WE826-T2 Router w/ MC7354 Modem - Verizon Provider but no Internet

[Hoodrat]

Hello LTE Fam,

I am having a bit of trouble here with this setup not being able to connect to the internet. I have searched the ends of the earth, read through countless articles before wanting to post this. If this post is not where it should be I apologize in advance. I am currently using my nano sim card from Verizon along with the sim card adapter. I am connected via ethernet from WE826-T2 to my Windows 10 PC. Overall the hardware setup and firmware update was a snap. Connecting via WiFi is no trouble, just need internet! Without further adieu, let's kick this off with my hardware, firmware, and service provider.

Hardware
- Router : WE826-T2 4G LTE WiFi Router
- Modem : Sierra Wireless MC7354 CAT3 4G LTE Modem

Firmware
- Current Firmware : GoldenOrb_2018-11-03

Service Provider
- Verizon

APN
- vzwinternet

I am not sure what other info you may need so here is my debug information down below.

###

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AT!GSTATUS?
!GSTATUS: 
Current Time:  4105		Temperature: 38
Bootup Time:   0		Mode:        ONLINE         
System mode:   LTE        	PS state:    Attached     
LTE band:      B4     		LTE bw:      20 MHz  
LTE Rx chan:   2050		LTE Tx chan: 19150
EMM state:     Registered     	Normal Service 
RRC state:     RRC Idle       
IMS reg state: No Srv  		
RSSI (dBm):    -78		Tx Power:    0
RSRP (dBm):    -104		TAC:         2000 (8192)
RSRQ (dB):     -8		Cell ID:     0080CE0C (8441356)
SINR (dB):     11.6
OK
AT!PCTEMP?
Temp state: Normal
Temperature: 38 degC
OK

###

If you guys need more info please let me know. I will do my best to respond back quickly.

Thanks yall!

[JimHelms]

Run the following commands:

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at!entercnd="A710"
at!gobiimpref?

And post the results.

[Hoodrat]

Hi Jim,

Thank you for your response, your help is much appreciated! Results down below.

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AT!entercnd="A710"
OK

AT!gobiimpref?
!GOBIIMPREF: 
 preferred fw version:   05.05.58.00
 preferred carrier name: GENNA-UMTS
 preferred config name:  GENNA-UMTS_005.025_002
 current fw version:     05.05.58.00
 current carrier name:   GENNA-UMTS
 current config name:    GENNA-UMTS_005.025_002

OK

###

[JimHelms]

The MC7354 is running the Generic (i.e., "GENNA-UMTS") firmware.

Check and see if GOldenOrb is passing the APN through to the modem:

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at+cgdcont?

[Hoodrat]

Thanks again for your reply Jim. It seems like it is passing through.

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AT+cgdcont?
+CGDCONT: 1,"IPV4V6","vzwinternet","0.0.0.0",0,0

OK

[JimHelms]

For whatever reason, the network has the modem in the "idle" status.

Verizon seems to be getting more picker on swapping device SIM's. Have you tried the SIM Card in another device?

[Hoodrat]

Hi Jim,

Yes, it was working before on my Pantech data card device. Do you think it would be best to update the firmware to the latest version?

[JimHelms]

I would first put the SIM Card back in the Pantech and run it pulling data. Then, reinstall it in the router and see what happens.

[Hoodrat]

Hi Jim,

No luck, works on Pantech but not on our WE826-T2.

[JimHelms]

You might try installing the Verizon firmware on the MC7354. Don't know if that will work, but you never know. These older one firmware modems can be a bit troublesome at times.

I seem to remember someone having issues with ATT with the generic firmware that was solved with the ATT firmware.

[Hoodrat]

Thank you Jim. Would you happen to know where I can find the Verizon firmware?

[JimHelms]

I would. You can download it from HERE.

[Hoodrat]

Awesome! Would I install this like I would GoldenOrb firmware?

[Hoodrat]

So I just tried updating the Verizon firmware and it seemed like it was uploading but no confirmation. After about 15 mins of scratching my head, I decided to update the GoldenOrb firmware to the latest 2019 version. No go still. I am out of gas at this point.

[JimHelms]

So I just tried updating the Verizon firmware and it seemed like it was uploading but no confirmation. After about 15 mins of scratching my head, I decided to update the GoldenOrb firmware to the latest 2019 version. No go still. I am out of gas at this point.

To update the firmware on the MC7354 you will need a USB to Mini PCI-e adapter.

Install the modem into the adapter, and plug into a USB port on a Windows PC.

Download and install the Sierra Wireless software drivers for Windows by executing the exe file.

Download and install the Sierra Wireless firmware for Verizon by executing the exe file.

Done.

[Hoodrat]

Jim as always, thank you for your help sir. Looks like I am going shopping! I will update you on our progress.

[Hoodrat]

Hello LTE Fam,

I got my new toy today (USB to Mini PCI-e adapter) and installed the MC7354 modem. I went ahead and ran the Verizon firmware .exe but received the following message down below.

FDT version: 5.0.1501.1
Checking modem mode ...

Firmware download failed.
Primary error code: 82 - Failed in checking modem mode.
Secondary error code: 5 - Neither NDIS adapter nor serial port is available.
Device error code: 0x0 - Successful.
Total time elapsed: 156 ms.
Press Enter to continue ...

Is there a software required in order to recognize these devices?

Thank you!

[JimHelms]

Yes, you will first need to download the run the Sierra Wireless Software drivers for windows.

That allows the PC to communicate with the modem.

[Hoodrat]

Jim,

Many Thanks! I finally updated the firmware on the modem but no luck. I was curious about the "LTE Band" stating "B4" from my research they say "B13" only. Curious if this would be the issue. Also, RRC state = "Idle", I was reading that this should be "active". Pretty much spiraling at this point lol.

[Hoodrat]

I am left with no choice at this point, might need to scrap the MC7354 and go with the latest model. I have no more hair to pull off of my head. xD

[JimHelms]

I am left with no choice at this point, might need to scrap the MC7354 and go with the latest model.

The MC7354 seems to work well for some carriers and applications. Other times, they seem to give issues. Was not long ago, they were not supported via GoldenOrb, and various files had to be modified.

The MC7455 (or, EM7565) seems the way to go on the WE826-T2.

I have no more hair to pull off of my head.

I understand that one. I seem to get into these type of challenges on a regular basis--with my hair thinning a little more each time.

[Hoodrat]

As always, thank you Jim. I will most likely purchase the model and update as I go. Will definitely keep you posted.

[terryjett]

@Hoodrat : My provider is not Verizon but wondering if you found a solution for the MC7354 connecting to internet?

Having similar issue and trying to troubleshoot...

[Hoodrat]

Hi Terry,

So I see you like pulling your hair out too? Haha!

Apologies for the very late reply and yes we did find a solution for this issue. I forgot to update the forum once we got it working.

We ended up scrapping the MC7354 and went with the MC7455. If I remember correctly, the MC7455 was practically a seamless install, nothing special really, just plug and play. Same firmware (goldenOrb) I believe... It's been a while since I had to build one but I am back again to build another. I forgot what I did back then so I am referring back to this thread, lol.

Hope you got it working!