Connection 4G-Xiaomiβs router modem allows you to convert mobile Internet into a full-fledged Wi-Fi network for all devices in the house, which is relevant for regions with poor wired Internet, summer cottages, temporary offices or as a backup channel. However, not all users know that Xiaomi routers (such as Mi Router) are not the same as Xiaomi. 4A Gigabit, AX3000 or AX6000) They do this, and they donβt always intuitively do it.
In this article, we will analyze all the stages of connection: from choosing a compatible modem to configuring protocols. PPPoE/DHCP And we're going to focus on the hidden settings in MiWiFi firmware that the manufacturer doesn't document, but they're critical for stable operation. If you are faced with the fact that the router βcan not seeβ the modem or the speed is lower than expected β here you will find proven solutions.
Compatibility: which 4G-Modems work with Xiaomi routers
Not everyone. USB-The modem will be suitable for the Xiaomi router:
- πΉ Support for the protocol NDIS (most modern modems) or ECM (Xiaomi routers work better with NDIS.
- πΉ List of officially supported chipsets: Qualcomm MDM9207, Huawei HiSilicon (e.g. Huawei) E3372, E8372), ZTE MF823.
- πΉ No link to the operator (detached modems) Locked up under MTS / Megaphone may not be determined.
- πΉ Food by meal USB: The modem does not need to require an additional power supply (max. 500 mA for most Xiaomis).
Among the tested models:
| modem | Chipset | Protocol | Compatibility with Xiaomi | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Huawei E3372h | HiSilicon Kirin 920 | NDIS | β Yes. | It works without drivers on AX3000 |
| ZTE MF823 | Qualcomm MDM9207 | ECM/NDIS | β Yes. | Requires manual regime change to NDIS |
| Yota Many | Qualcomm Snapdragon X5 | NDIS | β οΈ Partially. | You need to turn off auto-update modem firmware |
| Megaphone M150-2 | Huawei Balong 711 | NDIS | β Yes. | It works better on the firmware MiWiFi 3.0+ |
How to check compatibility? Connect the modem to the Xiaomi router via USB-If a section appears in the web interface (192.168.31.1) USB-modem - device recognized. If not, the modem is either not supported or requires additional settings.
2. Preparation of Xiaomi router to connect the modem
Before the physical connection of the modem, it is necessary to:
- Update the router's firmware to the latest version. Older versions of MiWiFi (up to 2.0) lack support USB-Check the current version in Settings β Status of the system.
- Reset the settings to the factory (optional), if there were previously experiments with the USB-It's going to eliminate potential conflicts.
- Connect the router to the PC via Ethernet β in case the Wi-Fi modem becomes unavailable after connecting.
Xiaomi routers have two types. USB-port:
- π USB 2.0 (Type-A) - for modems and drives (available on Mi Router) 4A Gigabit, AX3600).
- π USB 3.0 (Type-C) - only for drives (on the AX6000, AX9000). Modems cannot be connected to it!
βοΈ Preparation of the Xiaomi router
β οΈ Attention: On Xiaomi routers with MiWiFi firmware RU (Russian localization may be disabled support USB-In this case, you need to firmware the international version.
3. Step-by-step instruction for connecting the modem
When the modem and router are ready, follow the algorithm:
- Insert the modem in USB-router port (use extension cord) USB 2.0 if the modem is not physically logged in. Wait for the light to flash on the modem (usually blue/green means a successful connection to the operator's network).
- Go to the routerβs web interface at 192.168.31.1 (the default login and password is the combination indicated on the device sticker).
- Go to the Internet section β USB-If there is no partition, update the page (F5) Check the compatibility of the modem.
- Select the type of connection: πΆ Auto (recommended) β the router will determine the protocol. π§ Manual mode - specify APN, User name and password (data can be requested from the operator).
Save the settings.
Example of manual settings for MTS:
APN: internet.mts.ru
User name: mts
Password: mts
Type of authentication: PAPβ οΈ Note: If after saving the settings, the modem indicator flashes red, and the router interface appears an error βNo networkβ β check the correctness APN. Operators often change these settings without notice.
What if the router does not see the modem?
4. setting up the backup channel (failover)
One of the key benefits of connection 4G-Xiaomi modems are the ability to use it as a backup Internet, for example, if the main wired channel falls off, the router will automatically switch to the mobile network.
To set up:
- Go online. β Reserve channel.
- Enable the automatic switching option.
- Give priority: π The main channel is wired Internet (Ethernet/WAN). πΆ Reserve channel β USB-modem.
Ping-host
8.8.8.8
Important nuance: when switching to a backup channel, the local network (for example, access to the network) IP-camera NAS) To avoid this, we'll see the Local Network. β Routing: Add a static route to your subnet (e.g, 192.168.1.0/24 lockway 192.168.31.1).
π‘
The backup channel on Xiaomi works only with an active subscription to the mobile Internet. If the modem has zero rubles, the router will not be able to connect even in emergency mode.
5. Solving typical problems
Connection errors and their correction
Even with the right setup, there can be failures. Let's look at the most common ones:
| Mistake. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| USB-device not identified | Incompatible modem or lack of power | Use an externally powered hub or check the modem on another device |
| Authentication Error (691) | Wrong. APN, login/password or blocked SIM-map | Check the data with the operator or restart the modem |
| No net (modem flashes red) | Weak signal. 4G or SIM-card | Move the modem closer to the window or use the antenna MIMO |
| Low speed (less than 10 Mbps) | Overloading of the base station or operator restriction | Try to change the range (2G/3G/4G) modem-setting |
Specific MiWiFi firmware errors:
- π Code 629: Driver conflict. Solution: Reset router to factory settings.
- π Error 711 - The modem requires PUK-Unlock the code. SIM-card.
- π Connection breaks every 5 minutes β disable the option βSaving trafficβ in the modem settingsΒ».
β οΈ Attention: On Xiaomi routers AX6000 and AX9000 plug-in 4G-The modem can turn off Wi-Fi 6 (160 MHz). This is a hardware constraint - return the channel width to 80 MHz in the Wi-Fi settings. β Additionally.
6.Alternative firmware for extended modem support
If your modem is not supported by MiWiFi, you can install custom firmware with advanced drivers.
- π οΈ Padavan - Supports the majority USB-modems, including older Huawei E1550 and ZTE MF190.
- π οΈ OpenWRT is flexible but requires Linux knowledge.
- π οΈ Breed β a loader to restore the router after a failed firmware.
Instructions for installation of Padavan:
- Download the firmware for your router model from the official repository.
- Go to Settings. β Update the software and download the firmware file.
- After restarting, connect to the router at the address 192.168.123.1 (default login/password: admin/admin).
- In the section USB Application β 3G/4G manually set up the modem.
β οΈ Attention: Installing custom firmware is warranty-free and can lead to a "bricking" router. Before firmware, back up the current version through Settings β Backup.
π‘
If the modem is detected after Padavan firmware, but the Internet does not work, check the firewall settings in the Firewall section. β General Settings: Sometimes you need to manually add a rule for the interface. 3g-modem.
7. Optimization of connection speed and stability
To maximize speed 4G-Internet access via Xiaomi router, follow the tips:
- π‘ Use an external antenna. MIMO (for example, Poynting XPOL-1). Even in low signal conditions, this can increase speed by 30 to 50 percent%.
- π Turn off the autoconnection to 2G/3G In the modem settings (save only) 4G/LTE).
- π§ Set up. MTU: Internet β USB-modem β Additionally. β MTU: 1420 (the value may vary depending on the operator).
- π Enable QoS to prioritize traffic (for example, for video calls or games).
Speed test: connect to the router via cable and check the speed on Speedtest, if the result is below 50% of the declared rate by the operator, the problem is:
- π΅ Signal β Try moving the modem.
- π USB-Check at another port or hub.
- π₯οΈ Firmware β Update or install custom.
π‘
Optimal value MTU for 4G-Xiaomi modems 1420-1472 If sites open but files don't download, reduce MTU 10 units.
8 Security: How to protect your connection through 4G-modem
Mobile Internet through USB-The modem is vulnerable to a range of attacks, especially if the router is accessed from the outside:
- π Disable remote access to Settings β Remote control.
- π‘οΈ Change the standard login / password admin panel to complex (for example, through Settings) β Password).
- π Enable encryption. DNS (DNS-over-HTTPS on the Internet β DNS, specified 1.1.1.1 or 8.8.8.8.
- π Turn it off. WPS β This function is vulnerable to brute force attacks.
Additional settings for advanced users:
Disable the response to ICMP (ping) from the outside
iptables -A INPUT -p icmp --icmp-type echo-request -j DROP
Blocking connections to the adminka from the local network (only allow from 192.168.31.100)
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 80 -s ! 192.168.31.100 -j DROPThese commands are introduced through SSH (firmware Padavan/OpenWRT).
β οΈ Note: If you are using public IP (Some operators are giving them away for 4G-modems), be sure to cover the router with a firewall and turn off port forwarding for internal services.