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150Mbps 4G LTE USB Modem Setup Guide

Complete guide for setting up your Qualcomm 8916 based 4G LTE USB WiFi modem

150Mbps 4G LTE USB Modem

Key Features

  • ✓ Plug-and-play WiFi router functionality
  • ✓ Support for 3G and 4G networks
  • ✓ Works with laptops, tablets, and smartphones
  • ✓ Simple web-based management interface
  • ✓ No additional software installation required

Prerequisites

  • Active SIM card with data plan
  • USB power source (computer or power adapter)
  • Device with WiFi capability and web browser

Quick Start Guide

  1. Install SIM Card

    • Push the back cover down
    • Insert the SIM card with the gold contacts facing down
    • Replace the cover

  2. Power Connection

    • Plug the modem into a USB port
    • Wait for the LED indicator to light up

  3. Connect to WiFi

    • On your device, scan for WiFi networks
    • Find and connect to the modem's WiFi network
    • Use the default password printed on the device

  4. Configure Settings

    • Open a web browser
    • Navigate to: 192.168.43.1:8080
    • Log in to the management interface

Web Interface Configuration

Converting QMI Modem to RNDIS Mode

This modem typically comes configured in QMI mode, which only enables WiFi functionality. To use it as a USB modem with your Raspberry Pi, you'll need to switch it to RNDIS mode using the steps below.

RNDIS mode enables direct USB network connectivity, allowing the modem to function as both a WiFi router and a USB modem

1. Connect via SSH

Use the following command to connect:

ssh pi@your-raspberry-pi-ip

2. Install Required Packages

sudo apt-get install usb-modeswitch usb-modeswitch-data

3. Create Mode Switch Rules

Create the usb-modeswitch rule file with this command:

sudo tee /etc/usb_modeswitch.d/12d1:14db << 'EOF' # Switching QMI to RNDIS DefaultVendor=0x12d1 DefaultProduct=0x14db MessageContent="55534243123456702000000080000c85010101180101010101000000000000" NoDriverLoading=1 EOF

4. Create udev Rule

Create the udev rule with this command:

sudo tee /etc/udev/rules.d/70-qmi-to-rndis.rules << 'EOF' SUBSYSTEM=="usb", ATTRS{idVendor}=="12d1", ATTRS{idProduct}=="14db", RUN+="/usr/sbin/usb_modeswitch -v 12d1 -p 14db -n -I" EOF

4. Reload Rules

sudo udevadm control --reload-rules sudo systemctl restart ModemManager

5. Network Configuration

After reconnecting the modem, configure the network:

sudo dhclient usb0

Verification

  • Check interface presence: ifconfig usb0
  • Verify RNDIS mode: lsusb
  • Test connectivity: ping 8.8.8.8

Troubleshooting

No WiFi Network

  • Ensure modem is properly powered
  • Try a different USB port or power source
  • Check if LED is lit

No Internet Connection

  • Verify SIM card is properly inserted
  • Check APN settings in web interface
  • Confirm data plan is active

Cannot Access Web Interface

  • Ensure you're connected to the modem's WiFi
  • Try clearing browser cache
  • Check if the correct URL is used (192.168.43.1:8080)