
HSPA is a third generation communication standard that allows you to achieve a packet data transfer speed of 42.2 Mb/s. And this is the same H.
LTE is the fourth generation data transmission technology, the speed of which reaches 1 Gb/s.
All these standards and technologies are actively used by Russian telecom operators. In the absence of the latest and fastest networks, devices typically fall back to the previous generation of networks. Therefore, it is better that all of them are supported by the modem, although this is almost always the case.
Nutrition
As we have already mentioned, USB modems do not require separate power. Thanks to this, they can be used at any time; you just need to insert them into the USB connector of your computer.
Mobile routers run on batteries. The larger their volume, the longer the gadget will work. However, we should not forget about these important factors battery consumption, how to work in 4G networks and the presence of additional sensors and functions.
Ethernet port
This is a connector that allows you to connect the modem to a computer using an Ethernet cable. This connection will ensure stability and maximum high speed between the device and the modem. This function is only available on mobile routers, since USB modems are already connected to the computer.
Interface for external antenna
An external antenna is needed in order to better catch the network. After all, the signal can be unstable, especially outside the city; it depends on the time of day, weather and many other factors. The main disadvantage of the antenna is its low mobility. Therefore, this option is suitable only for those who have decided to set up a stationary Internet point, for example, in the country.
Additional functions
Mobile modems have additional functions. But they may not be useful to everyone. In addition, many of them are quite energy-intensive. So decide right away which of the following you need.
A slot for a MicroSD card is useful for owners of laptops with a small number of USB connectors. By inserting a flash card into the modem, you can use it as a drive and, for example, store programs related to the Internet and connecting to it (to free up space on your computer and be able to immediately run all the necessary programs on another device by simply inserting the modem ).
Support for the SMS service allows you to receive and send SMS messages using a special program installed on your computer. This function is only available on USB modems.
Sensors and a display will help determine the charge level, the presence of networks, the number of connected users, etc. But you need to remember that with them the battery runs out faster.
An application for smartphones and tablets helps to monitor the charge level, connected users, and transfer data to the modem’s flash drive. This function is only available on mobile routers.
Dimensions
If we talk about USB modems, they are all no more than 100 mm in length and 40 g in weight. With mobile routers, everything is different. Their weight can reach 700 g, and dimensions – 250 x 100 mm. But there are also compact models that can be easily carried in your pocket.
Settings
For many users this will be an important parameter. After all, you want to launch the gadget and use it right away. Moreover, for many it will be a real problem to set up a modem - not everyone is fluent in technology. Therefore, based on this parameter, it is better to give preference to USB modems, and the simplest ones at that.
Criterias of choice
We looked at the main parameters of mobile modems and found out that the selection of characteristics depends on the needs of the user. You need to determine where and with what devices the modem will be used, as well as what additional functions will be needed. Based on user needs, we classified mobile modems.
For use in the city with a desktop computer It's worth purchasing a 4G USB modem.
With a laptop It will be convenient to use a 3G or 4G USB modem with a MicroSD card.
For modem operation with several devices in the country or in the apartment It is better to purchase a 4G mobile router with an Ethernet cable.
If you want to carry a Wi-Fi point with you, pay attention to small-sized 4G mobile routers.
This review is about how to connect a Wi-Fi router via a mobile 3G, 4G modem. This is a universal method for absolutely any model of Wi-Fi router and does not depend on the manufacturer’s brand. The only differences are in the design of the settings section interface, in the names and location of the settings sections themselves. Attention! Make sure your router supports the mobile modems of your chosen operator. You will find this information in the instructions section “device specifications” or on the manufacturer’s website. This guide is suitable for any provider providing services mobile internet- Megafon, MTS, Beeline, Yota, Tele2, SkyLink and all other mobile operators!
Setup steps
1. Take your USB modem from the mobile Internet operator and insert and plug it into the USB port on the router, and Ethernet cable(or patch cord), which comes with the router, the first end into the LAN connector on the router, the second into the network card of your computer.
2. On your personal computer (running Windows 7), go to the network settings section, do it this way: Start => Control Panel => Network and Internet => Network and Sharing Center => Manage network connections => Changes adapter parameters.
Right-click on “Connect via local network» then “Properties” then go to the menu item Internet Protocol which is “TCP/IPv4” and select the following items “IP automatically” and “DNS servers automatically”
Save and click “OK”.
3. To the router (from its reverse side) we find the IP address that is used to log into the admin panel of the router (usually 192.168.0.1), and access (often login: admin, password: admin)
4. Open your favorite browser and write where the address bar is - 192.168.0.1 (or whatever is indicated on the router), and log in.
5. We look at the router menu and find the “USB modem” item (or maybe 3G/4G or USB settings, etc. options), activate it and enter the data for your operator in the fields indicated in the image.
I will give a list of settings for most mobile operators, but let me remind you that you can look for the current settings from your mobile operator.
Megaphone
APN: internet Username: gdata (optional) Password: gdata (optional)Beeline
APN: internet.beeline.ru or home.beeline.ru Access number: *99# or *99***1# Username: beeline Password: beelineMTS
APN: internet.mts.ru Access number: *99# or *99***1# Username: mts Password: mtsTele2
APN: internet.tele2.ru Access number: *99# or *99***1#U-Tel (Rostelecom)
Access point: internet.usi.ru Username/password: empty Call number: *99***1#Yota
APN: yota.ru Access number: *99# Username: (blank) Password: (blank)SkyLink
APN: empty Call number: #777 Username: mobile Password: internetSmarts
APN: internet.smarts.ru Access number: *99# or *99***1# Username: internet (optional) Password: internet (optional)MTS-Belarus
Access Point/APN: mts User name: mts Password:mts Life
Access Point/APN:internet Username/password: not required Access number: *99#Beeline Ukraine
Access point (APN): internet.beeline.ua Access number: *99#, *99***1# or *99**1*1# for some phone models User: optional parameter – can be left blank; Password: optional parameter - can be left blank.Kyivstar
APN: For prepaid subscribers - www.ab.kyivstar.net For contract subscribers - www.kyivstar.net Access number: *99# or *99***1#Tele2 (TELE2 KZ)
Access point: internet Call number: *99# Login: (empty) Password: (blank) Modem initialization string (optional): AT+CGDCONT=1,"IP","internet"Beeline (Beeline KZ)
Access point: internet.beeline.kz Call number: *99# Login: beeline Password: beeline Modem initialization string (optional): AT+CGDCONT=1,"IP","internet.beeline.kz"Kcell-Activ
Access point: internet Call number: *99# Login: (empty) Password: (blank) Modem initialization string (optional): AT+CGDCONT=1,"IP","internet"Some router models support automatic setup depending on the mobile operator.
