5G/LTE Modem for RouterBoard - some experiments

RouterOS Wireless Networking
1

Hi,

I was able to get a relatively cheep 5G/LTE M2 modem and actually I’m trying to check if it will work with a Microtik Router Board.
The hardware used:

  1. Mikrotik RB912UAG-2HPnD
  2. Quectel RM500U-EA
  3. M2(NGFF) to mini-PCI-E Adapter “B” Key.

In general it is working using RouterOS v 7.13.5. The modem is visible as LTE1 interface and is connecting to the 5G network reporting NG-RAN as a Access Technology (or LTE in areas where 5G is not available).
Unfortunately the newer version of the RouterOS are not working correctly. Cellular interface is connecting for a while but then disconnecting, and connecting again.
Also the software is not presenting information about the cellular bands, there is no band steering and only RSSI is presented.

Im disappointed that new software version stops supporting the connection correctly.

Best regards
Greg

2

Maybe it is some compatibility issue with driver in latest ROS version and firmware in Quectel RM500U-EA modem. Usually for such cases MT provides firmware updates for integrated modem in their devices, since this is external modem, try to find help on Quectel forum how to update fw, maybe it will help.