Huawei k5160 4g usb mobile broadband

rajbps · Feb 11, 2016, 7:42 AM

Here is a usbconfig

ugen1.1: <ehci root="" hub="" intel="">at usbus1, cfg=0 md=HOST spd=HIGH (480Mbps) pwr=S AVE (0mA)
ugen0.1: <xhci root="" hub="" 0x8086="">at usbus0, cfg=0 md=HOST spd=SUPER (5.0Gbps) pwr =SAVE (0mA)
ugen2.1: <ehci root="" hub="" intel="">at usbus2, cfg=0 md=HOST spd=HIGH (480Mbps) pwr=S AVE (0mA)
ugen1.2: <product 0x0024="" vendor="" 0x8087="">at usbus1, cfg=0 md=HOST spd=HIGH (480Mb ps) pwr=SAVE (0mA)
ugen2.2: <product 0x0024="" vendor="" 0x8087="">at usbus2, cfg=0 md=HOST spd=HIGH (480Mb ps) pwr=SAVE (0mA)
ugen0.2: <vodafone mobile="" broadband="" huawei="" vodafone="" group="">at usbus0, cfg

usbconfig -d ugen0.2 dump_device_desc

ugen0.2: <vodafone mobile="" broadband="" huawei="" vodafone="" group="">at usbus0, cfg=0 md=HOST spd=HIGH (480Mbps) pwr=ON (500mA)

bLength = 0x0012
bDescriptorType = 0x0001
bcdUSB = 0x0200
bDeviceClass = 0x0000
bDeviceSubClass = 0x0000
bDeviceProtocol = 0x0000
bMaxPacketSize0 = 0x0040
idVendor = 0x12d1
idProduct = 0x1582
bcdDevice = 0x0102
iManufacturer = 0x0002 <vodafone group="" (huawei)="">iProduct = 0x0001 <vodafone mobile="" broadband="" (huawei)="">iSerialNumber = 0x0000 <no string="">bNumConfigurations = 0x0001

and the modem is a Vodafone R215 4G Mobile Broadband WiFi WLAN which is a Huawei E5372

Hope this helps

Regards,

Raj</no></vodafone></vodafone></vodafone></vodafone></product></product></ehci></xhci></ehci>

AndrewZ · Feb 11, 2016, 8:58 PM

I will reply to the issue with E5372 here and will probably move this later to a separate topic dedicated to Huawei modems.

In short - the main issue is with "idProduct = 0x1582". This modem does not have a "4G MODEM" in it's composition (check with AT^SETPORT=?), so the only option is to use it as a network card (NCM), but it seems that pfSense will not detect "cdce0" on the modem with unknown PID.

But first I will post a WARNING:
At some point a new interface ue0 will be created. If for some reasons the router will reboot while the modem is off or disconnected you will be trapped with the following message during boot:

Warning: Configuration references interfaces that do not exist: ue0
Network interface mismatch – Running interface assignment option.

Have your console ready!

Now the process:
1. Flash the modem with the generic software like 21.290.21.00.00 (this is what I use)
I cannot tell this is a mandatory, but most likely this is very important. Check the corresponding forums before flashing your modem if you don't need a brick :)
You may need a flash code which is generated from IMEI.

2. make sure the modem has the right composition, you should have a proper one after flashing. Checking from any terminal:

Send:AT^SETPORT?

Recieve: ^SETPORT:A1,A2;12,16,A1,A2
Recieve: OK

Setting the values if necessary:

Send:AT^SETPORT="A1,A2;12,16,A1,A2"
Recieve: OK

3. Now it's time to plug it into the router. Checking with dmesg:

ugen1.2: <huawei technology="">at usbus1
u3g0: <huawei 0="" 2="" technology="" huawei="" mobile,="" class="" 0,="" rev="" 2.00="" 1.02,="" addr="">on usbus1
u3g0: Found 1 port.
 followed by a lot of garbage about SCSI</huawei></huawei>

We can have CD-ROM component disabled, this will remove the garbage but will give as wrong "idProduct".

4. checking "idProduct="

/root: usbconfig -d ugen1.2 dump_device_desc
ugen1.2: <huawei mobile="" huawei="" technology="">at usbus1, cfg=0 md=HOST spd=HIGH (480Mbps) pwr=ON (500mA)

  bLength = 0x0012 
  bDescriptorType = 0x0001 
  bcdUSB = 0x0200 
  bDeviceClass = 0x0000 
  bDeviceSubClass = 0x0000 
  bDeviceProtocol = 0x0000 
  bMaxPacketSize0 = 0x0040 
  idVendor = 0x12d1 
  idProduct = 0x1c1e 
  bcdDevice = 0x0102 
  iManufacturer = 0x0002  <huawei technology="">iProduct = 0x0001  <huawei mobile="">iSerialNumber = 0x0000  <no string="">bNumConfigurations = 0x0001</no></huawei></huawei></huawei>

5. pfSense 'knows' about "idProduct = 0x1c1e" and now we should have ue0 interface created. Checking:

dmesg
ue0: <usb ethernet=""> on cdce0

ifconfig 
 ...
  ue0: flags=8843 <up,broadcast,running,simplex,multicast>metric 0 mtu 1500
 ...</up,broadcast,running,simplex,multicast></usb>

6. From the browser: Interfaces - (assign) - add new (OPT2) or take an existing and choose ue0 from dropdown.
7. Enable OPT2 and set it to DHCP
8. System - Gateways - set the new one as Default and check:

/root: netstat -r
Routing tables

Internet:
Destination        Gateway            Flags      Netif Expire
default            192.168.8.1        UGS         ue0

The modem will assign an IP to OPT2, in this example 192.168.8.1 is a LAN address of the modem.
Modem will connect to the Internet automatically if configured on the modem.

9. Navigate to NAT - Outbound - pick the rule for LAN subnet and configure the Interface (==gateway)

10. make sure everything works

rajbps · Feb 11, 2016, 11:23 PM

Hi AndrewZ

Thanks for the guide.

Still have a few questions, sorry if they are silly but never done it before.

"In short - the main issue is with "idProduct = 0x1582". This modem does not have a "4G MODEM" in it's composition (check with AT^SETPORT=?), so the only option is to use it as a network card (NCM), but it seems that pfSense will not detect "cdce0" on the modem with unknown PID."

I do get a 4G signal with this modem

"But first I will post a WARNING:
At some point a new interface ue0 will be created. If for some reasons the router will reboot while the modem is off or disconnected you will be trapped with the following message during boot:
Quote

Warning: Configuration references interfaces that do not exist: ue0
Network interface mismatch – Running interface assignment option.

Have your console ready!"

is there a way to avoid this, I think no but had to ask

"Now the process:
1. Flash the modem with the generic software like 21.290.21.00.00 (this is what I use)
I cannot tell this is a mandatory, but most likely this is very important. Check the corresponding forums before flashing your modem if you don't need a brick :)
You may need a flash code which is generated from IMEI."

where can i get the firmware, this is a vodaphone one and if I go on the website of huawei, there is no firmware for this model

Also as its usb connected and its going via productID, if i connect it to a different port, it should not be a problem should it. I think no again had to ask

Regards,

Raj

AndrewZ · Feb 12, 2016, 7:07 AM

The whole story has no relation to the radio part (3G, 4G, signal level, etc).

To avoid boot issues I suggest to always use the same USB port and keep the modem on. Alternatively you can have a backup configuration file with or without ue0 and load it then necessary.
idProduct or PID depends on the modem itself, on it's branding and composition (CD-ROM + Network card). You should see the same PID regardless of port your modem is plugged in.

I can send you some links to firmware files as well as a flash code. Please PM me with IMEI of the modem. Please be careful with upgrade - I heard that some people had issues loading generic/unbranded firmware on Vodafone branded 5372. Just search what people say.

Few other possibilities to complete the picture:

on some modems it is possible to change a PID directly, never tried on 5372
having support for the modern PIDs in the kernel will significantly simplify our lifes; at the moment people are patching/recompiling a kernel to their needs

rajbps · Feb 13, 2016, 12:45 PM

Hi AndrewZ,

Just send you a PM with the IMEI as requested.

Regards,

Raj

igloox · Aug 23, 2017, 9:01 PM

Hello

i would like to plug my Huawei E5372 to my virtual pfsense build on my esxi. But Esxi don't recognize it. (Generic firmware upgrade OK)

The AT commands AT^SETPORT? returns:

^SETPORT:A1,A2;12,16,A1,A2

Do you know the AT commands to resolve my problems?

Regards

AndrewZ · Mar 17, 2018, 7:28 PM

Hi igloox, just noticed your question

Please correct me if I'm wrong - you have an operator branded modem and you already loaded universal/generic firmware?
Could you please show the result of AT^NVRD=50071

Prior to that you need to unlock some commands with AT^DATALOCK="v201 code"
If you don't have the code - please PM me your IMEI.

eiger3970 · Feb 25, 2020, 2:46 AM

Post 5, step 5, USB is seen by pfSense 2.4.4, however the interface ue0 does not appear?

GiaNN · Sep 16, 2023, 9:57 PM

Is there any news about the K5160? Now on FreeBSD14 it's still recognized as an usb mass device and not as an LTE mode. I think before buying a new LTE modem it's worth a shot.
In the system log i find this:

Sep 16 23:56:05 	ppp 	40698 	[opt1_link0] LCP: Down event
Sep 16 23:56:05 	ppp 	40698 	[opt1_link0] Link: DOWN event
Sep 16 23:56:05 	ppp 	40698 	[opt1_link0] MODEM: chat script failed
Sep 16 23:56:05 	ppp 	40698 	[opt1_link0] CHAT: The modem is not responding to "AT" at ModemCmd: label.
Sep 16 23:55:52 	ppp 	40698 	[opt1_link0] Link: reconnection attempt 5
Sep 16 23:55:49 	ppp 	40698 	[opt1_link0] Link: reconnection attempt 5 in 3 seconds
Sep 16 23:55:49 	ppp 	40698 	[opt1_link0] LCP: Down event
Sep 16 23:55:49 	ppp 	40698 	[opt1_link0] Link: DOWN event
Sep 16 23:55:49 	ppp 	40698 	[opt1_link0] MODEM: chat script failed
Sep 16 23:55:49 	ppp 	40698 	[opt1_link0] CHAT: The modem is not responding to "AT" at ModemCmd: label.
Sep 16 23:55:36 	ppp 	40698 	[opt1_link0] Link: reconnection attempt 4
Sep 16 23:55:33 	ppp 	40698 	[opt1_link0] Link: reconnection attempt 4 in 3 seconds
Sep 16 23:55:33 	ppp 	40698 	[opt1_link0] LCP: Down event
Sep 16 23:55:33 	ppp 	40698 	[opt1_link0] Link: DOWN event
Sep 16 23:55:33 	ppp 	40698 	[opt1_link0] MODEM: chat script failed
Sep 16 23:55:33 	ppp 	40698 	[opt1_link0] CHAT: The modem is not responding to "AT" at ModemCmd: label.
Sep 16 23:55:18 	ppp 	40698 	[opt1_link0] Link: reconnection attempt 3
Sep 16 23:55:16 	ppp 	40698 	[opt1_link0] Link: reconnection attempt 3 in 2 seconds
Sep 16 23:55:16 	ppp 	40698 	[opt1_link0] LCP: Down event
Sep 16 23:55:16 	ppp 	40698 	[opt1_link0] Link: DOWN event
Sep 16 23:55:16 	ppp 	40698 	[opt1_link0] MODEM: chat script failed
Sep 16 23:55:16 	ppp 	40698 	[opt1_link0] CHAT: The modem is not responding to "AT" at ModemCmd: label.
Sep 16 23:55:01 	ppp 	40698 	[opt1_link0] Link: reconnection attempt 2
Sep 16 23:55:00 	ppp 	40698 	[opt1_link0] Link: reconnection attempt 2 in 1 seconds
Sep 16 23:55:00 	ppp 	40698 	[opt1_link0] LCP: Down event
Sep 16 23:55:00 	ppp 	40698 	[opt1_link0] Link: DOWN event
Sep 16 23:55:00 	ppp 	40698 	[opt1_link0] MODEM: chat script failed

GiaNN · Sep 17, 2023, 8:07 AM

I also add that if i create a PPP the Huawei LED starts blinking until it reaches purple which should mean that it's connected but you should check the connection if it's active

stephenw10 · Sep 17, 2023, 9:55 PM

@GiaNN said in Huawei k5160 4g usb mobile broadband:

if i create a PPP the Huawei LED starts blinking

Create it how?

There's a good chance there are multiple versions of that modem and that they behave differently, Many modems do.

Steve

GiaNN · Sep 17, 2023, 9:59 PM

@stephenw10 through the interfaces GUI, in the section PPP.
Then if i enable the interface the LED starts blinking but it cannot properly start PPP

stephenw10 · Sep 17, 2023, 10:02 PM

So you see USB serial ports created? Like cuaU0-3?

GiaNN · Sep 17, 2023, 10:05 PM

@stephenw10 i don't remember, where i see that?
I used as device the /dev/cuau0 and then it started blinking if enabled.

stephenw10 · Sep 18, 2023, 6:43 AM

/dev/cuau0 is one of the on-board com ports not the modem. The ports created by a modem are shown with an uppercase 'U' to indicate they are USB connected.

Plug in the modem and then check the system log. If it's recognised you will see log entries showing the new ports created.

GiaNN · Sep 18, 2023, 6:43 AM

@stephenw10 in dmesg shows this:

ugen2.2: <Vodafone (Huawei) Vodafone (Huawei)> at usbus2
umass0 on uhub0
umass0: <Mass Storage> on usbus2
cd0 at umass-sim0 bus 0 scbus2 target 0 lun 0
cd0: <HUAWEI Mass Storage 2.31> Removable CD-ROM SCSI-2 device
cd0: Serial Number 0123456789ABCDEF
cd0: 40.000MB/s transfers
cd0: Attempt to query device size failed: NOT READY, Medium not present
cd0: quirks=0x10<10_BYTE_ONLY>
da0 at umass-sim0 bus 0 scbus2 target 0 lun 1
da0: <HUAWEI TF CARD Storage 2.31> Removable Direct Access SCSI-2 device
da0: Serial Number 0123456789ABCDEF
da0: 40.000MB/s transfers
da0: Attempt to query device size failed: NOT READY, Medium not present
da0: quirks=0x2<NO_6_BYTE>

stephenw10 · Sep 18, 2023, 12:31 PM

Ok, so u3g doesn't recognise it. You should see something like:

uhub0: 8 ports with 8 removable, self powered
ugen0.2: <Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd. HUAWEI Mobile> at usbus0
u3g0 on uhub0
u3g0: <Huawei Mobile Connect - Modem> on usbus0
u3g0: Found 5 ports.

If it can work at all it probably needs to be modeswitched. Or reflashed with different firmware.

Note that the OP here never got this modem working, they switched to a different device. And I don't see an entry for it in u3g:
https://github.com/pfsense/FreeBSD-src/blob/devel-main/sys/dev/usb/serial/u3g.c#L339

Steve

GiaNN · Sep 18, 2023, 12:32 PM

@stephenw10 said in Huawei k5160 4g usb mobile broadband:

If it can work at all it probably needs to be modeswitched. Or reflashed with different firmware.

How? i'll make the last try. Then maybe i'll get a different model o try maybe with an OpenWRT VM or something linux based (i tried on Debian and there it's plug & play)

stephenw10 · Sep 18, 2023, 12:46 PM

Ok, first thing is to get the USB IDs it's presenting as currently using the usbconfig command:

usbconfig -d ugen2.2 dump_all_desc

GiaNN · Sep 18, 2023, 12:53 PM

@stephenw10 i'm putting it on pastebin because it gets flagged as spam idk why. If there a way to post it without getting it flagged i'll do it.