Upgrading Mikrotik LTE modems

[meritez]

The Mikrotik LHG, SXT, LTAP and LDF use a Mini PCiE connection for the modem.
While Mikrotik offer the R11e-LTE and the LTE6 Mini PCiE modems, they have recently added support for Quectel.

Quectel modems can be found in the Chateau LTE12, LHG LTE18 and others.

To upgrade your existing Mikrotik from Mini PCiE to a newer modem, you require:
Suitable Quectel modem like the EM12G
M.2 Key B to Mini PCiE Adapter
IPX4 to IPX1 cables

RouterOS7 supports the EM12G, and as it's a CAT12 modem with 3CA support and band 32 it works well on 3 UK.

​

 

[kommando828]

Pity I have FTTP due in next few months or I would give this a try on my old LHG.

 

[meritez]

Ordered 2 more M.2 Key B to Mini PCiE adapters, I've got a Fibocom L850gl to test, it's supported by the Goldenorb Rooter firmware over at https://www.ofmodemsandmen.com/modems.html

Also seen the T99W175 on aliexpress, 5G CAT20 M.2 for around £60, hoping it'll work in RouterOS.

 

[Lucian]

Ordered 2 more M.2 Key B to Mini PCiE adapters, I've got a Fibocom L850gl to test, it's supported by the Goldenorb Rooter firmware over at https://www.ofmodemsandmen.com/modems.html

Also seen the T99W175 on aliexpress, 5G CAT20 M.2 for around £60, hoping it'll work in RouterOS.

Where did you find the T99W175 for £60?

 

[dabigm]

Where did you find the T99W175 for £60?

I would like to know this too, since the cheapest I saw had a 2 in front of that number..

 

[meritez]

Where did you find the T99W175 for £60?

116.55€ |T99W175 5G NR M.2 5G Karte SPS L83053 005 SA L83050 001 X55 5G Modem Für Hp Spectre X360 13T AW200 CABRIO PC| | - AliExpress

Smarter Shopping, Better Living! Aliexpress.com

www.aliexpress.com

 

[dabigm]

116.55€ |T99W175 5G NR M.2 5G Karte SPS L83053 005 SA L83050 001 X55 5G Modem Für Hp Spectre X360 13T AW200 CABRIO PC| | - AliExpress

Smarter Shopping, Better Living! Aliexpress.com

www.aliexpress.com

wow. I hope it's legit
edit: I wonder what "Synthetic product" means ?

 

[Lucian]

wow. I hope it's legit
edit: I wonder what "Synthetic product" means ?

I take it you already ordered it?

 

[meritez]

wow. I hope it's legit
edit: I wonder what "Synthetic product" means ?

No idea, the t99w175 has been recently added to ModemManager 1.18.0:

ModemManager/NEWS at master · freedesktop/ModemManager

Unnamed repository; edit this file to name it for gitweb. - ModemManager/NEWS at master · freedesktop/ModemManager

github.com

I'm reading that some of the t99w175 have built in esim support.

 

[The Wee Bear]

wow. I hope it's legit
edit: I wonder what "Synthetic product" means ?

It means it's a photograph of the real item, in lovely synthetic paper.
Luvvly Jubbly.

 

[The Wee Bear]

Where did you find the T99W175 for £60?

No! You don't need it!

 

[eccles]

Tempting though isn't it Lucian...

 

[meritez]

wow. I hope it's legit
edit: I wonder what "Synthetic product" means ?

Possibly means demonstration model or not for production.

 

[meritez]

M.2 Key B to Mini PCiE Adapters arrived, anyone order the T99W175?

 

[dabigm]

M.2 Key B to Mini PCiE Adapters arrived, anyone order the T99W175?

I may have ordered it

 

[Lucian]

I may have ordered it

Ok, keep us up to date, especially if it's the real deal or not!

 

[meritez]

So, maybe the EM12-G is a non-starter on 3 UK, as it only supports 2CA carrier aggregation of Band 20+32

There is no other Band 32 support for the modem:

GitHub - 4IceG/EM12-G: Quectel EM12-G is LTE Advanced category 12 module.

Quectel EM12-G is LTE Advanced category 12 module. - GitHub - 4IceG/EM12-G: Quectel EM12-G is LTE Advanced category 12 module.

github.com

Proven with a MF286d whipping it in a quick speed test.

 

[kommando828]

My mast has dropped the transmission power on band 3, I no longer get a good signal at 8 miles away so rely on 2CA 20+32 which gives me the same download as band 3 alone did before. For 2 weeks after the mast upgrade I got band 3 and 32 then lost band 3 when the power was dropped. So in short it would work for me.

 

[twocats]

Interesting, my Three mast has also dropped the power on band 3, about 6 weeks ago.

 

[meritez]

LHG upgraded with em12-g