8900X R3: 3G modem won't connect

Discussions for BiPAC 8900 series: 8900AX-1600, 8900AX-2400, 8900X
boomer
Posts: 34
Joined: Sun Oct 30, 2011 4:50 pm

8900X R3: 3G modem won't connect

Post by boomer »

Hi everyone. My Huawei E3251 3G modem used to work with a 7402GX, but it won't make an internet connection on my new 8900X R3. It seems to initialize, modem info, signal strength etc. appear correctly under 3G/4G/LTE Status but it won't establish a connection. I checked a related post at http://www.forum.billion.uk.com/viewtop ... 20&t=36458 and produced a log file as described there which I have repeated below. Also, I have left the Use PPP option unchecked under the 3G/4G/LTE Interface settings, as recommended in the same thread. Firmware version is 2.52.d14. I'm wondering whether or not downgrading the firmware will be of any help. Does anybody have any ideas? Also, can anybody point me to where I can download the original firmware?

Code: Select all

Mar 16 19:55:24 kern info kernel: usb 1-1: new high-speed USB device number 5 using ehci_hcd
Mar 16 19:55:24 kern info kernel: option 1-1:1.0: GSM modem (1-port) converter detected
Mar 16 19:55:24 kern info kernel: usb 1-1: GSM modem (1-port) converter now attached to ttyUSB0
Mar 16 19:55:24 kern info kernel: option 1-1:1.1: GSM modem (1-port) converter detected
Mar 16 19:55:24 kern info kernel: usb 1-1: GSM modem (1-port) converter now attached to ttyUSB1
Mar 16 19:55:27 user debug syslog: hotplug_usbdev 525 , action:[add] interface:[(null)] product:[12d1/1506/102] device:[/proc/bus/usb/001/005]
Mar 16 19:55:27 user debug syslog: hotplug_usbdev 525 , action:[add] interface:[255/2/1/1/0] product:[12d1/1506/102] device:[/proc/bus/usb/001/005]
Mar 16 19:55:27 user debug syslog: hotplug_usbdev 540 , action add Vendor:12d1, ProdID:1506 Cls:255
Mar 16 19:55:27 user info syslog: hotplug_usbdev 564 , Vendor:12d1, ProdID:1506 Cls:255
Mar 16 19:55:27 user debug syslog: hotplug_usbdev 525 , action:[add] interface:[255/2/2/1/1] product:[12d1/1506/102] device:[/proc/bus/usb/001/005]
Mar 16 19:55:27 user debug syslog: hotplug_usbdev 540 , action add Vendor:12d1, ProdID:1506 Cls:255
Mar 16 19:55:27 user info syslog: hotplug_usbdev 564 , Vendor:12d1, ProdID:1506 Cls:255
Mar 16 19:55:29 user info syslog: notify ssk insert Bus:1 Dev:5 Vendor:12d1 ProdID:1506 Cls:255
Mar 16 19:55:33 kern info kernel: USB Serial deregistering driver GSM modem (1-port)
Mar 16 19:55:33 kern info kernel: option1 ttyUSB1: GSM modem (1-port) converter now disconnected from ttyUSB1
Mar 16 19:55:33 kern info kernel: option1 ttyUSB0: GSM modem (1-port) converter now disconnected from ttyUSB0
Mar 16 19:55:33 kern info kernel: usbcore: deregistering interface driver option
Mar 16 19:55:33 kern info kernel: option 1-1:1.1: device disconnected
Mar 16 19:55:33 kern info kernel: option 1-1:1.0: device disconnected
Mar 16 19:55:33 kern info kernel: GobiNet: 2014-10-09/SWI_2.27
Mar 16 19:55:34 kern info kernel: GobiNet 1-1:1.0: usb0: register 'GobiNet' at usb-0000:00:0a.0-1, GobiNet Ethernet Device, 0e:b4:51:ec:fd:b1
Mar 16 19:55:34 kern warn kernel: dev->udev->bus->busnum=1 ,xdev->devnum=5 ,net->name=usb0
Mar 16 19:55:34 kern info kernel: RawIP mode
Mar 16 19:55:44 kern info kernel: GobiNet 1-1:1.0: usb0: unregister 'GobiNet' usb-0000:00:0a.0-1, GobiNet Ethernet Device
Mar 16 19:55:44 kern warn kernel: GobiNet: probe of 1-1:1.0 failed with error -145
Mar 16 19:55:44 kern info kernel: GobiNet 1-1:1.1: usb0: register 'GobiNet' at usb-0000:00:0a.0-1, GobiNet Ethernet Device, 0e:b4:51:ec:fd:b1
Mar 16 19:55:44 kern warn kernel: dev->udev->bus->busnum=1 ,xdev->devnum=5 ,net->name=usb0
Mar 16 19:55:44 kern info kernel: RawIP mode
Mar 16 19:55:54 kern info kernel: GobiNet 1-1:1.1: usb0: unregister 'GobiNet' usb-0000:00:0a.0-1, GobiNet Ethernet Device
Mar 16 19:55:54 kern warn kernel: GobiNet: probe of 1-1:1.1 failed with error -145
Mar 16 19:55:54 kern info kernel: usbcore: registered new interface driver GobiNet
Mar 16 19:55:54 user info syslog: check Net interface ..
Mar 16 19:55:54 user info syslog: available usbnet interface : usb0..
Mar 16 19:55:54 kern info kernel: usbcore: deregistering interface driver GobiNet
Mar 16 19:55:55 kern info kernel: usbcore: registered new interface driver option
Mar 16 19:55:55 kern info kernel: USB Serial support registered for GSM modem (1-port)
Mar 16 19:55:55 kern info kernel: option 1-1:1.0: GSM modem (1-port) converter detected
Mar 16 19:55:55 kern info kernel: usb 1-1: GSM modem (1-port) converter now attached to ttyUSB0
Mar 16 19:55:55 kern info kernel: option 1-1:1.1: GSM modem (1-port) converter detected
Mar 16 19:55:55 kern info kernel: usb 1-1: GSM modem (1-port) converter now attached to ttyUSB1
Mar 16 19:55:55 kern info kernel: option: v0.7.2:USB Driver for GSM modems
Mar 16 19:55:55 user debug syslog: Driver:option WanIntf:ppp
Mar 16 19:55:55 user info syslog: check available MODEM port ..
Mar 16 19:55:55 kern err kernel: option: option_instat_callback: error -2
Mar 16 19:55:56 kern err kernel: option: option_instat_callback: error -2
Mar 16 19:55:56 user info syslog: available MODEM port : /dev/ttyUSB0..
Mar 16 19:56:03 user info syslog: Setting 3G/LTE parameters
Mar 16 19:56:09 user info syslog: Setting 3G/LTE parameters
Mar 16 19:56:21 user debug syslog: set3GMode 6235 ,  writecom ret:[0] cmd:[AT^SYSCFG=2,2,3FFFFFFF,2,4^M]
Mar 16 19:56:21 user info syslog: Set mode AT^SYSCFG=2,2,3FFFFFFF,2,4^M OK (0)
Mar 16 19:56:27 user info syslog: 0nd = 0 
Mar 16 19:56:28 user info syslog: SIM ready
Mar 16 19:56:35 user info syslog: getcardinfo 5021 IMEI:[862465010034215]
Mar 16 19:56:41 user info syslog: regCheck, 1 times
Mar 16 19:56:43 user info syslog: no prefix +CEREG:=> ^M COMMAND NOT SUPPORT^M  
Mar 16 19:56:43 user info syslog: regCheck 5126 n=2, buf='0,1'
Mar 16 19:56:43 user info syslog: regCheck 5130 n=0, buf=''
Mar 16 19:56:43 user info syslog: Registered on Home network
Mar 16 19:56:59 kern err kernel: option: option_instat_callback: error -2
Mar 16 19:56:59 daemon notice syslog: pppd:cms logging initialized.
Mar 16 19:56:59 daemon notice syslog: pppd 2.4.1 started by admin, uid 0
Mar 16 19:56:59 daemon notice syslog: PPP: Start to connect ...
Mar 16 19:57:02 user debug syslog: _3GDial 7998  E3372h vendorStr:[0x12d1] productStr:[0x1506] Driver:[option]
Mar 16 19:57:03 user debug syslog: main 11243 ----> 3gfunc dial state:[0] tryCnt:[0]
BTW the PPP: Start to connect ... part appears whether or not I check Use PPP, which I find odd - seems to me the option might be defunct.
boomer
Posts: 34
Joined: Sun Oct 30, 2011 4:50 pm

Re: 8900X R3: 3G modem won't connect

Post by boomer »

Ok, this is clearly a case of trash firmware, since I took a leap of faith and just loaded UK firmware 2.50a.d15 and the 3G modem now connects flawlessly. I also discovered that UPnP actually works with same firmware, which was not the case with 2.52.d14. The latter appears to be a global release which doesn't deserve its designation. There's no download site for it, nor a need for one given it doesn't perform basic functions. What garbage.
billion_fan
Posts: 5374
Joined: Tue Jul 19, 2011 4:30 pm

Re: 8900X R3: 3G modem won't connect

Post by billion_fan »

boomer wrote: Wed Mar 16, 2022 11:05 pm Ok, this is clearly a case of trash firmware, since I took a leap of faith and just loaded UK firmware 2.50a.d15 and the 3G modem now connects flawlessly. I also discovered that UPnP actually works with same firmware, which was not the case with 2.52.d14. The latter appears to be a global release which doesn't deserve its designation. There's no download site for it, nor a need for one given it doesn't perform basic functions. What garbage.
I'll check with our engineers and get back to you.
boomer
Posts: 34
Joined: Sun Oct 30, 2011 4:50 pm

Re: 8900X R3: 3G modem won't connect

Post by boomer »

Hi billion_fan. Please also let your engineers know the modem will only connect once when it's plugged in using 2.50a firmware. Once DSL is disconnected via the Disconnect button, the modem will hang during the dialup phase when reconnecting as a backup interface. Thanks for your support.

Cheers.
boomer
Posts: 34
Joined: Sun Oct 30, 2011 4:50 pm

Re: 8900X R3: 3G modem won't connect

Post by boomer »

Ok, I repeated my tests on AU firmware 2.52.d3 and I can confirm the 3G modem will now connect, disconnect and reconnect repeatedly as desired. This firmware appears to be the last release before a new codebase. I'll check with the next up 2.52.d9 and see what happens. UPnP port forwarding is unfortunately also defunct in 2.52.d3.

Cheers.

Edit: As I suspected, 3G modem functionality is broken with the new codebase in 2.52.d9. UPnP is unfortunately not functioning on this version either. I get identical results with a Huawei E176G BTW. Both modems are set in modem + PC UI mode only.
billion_fan
Posts: 5374
Joined: Tue Jul 19, 2011 4:30 pm

Re: 8900X R3: 3G modem won't connect

Post by billion_fan »

boomer wrote: Thu Mar 17, 2022 3:21 pm Ok, I repeated my tests on AU firmware 2.52.d3 and I can confirm the 3G modem will now connect, disconnect and reconnect repeatedly as desired. This firmware appears to be the last release before a new codebase. I'll check with the next up 2.52.d9 and see what happens. UPnP port forwarding is unfortunately also defunct in 2.52.d3.

Cheers.

Edit: As I suspected, 3G modem functionality is broken with the new codebase in 2.52.d9. UPnP is unfortunately not functioning on this version either. I get identical results with a Huawei E176G BTW. Both modems are set in modem + PC UI mode only.
Am I right assuming you are based in the Australia, (as I have never released firmware 2.52.d14 for the 8900XR3, the latest firmware I have is 2.52.d12 which is the official UK version, and might be suffering from the same issue)

Anyway I have requested a same firmware fix used on the other thread, once I get it you can test it, I also asked them to confirm UPNP is working correctly

For official AU firmware you will have to contact you local support team, we only support UK firmware
boomer
Posts: 34
Joined: Sun Oct 30, 2011 4:50 pm

Re: 8900X R3: 3G modem won't connect

Post by boomer »

Latest news is that I've got both the 3G modem and UPnP working on AU firmware 2.52.d1. No load balancing or other improvements on this one though. I wish firmware updates wouldn't break previously working features, especially basic ones.

Edit: Correction about the connectivity with the dongle models: The E3251 works well for the most part with firmware 2.52.d1. The E176G has problems reconnecting.
Last edited by boomer on Tue Mar 22, 2022 4:29 pm, edited 1 time in total.
boomer
Posts: 34
Joined: Sun Oct 30, 2011 4:50 pm

Re: 8900X R3: 3G modem won't connect

Post by boomer »

Both UK and AU versions of both 2.50 and 2.52 releases suffer from the same conditions that I described. The router came with 2.52.d14 pre-installed. It's the European version with a continental adapter.
boomer
Posts: 34
Joined: Sun Oct 30, 2011 4:50 pm

Re: 8900X R3: 3G modem won't connect

Post by boomer »

Well, firmware 2.52.d1 turns out to be somewhat unreliable: The 3G modem connection manager sometimes hangs during the dialup phase. I've also seen it pretend the connection is still up after hanging up the modem. My workaround is to have constant modem connection, which is less than ideal. A working firmware with a reliable connection manager would be highly appreciated. Functional UPnP port forwarding would also be a wonderful asset to have, if not an essential one.

Cheers.
boomer
Posts: 34
Joined: Sun Oct 30, 2011 4:50 pm

Re: 8900X R3: 3G modem won't connect

Post by boomer »

News: I received a reply from Billion's regional technical support after I contacted them both about the original firmware and the problems I've outlined above. They were kind enough to send me the original firmware file which I have attached. Maybe your engineers can do something with it.

Regarding the 3G modem connection and UPnP issues, the only response I received was a link to a guide about how to set up port forwarding on Bipac 89XX devices: https://www.simet.com.tr/index.cfm?fuse ... t&cid=7730. Regarding UPnP port forwarding, they obviously have no idea what I'm talking about. Needless to say, I'm not even going to begin explaining it to them, let alone expect them to provide a patched, working firmware. It's the type of regional support I've become accustomed to, generally speaking. I had contacted Billion over their global site who directed me to these clowns.

Edit: Judging by the default NTP time servers and time zone, this appears to be a global release version of the firmware. Default WAN Service settings for ATM Interface match those of AU firmware. DSL settings are slightly different. There used to be a global Billion download site which disappeared a few years back, unfortunately. Most unfortunate is also the disappearance of the AU forum.
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