NEXR5GO | EP06 | modem present; no connectivity

[BrandonDillon]

I just received a NEXR5GO from The Wireless Haven and added an EP06 to it that was previously in use in a WE826. Under Modem > Network Status I have no modem present, however it does show the modem by manufacturer and model name under Modem > Debug Information below Device Information despite AT Command Execution showing /dev/ttyUSB Can't open device /dev/ttyUSB .

This particular router doesn't have a firmware recovery mode, so that's not an option in troubleshooting. I have tried resets multiple times followed by setting the correct time zone/syncing with browser time. A user had an identical issue and made a post [url=http://wirelessjoint.com/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=2017&p=13902&hilit=modem+present+connected#p13925]here[/url] with an identical setup (NEXQ6GO-U and EC25), however their solution hasn't worked for me.

On a side note, if this router does work out to be all it's listed as then I'll be recommending them to others for sure. It's packing dual band wifi and PoE support while being significantly cheaper (and in my opinion packaged much more nicely) than the WG3526. The physical device itself feels solid; not a bunch of wasted space on the inside. You can pop the modem in with ease and the standoffs are already there so you don't have to remove the motherboard. It looks like it belongs on a proper network rack rather than hidden away. Looking at you gaudy purple graphic ZBT

[BrandonDillon]

Additional steps that I've taken since posting:

- Reflashed modem factory firmware via USB adapter & Quectel app. I did it according to the manufacturer guide and it passed the first time

- Reinstalled the modem into the previous router, a WE826 and it recognized it and works as normal

Going to install the modem back into the NEXR5GO and continue troubleshooting

[Didneywhorl]

I know its limited, but just in case. tell me which firmware version is on your unit. List at the bottom right of most screens on the WebUI.

[BrandonDillon]

GO 2020 06 09

I believe that’s the same firmware that it shipped with too

[Didneywhorl]

I've replicated the issue. Oddly, I can SSH in and give it commands, and set it to do just about anything directly, but the UI refuses to recognize it.

I'll keep hammering away at this.

[BrandonDillon]

Thanks for taking a look I'll monitor the thread

[Didneywhorl]

Thanks for taking a look I'll monitor the thread

"I" figured it out, via Jim helms suggestion , you have to downgrade the firmware on the EP06 to an older version. For whatever reason Quectel has changed the way their firmware is recognized on the USB bus. The WG3526P and the NEXQ6GO has been updated to reflect this, I guess this routers firmware hasnt been updated for that change.

Basically the modem sets itself on a different bus, but the actual bus is ttyUSB2. The router simply doesnt want to see it, even though it actually does see it. Oddest thing. I have to learn more about how these firmwares work.

I went back to version A03, I'm going to try version A07. I had version A08, which is the newest.

[BrandonDillon]

Well done thank you to you and Jim both. I'm currently looking for older firmware to give this a try. If you (or anyone) has a source to download the firmware I'd be grateful.

Also, is there a different procedure to downgrade the firmware on this modem, or does it work the same as an upgrade?

[Didneywhorl]

An alternative fix Ive tested.

The same as here: http://wirelessjoint.com/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=1085&p=7330&hilit=custom+modem+ports#p7330


Set the Modem--> Custom Modem Ports, as such:

NEXR5GOCustomModemPorts.png

then click Save and Apply

Then you have to putty into the router, login with root and your password and use:

Code: Select all

picocom /dev/ttyUSB2

...to get into serial comm with the AT port.

Then change the modem to MBIM mode:

Code: Select all

AT+QCFG="usbnet",2

then reset the modem:

Code: Select all

AT+CFUN=1,1

You should get "OK" after each command.


Your modem should come back and be recognized. I did this with version A07, which did not work just like version A08.

[Didneywhorl]

Well done thank you to you and Jim both. I'm currently looking for older firmware to give this a try. If you (or anyone) has a source to download the firmware I'd be grateful.

Also, is there a different procedure to downgrade the firmware on this modem, or does it work the same as an upgrade?

Check above, it may not be needed.

[Didneywhorl]

Well done thank you to you and Jim both. I'm currently looking for older firmware to give this a try. If you (or anyone) has a source to download the firmware I'd be grateful.

Also, is there a different procedure to downgrade the firmware on this modem, or does it work the same as an upgrade?

I can get you the versions, and the upgrade and downgrade are the same, its just flashing firmware; of any version you choose.

[BrandonDillon]

Going to give this a try in the AM and report back. Thank you for tackling that so quickly.

[BrandonDillon]

Alright I've made some progress. I implemented the changes via PuTTy and have modem recognition under Network Status (and can see AT commands being executed), however it's stuck connecting and under the AT command console I'm getting Can't open device /dev/ttyUSB over and over. After submitting those changes I rebooted the router and configured the basic settings (time zone/location/APN/TTL etc).

Does everything look as it should in PuTTy?

Not sure where to go from here.

[Didneywhorl]

Did you add the custom modem ports? use ttyUSB2, then reboot

[BrandonDillon]

I did. Also I misspoke on the error, it's repeating this over and over in AT command log:

Wed Nov 18 11:52:14 2020 : /dev/ttyUSB2 AT+CPMS="SM"
ERROR

Wed Nov 18 11:52:34 2020 : /dev/ttyUSB2 AT+CPMS="SM"
ERROR

Wed Nov 18 11:52:55 2020 : /dev/ttyUSB2 AT+CPMS="SM"
ERROR

Wed Nov 18 11:53:15 2020 : /dev/ttyUSB2 AT+CPMS="SM"
ERROR

Custom modem ports

[BrandonDillon]

By the way, I have an EM20-G that tracking says should arrive today. Should I expect the same behavior from that modem being that it's the same manufacturer?

[BrandonDillon]

Received the EM20-G, completely forgot it's M.2 and not PCIE so I'll be ordering an adapter from The Wireless Haven tonight.

With the EM20-G inside of the enclosure, I plugged it into the USB port of the NEXR5GO and have recognition of the EM20. It causes the router to stop listing the EP06 via the GUI, but it does still show it below Device Information within Modem > Debug Information, see below:

Code: Select all

Modem Debug Information

AT-Command Execution
AT+CNUM
ERROR
AT+CPBR=?
TIMEOUT ERROR
  
Wed Nov 18 15:10:50 2020 : /dev/ttyUSB2 AT+CGMI
Quectel
OK
  
Wed Nov 18 15:10:51 2020 : /dev/ttyUSB2 AT+CGMM
EM20
OK
  
Wed Nov 18 15:10:52 2020 : /dev/ttyUSB2 AT+CGSN
86450**********
OK
  
Wed Nov 18 15:10:54 2020 : /dev/ttyUSB2 AT+QCFG="nwscanmode"
+QCFG: "nwscanmode",0
OK
  
Wed Nov 18 15:10:55 2020 : /dev/ttyUSB2 AT+CIMI
ERROR
  
Wed Nov 18 15:10:57 2020 : /dev/ttyUSB2 AT+CRSM=176,12258,0,0,10
+CME ERROR: 100
  
Wed Nov 18 15:11:11 2020 : /dev/ttyUSB2 AT+CMGS=?;+CMGL=?;+CMGR=?
+CME ERROR: 14
  
Wed Nov 18 15:11:13 2020 : /dev/ttyUSB2 AT+QINDCFG="all",1
OK
  
Wed Nov 18 15:11:14 2020 : /dev/ttyUSB2 AT+COPS=3,2;+COPS?
ERROR
  
Wed Nov 18 15:11:15 2020 : /dev/ttyUSB2 AT+COPS=0
ERROR
  
Wed Nov 18 15:11:16 2020 : /dev/ttyUSB2 AT+CGDCONT=?
+CGDCONT: (1-42),"IP",,,(0-3),(0-4),(0-1),(0-1)
+CGDCONT: (1-42),"PPP",,,(0-3),(0-4),(0-1),(0-1)
+CGDCONT: (1-42),"IPV6",,,(0-3),(0-4),(0-1),(0-1)
+CGDCONT: (1-42),"IPV4V6",,,(0-3),(0-4),(0-1),(0-1)
OK
  
Wed Nov 18 15:11:18 2020 : /dev/ttyUSB2 AT+CGDCONT?;+CFUN?
ERROR
  
Wed Nov 18 15:11:21 2020 : /dev/ttyUSB2 AT+CGDCONT=1,"IPV4V6","tracfone.vzwentp";+CFUN=0;+CFUN=1
ERROR


Device Information
T: Bus=01 Lev=00 Prnt=00 Port=00 Cnt=00 Dev#= 1 Spd=480 MxCh= 1	
B: Alloc= 0/800 us ( 0%), #Int= 3, #Iso= 0	
D: Ver= 2.00 Cls=09(hub ) Sub=00 Prot=01 MxPS=64 #Cfgs= 1	
P: Vendor=1d6b ProdID=0002 Rev= 4.09	
S: Manufacturer=Linux 4.9.211 ehci_hcd	
S: Product=EHCI Host Controller	
S: SerialNumber=ehci-platform	
C:* #Ifs= 1 Cfg#= 1 Atr=e0 MxPwr= 0mA	
I:* If#= 0 Alt= 0 #EPs= 1 Cls=09(hub ) Sub=00 Prot=00 Driver=hub	
E: Ad=81(I) Atr=03(Int.) MxPS= 4 Ivl=256ms	
********************************************************************************************************	
T: Bus=01 Lev=01 Prnt=01 Port=00 Cnt=01 Dev#= 2 Spd=480 MxCh= 4	
D: Ver= 2.00 Cls=09(hub ) Sub=00 Prot=01 MxPS=64 #Cfgs= 1	
P: Vendor=058f ProdID=6254 Rev= 1.00	
C:* #Ifs= 1 Cfg#= 1 Atr=e0 MxPwr=100mA	
I:* If#= 0 Alt= 0 #EPs= 1 Cls=09(hub ) Sub=00 Prot=00 Driver=hub	
E: Ad=81(I) Atr=03(Int.) MxPS= 1 Ivl=256ms	
********************************************************************************************************	
T: Bus=01 Lev=02 Prnt=02 Port=01 Cnt=01 Dev#= 3 Spd=480 MxCh= 0	
D: Ver= 2.10 Cls=ef(misc ) Sub=02 Prot=01 MxPS=64 #Cfgs= 1	
P: Vendor=2c7c ProdID=0620 Rev= 4.09	
S: Manufacturer=Quectel	
S: Product=EM20-G	
S: SerialNumber=74******	
C:* #Ifs= 5 Cfg#= 1 Atr=a0 MxPwr=500mA	
I:* If#= 0 Alt= 0 #EPs= 2 Cls=ff(vend.) Sub=ff Prot=30 Driver=option	
E: Ad=81(I) Atr=02(Bulk) MxPS= 512 Ivl=0ms	
E: Ad=01(O) Atr=02(Bulk) MxPS= 512 Ivl=0ms	
I:* If#= 1 Alt= 0 #EPs= 3 Cls=ff(vend.) Sub=00 Prot=00 Driver=option	
E: Ad=83(I) Atr=03(Int.) MxPS= 10 Ivl=32ms	
E: Ad=82(I) Atr=02(Bulk) MxPS= 512 Ivl=0ms	
E: Ad=02(O) Atr=02(Bulk) MxPS= 512 Ivl=0ms	
I:* If#= 2 Alt= 0 #EPs= 3 Cls=ff(vend.) Sub=00 Prot=00 Driver=option	
E: Ad=85(I) Atr=03(Int.) MxPS= 10 Ivl=32ms	
E: Ad=84(I) Atr=02(Bulk) MxPS= 512 Ivl=0ms	
E: Ad=03(O) Atr=02(Bulk) MxPS= 512 Ivl=0ms	
I:* If#= 3 Alt= 0 #EPs= 3 Cls=ff(vend.) Sub=00 Prot=00 Driver=option	
E: Ad=87(I) Atr=03(Int.) MxPS= 10 Ivl=32ms	
E: Ad=86(I) Atr=02(Bulk) MxPS= 512 Ivl=0ms	
E: Ad=04(O) Atr=02(Bulk) MxPS= 512 Ivl=0ms	
I:* If#= 4 Alt= 0 #EPs= 3 Cls=ff(vend.) Sub=ff Prot=ff Driver=qmi_wwan	
E: Ad=88(I) Atr=03(Int.) MxPS= 8 Ivl=32ms	
E: Ad=8e(I) Atr=02(Bulk) MxPS= 512 Ivl=0ms	
E: Ad=0f(O) Atr=02(Bulk) MxPS= 512 Ivl=0ms	
********************************************************************************************************	
T: Bus=01 Lev=02 Prnt=02 Port=02 Cnt=02 Dev#= 4 Spd=480 MxCh= 0	
D: Ver= 2.00 Cls=00(>ifc ) Sub=00 Prot=00 MxPS=64 #Cfgs= 1	
P: Vendor=05e3 ProdID=0723 Rev=94.51	
S: Manufacturer=Generic	
S: Product=USB Storage	
C:* #Ifs= 1 Cfg#= 1 Atr=80 MxPwr=500mA	
I:* If#= 0 Alt= 0 #EPs= 2 Cls=08(stor.) Sub=06 Prot=50 Driver=usb-storage	
E: Ad=81(I) Atr=02(Bulk) MxPS= 512 Ivl=0ms	
E: Ad=02(O) Atr=02(Bulk) MxPS= 512 Ivl=0ms	
********************************************************************************************************	
T: Bus=01 Lev=02 Prnt=02 Port=03 Cnt=03 Dev#= 6 Spd=480 MxCh= 0	
D: Ver= 2.00 Cls=ef(misc ) Sub=02 Prot=01 MxPS=64 #Cfgs= 1	
P: Vendor=2c7c ProdID=0306 Rev= 3.10	
S: Manufacturer=Quectel	
S: Product=EP06-A	
S: SerialNumber=01**************	
C:* #Ifs= 6 Cfg#= 1 Atr=a0 MxPwr=500mA	
A: FirstIf#= 4 IfCount= 2 Cls=02(comm.) Sub=0e Prot=00	
I:* If#= 0 Alt= 0 #EPs= 2 Cls=ff(vend.) Sub=ff Prot=ff Driver=option	
E: Ad=81(I) Atr=02(Bulk) MxPS= 512 Ivl=0ms	
E: Ad=01(O) Atr=02(Bulk) MxPS= 512 Ivl=0ms	
I:* If#= 1 Alt= 0 #EPs= 3 Cls=ff(vend.) Sub=00 Prot=00 Driver=option	
E: Ad=83(I) Atr=03(Int.) MxPS= 10 Ivl=32ms	
E: Ad=82(I) Atr=02(Bulk) MxPS= 512 Ivl=0ms	
E: Ad=02(O) Atr=02(Bulk) MxPS= 512 Ivl=0ms	
I:* If#= 2 Alt= 0 #EPs= 3 Cls=ff(vend.) Sub=00 Prot=00 Driver=option	
E: Ad=85(I) Atr=03(Int.) MxPS= 10 Ivl=32ms	
E: Ad=84(I) Atr=02(Bulk) MxPS= 512 Ivl=0ms	
E: Ad=03(O) Atr=02(Bulk) MxPS= 512 Ivl=0ms	
I:* If#= 3 Alt= 0 #EPs= 3 Cls=ff(vend.) Sub=00 Prot=00 Driver=option	
E: Ad=87(I) Atr=03(Int.) MxPS= 10 Ivl=32ms	
E: Ad=86(I) Atr=02(Bulk) MxPS= 512 Ivl=0ms	
E: Ad=04(O) Atr=02(Bulk) MxPS= 512 Ivl=0ms	
I:* If#= 4 Alt= 0 #EPs= 1 Cls=02(comm.) Sub=0e Prot=00 Driver=cdc_mbim	
E: Ad=89(I) Atr=03(Int.) MxPS= 64 Ivl=32ms	
I: If#= 5 Alt= 0 #EPs= 0 Cls=0a(data ) Sub=00 Prot=02 Driver=cdc_mbim	
I:* If#= 5 Alt= 1 #EPs= 2 Cls=0a(data ) Sub=00 Prot=02 Driver=cdc_mbim	
E: Ad=88(I) Atr=02(Bulk) MxPS= 512 Ivl=0ms	
E: Ad=05(O) Atr=02(Bulk) MxPS= 512 Ivl=0ms	


Powered by LuCI openwrt-18.06 branch (git-20.029.49294-41e2258) / GoldenOrb_2020-06-09

I don't intend to keep two modems in this particular setup, just the EP06-A, but I know others have successfully had two working together so I wanted to give it a try while I have the hardware on hand to do it. Going to disconnect the EM20 from the front for now and continue trying to get the EP06 working.

[Didneywhorl]

I think the EM20 is likely taking over the ttyUSB2 port.

Here is a link to the older firmware. Try that for the EP06: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1tGEC1O ... sp=sharing

[BrandonDillon]

I downgraded the firmware, however I'm getting +CME ERROR: 3 / 100 / 14

Full log:

Code: Select all

AT+CNUM
ERROR
AT+CPBR=?
+CME ERROR: 100
  
Wed Nov 18 15:41:44 2020 : /dev/ttyUSB2 AT+CGMI
Quectel
OK
  
Wed Nov 18 15:41:45 2020 : /dev/ttyUSB2 AT+CGMM
EP06
OK
  
Wed Nov 18 15:41:46 2020 : /dev/ttyUSB2 AT+CGSN
[ imei ]
OK
  
Wed Nov 18 15:41:48 2020 : /dev/ttyUSB2 AT+QCFG="nwscanmode"
+QCFG: "nwscanmode",3
OK
  
Wed Nov 18 15:41:49 2020 : /dev/ttyUSB2 AT+CIMI
+CME ERROR: 3
  
Wed Nov 18 15:41:51 2020 : /dev/ttyUSB2 AT+CRSM=176,12258,0,0,10
+CME ERROR: 100
  
Wed Nov 18 15:42:05 2020 : /dev/ttyUSB2 AT+CMGS=?;+CMGL=?;+CMGR=?
+CME ERROR: 14
  
Wed Nov 18 15:42:07 2020 : /dev/ttyUSB2 AT+QINDCFG="all",1
OK
  
Wed Nov 18 15:42:08 2020 : /dev/ttyUSB2 AT+COPS=3,2;+COPS?
+COPS: 0
OK
  
Wed Nov 18 15:42:10 2020 : /dev/ttyUSB2 AT+CGDCONT=?
+CGDCONT: (1-24),"IP",,,(0-3),(0-4),(0-1),(0-1)
+CGDCONT: (1-24),"PPP",,,(0-3),(0-4),(0-1),(0-1)
+CGDCONT: (1-24),"IPV6",,,(0-3),(0-4),(0-1),(0-1)
+CGDCONT: (1-24),"IPV4V6",,,(0-3),(0-4),(0-1),(0-1)
OK
  
Wed Nov 18 15:42:11 2020 : /dev/ttyUSB2 AT+CGDCONT?;+CFUN?
+CGDCONT: 1,"IPV4V6","tracfone.vzwentp","0.0.0.0.0.0.0.0.0.0.0.0.0.0.0.0",0,0,0,0
+CGDCONT: 2,"IPV4V6","ims","0.0.0.0.0.0.0.0.0.0.0.0.0.0.0.0",0,0,0,0
+CGDCONT: 3,"IPV4V6","sos","0.0.0.0.0.0.0.0.0.0.0.0.0.0.0.0",0,0,0,1
+CFUN: 1
OK

[BrandonDillon]

Well I solved the issue.. SIM card upside down. I checked the three CME errors and noticed they are all related to the SIM card and also saw this post from yesterday which is an identical router throwing identical errors.

To clarify, the SIM card contacts (gold side) need to be facing down.

Thank you Didney for getting the original issue resolved. Going to put this router through its paces and see how it compares to the WG3526-P now.

[Didneywhorl]

Dang SIM cards!

[BrandonDillon]

I believe I was mistaken before when previously I said that I put the SIM card in upside down. It started working and I had assumed that was where I made a mistake, however you can't click the SIM into place upside down so I'm doubtful now. I had to use that SIM card for a couple days for my own router and when I put it back in the NEXR5GO it's right back to behaving how it was prior; getting CME errors 3, 100, and 14.

I retraced all the same steps as before. I've got two EP06-A both downgraded to the same firmware you provided via QFlash. Both modems and the SIM card work in different enclosures (USB and a WE826). The same SIM card works in two other routers and is able to receive calls/texts/use data when inserted into an iPhone. There's been no change in behavior in any of the troubleshooting.

Also, if I have an EM20-G in a USB enclosure. If I plug that into the front USB port of the NEXR5GO it works every time. I just can't get the onboard modem working again, but the modems will work in other routers. I'm not really sure what to do from here as everything points back to the router being at fault.

[BrandonDillon]

So it's definitely the router. I plugged the EP06 into USB adapter (with SIM), connected that into USB extender, and connected the other end into the front of the NEXR5GO and connected antennas. It booted up and worked as it should immediately, so it looks as though this issue only occurs when connecting the modem via the onboard mPCIE.



Since it worked that one time (and kept working until I disconnected), I'm wondering if it's some kind of timing issue within the firmware. The one time it did work I was switching between having two different modems connected.

[Didneywhorl]

I'm going to grab a new setup and I'll write up a surefire way to get it working, even after reboots. The EP06 seems to have a history of recognition issues with firmware based on openWRT

[BrandonDillon]

Thanks Didney

The EP06 has been a favorite of mine for customer installs, but I've noticed that they occasionally don't jive well with Verizon at first. Once I've gotten them working it's great, but about every 1 out of 4 EP06 don't want to connect to VZW straight away, but the same ones will immediately connect to other services.

[Didneywhorl]

Funny enough. I placed a new EP06 in my unit, after resetting the settings back to factory, and it works. So I downloaded a settings file. Try loading this to see if it works.

To be clear, your modem is just not being recognized in the router when using the mini pcie slot, correct?

NEXR5GO settings:

backup-WiFiX-2020-11-30-GoldenOrb_2020-06-09.tar.gz

NEXR5GO_EP06_Working.png

[Didneywhorl]

WebUI login pw is "internet"

[BrandonDillon]

After the restore the EP06 isn't recognized; shows no modem present under Network Status. The only place it comes up is under Debug Information below the AT command box. Whenever I directly install the EM20 it is recognized however I get the same three CME errors 3/100/14.

Also this is a different EP06 than the one I was previously using in this. I pulled one from a working router for testing. Not sure which version of the firmware that this one is running but I'll check and update.

[BillA]

I helped two other users set up their router/service, and it worked perfectly with two separate EP06-A modems.
Not sure which modem firmware version they had, nonetheless it worked without a hitch.
I'll report back in case I encounter a bad apple.

[Didneywhorl]

The fact that it shows in debug tells me the router just isn't giving it the ports needed to act appropriately. I have noticed on the whirlpool forums that the rooter firmware base has had a history of recognition issues with the EP/EM06 modems. All fixed with port setup commands.

I was able to downgrade the firmware on one I was having issues with and that worked, I was also able to assign ttyUSB2 ports and use the newest firmware (A08). I think its oddly random at this point.

The router firmware can use the modem, that was proven when BrandonDillon plugged it into the front USB port. It just is refusing to auto setup the AT ports when using the minipcie slot. So odd.

[toddw]

Check above, it may not be needed.

Thanks for this. I was all set to apply your fix, as I ordered two NEXR5GO's and EP06A's. But the first set I assembled worked out of the box with the 6-9 release. THe build quality on this thing is top notch. I can't wait to see how it peforms.

[Didneywhorl]

Thanks for this. I was all set to apply your fix, as I ordered two NEXR5GO's and EP06A's. But the first set I assembled worked out of the box with the 6-9 release. THe build quality on this thing is top notch. I can't wait to see how it peforms.

Let us know for sure!