4g modem configuration

manumit

I'm on pfsense version 2.3.3-RELEASE-p1 and have a T-Mobile 3g/4g zte mf915 modem that is on the supported list but I'm having a heck of a time getting it to work. The device is detected by pfsense when I plug it in and shows up as an option under interfaces to be added. Once it is added and configured as a ppp interface it will not connect.

If I attempt to connect with the modem port set as /dev/cuau0 it does not connect with this in the logs:

[opt1_link0] CHAT: The modem is not responding to "AT" at ModemCmd: label.

If I attempt to connect with the modem port set as /dev/cuau1 it does not connect with this in the logs:

[opt1_link0] can't open /dev/cuau1: Device busy
[opt1_link0] MODEM: Fail to open serial port /dev/cuau1 on speed 115200

My signal strength is fine, I've used the hotspot plugged directly into a computer. Does anyone have a suggestion on a direction to go in troubleshooting?

manumit

When I run: Shell Output - usbconfig -d ugen0.4 show_ifdrv I get the following.

ugen0.4: <zte technologies="" msm="" zte,incorporated=""> at usbus0, cfg=0 md=HOST spd=HIGH (480Mbps) pwr=ON (500mA)
ugen0.4.0: cdce0: <cdc ethernet="" control="" model="" ecm="">
ugen0.4.2: umass1: <mass storage=""></mass></cdc></zte>

It's detecting it and I feel like I must be missing something obvious.

stephenw10

If it's detected as cdce0 that should appear as an assignable Ethernet interface. If you assign that and set it as dhcp it should pull an IP from the modem/provider. No need to setup PPP in that case.

Steve

manumit

If it's detected as cdce0 that should appear as an assignable Ethernet interface.

How many different ways are there that this type of device can work? Do most show up as an ethernet interface?

stephenw10

Many modems can be made to present themselves differently in various modes. It might be possible to switch that device to appear as USB serial. More Googling required. ;)

Steve