Sierra MC7430 4g LTE-A mini-PCI-e Modem PPP issues

RouterOS General
1

Hi All,

I have been able to get my hands on a Sierra MC7430 4g LTE-A mini-PCI-e Modem and make it detectable in a RB953GS.
It seems LTE is not supported at this time, so PPP it is. (bring on ROS V7)

Issue:
When the PPP connection is configured and enabled, it successfully connects and receives an IP from the Telco.
5 seconds after the successful connection with the telco, the PPP interface disconnects for approximately 1 second then reconnects – a connect/disconnect process then repeats.

Note: While the PPP interface is connected I can ping sites such as Google DNS (8.8.8.8) and resolve DNS.

Could somebody please help shed some light on what could be causing the PPP interface to disconnect?
Or, is it a modem config I am missing?

The modem appears to be successfully connected, routes are created and the PPP ‘looks’ fine to me… (not a PPP negotiation expert here)

Log
Note: IP addressed below are dynamic address from the telco (Telstra)

---------- start ----------
Jan/02/1970 01:34:12 async,ppp,info ppp-out1: initializing...
Jan/02/1970 01:34:12 async,ppp,info ppp-out1: reseting link...
Jan/02/1970 01:34:13 async,debug usb2:2: sent ATH
Jan/02/1970 01:34:13 async,debug usb2:2: rcvd OK
Jan/02/1970 01:34:13 async,ppp,info ppp-out1: initializing modem...
Jan/02/1970 01:34:14 async,ppp,info ppp-out1: dialing out...
Jan/02/1970 01:34:14 async,debug usb2:2: sent AT+CGDCONT=1,"IP","telstra.internet"
Jan/02/1970 01:34:14 async,debug usb2:2: rcvd OK
Jan/02/1970 01:34:14 async,debug usb2:2: sent ATDT*99***1#
Jan/02/1970 01:34:14 async,debug usb2:2: rcvd CONNECT 150000000
Jan/02/1970 01:34:14 async,ppp,debug ppp-out1: LCP lowerup
Jan/02/1970 01:34:14 async,ppp,debug,packet  ppp-out1: sent LCP ConfReq id=0x2
Jan/02/1970 01:34:14 async,ppp,debug,packet    <magic 0x29df159b>
Jan/02/1970 01:34:14 async,ppp,debug,packet    <pcomp>
Jan/02/1970 01:34:14 async,ppp,debug,packet    <accomp>
Jan/02/1970 01:34:14 async,ppp,debug ppp-out1: LCP open
Jan/02/1970 01:34:14 async,ppp,debug,packet  ppp-out1: rcvd LCP ConfReq id=0xbb
Jan/02/1970 01:34:14 async,ppp,debug,packet    <asyncmap 0x0>
Jan/02/1970 01:34:14 async,ppp,debug,packet    <magic 0x229a052>
Jan/02/1970 01:34:14 async,ppp,debug,packet    <pcomp>
Jan/02/1970 01:34:14 async,ppp,debug,packet    <accomp>
Jan/02/1970 01:34:14 async,ppp,debug,packet    <auth  chap>
Jan/02/1970 01:34:14 async,ppp,debug,packet  ppp-out1: sent LCP ConfAck id=0xbb
Jan/02/1970 01:34:14 async,ppp,debug,packet    <asyncmap 0x0>
Jan/02/1970 01:34:14 async,ppp,debug,packet    <magic 0x229a052>
Jan/02/1970 01:34:14 async,ppp,debug,packet    <pcomp>
Jan/02/1970 01:34:14 async,ppp,debug,packet    <accomp>
Jan/02/1970 01:34:14 async,ppp,debug,packet    <auth  chap>
Jan/02/1970 01:34:14 async,ppp,debug,packet  ppp-out1: rcvd LCP ConfAck id=0x2
Jan/02/1970 01:34:14 async,ppp,debug,packet    <magic 0x29df159b>
Jan/02/1970 01:34:14 async,ppp,debug,packet    <pcomp>
Jan/02/1970 01:34:14 async,ppp,debug,packet    <accomp>
Jan/02/1970 01:34:14 async,ppp,debug ppp-out1: LCP opened
Jan/02/1970 01:34:14 async,ppp,debug,packet  ppp-out1: rcvd LCP DiscReq id=0xbc
Jan/02/1970 01:34:14 async,ppp,debug,packet     <magic 0x229a052>
Jan/02/1970 01:34:14 async,ppp,debug,packet  ppp-out1: rcvd CHAP Challenge id=0x1
Jan/02/1970 01:34:14 async,ppp,debug,packet     <challenge len=16>
Jan/02/1970 01:34:14 async,ppp,debug,packet     <name UMTS_CHAP_SRVR>
Jan/02/1970 01:34:14 async,ppp,debug,packet  ppp-out1: sent CHAP Response id=0x1
Jan/02/1970 01:34:14 async,ppp,debug,packet     <response len=16>
Jan/02/1970 01:34:14 async,ppp,debug,packet  ppp-out1: rcvd CHAP Success id=0x1
Jan/02/1970 01:34:14 async,ppp,info ppp-out1: authenticated
Jan/02/1970 01:34:14 async,ppp,debug ppp-out1: IPCP lowerup
Jan/02/1970 01:34:14 async,ppp,debug,packet  ppp-out1: sent IPCP ConfReq id=0x3
Jan/02/1970 01:34:14 async,ppp,debug,packet     <addr 0.0.0.0>
Jan/02/1970 01:34:14 async,ppp,debug,packet     <ms-dns 0.0.0.0>
Jan/02/1970 01:34:14 async,ppp,debug,packet     <ms-dns 0.0.0.0>
Jan/02/1970 01:34:14 async,ppp,debug ppp-out1: IPCP open
Jan/02/1970 01:34:14 async,ppp,debug ppp-out1: IPV6CP open
Jan/02/1970 01:34:14 async,ppp,debug ppp-out1: MPLSCP lowerup
Jan/02/1970 01:34:14 async,ppp,debug,packet  ppp-out1: sent MPLSCP ConfReq id=0x2
Jan/02/1970 01:34:14 async,ppp,debug ppp-out1: MPLSCP open
Jan/02/1970 01:34:14 async,ppp,debug ppp-out1: BCP open
Jan/02/1970 01:34:14 async,ppp,debug ppp-out1: CCP lowerup
Jan/02/1970 01:34:14 async,ppp,debug ppp-out1: CCP open
Jan/02/1970 01:34:14 async,ppp,debug,packet  ppp-out1: rcvd LCP ProtRej id=0xbd
Jan/02/1970 01:34:14 async,ppp,debug,packet      82 81 01 02 00 04
Jan/02/1970 01:34:14 async,ppp,debug,packet  ppp-out1: rcvd IPCP ConfReq id=0x8
Jan/02/1970 01:34:14 async,ppp,debug,packet  ppp-out1: sent IPCP ConfNak id=0x8
Jan/02/1970 01:34:14 async,ppp,debug,packet     <addr 0.0.0.0>
Jan/02/1970 01:34:14 async,ppp,debug,packet  ppp-out1: rcvd IPCP ConfNak id=0x3
Jan/02/1970 01:34:14 async,ppp,debug,packet     <addr 22.230.114.53>
Jan/02/1970 01:34:14 async,ppp,debug,packet     <ms-dns 10.4.27.70>
Jan/02/1970 01:34:14 async,ppp,debug,packet     <ms-dns 10.4.58.204>
Jan/02/1970 01:34:14 async,ppp,debug,packet  ppp-out1: sent IPCP ConfReq id=0x4
Jan/02/1970 01:34:14 async,ppp,debug,packet     <addr 22.230.114.53>
Jan/02/1970 01:34:14 async,ppp,debug,packet     <ms-dns 10.4.27.70>
Jan/02/1970 01:34:14 async,ppp,debug,packet     <ms-dns 10.4.58.204>
Jan/02/1970 01:34:14 async,ppp,debug,packet  ppp-out1: rcvd IPCP ConfReq id=0x9
Jan/02/1970 01:34:14 async,ppp,debug,packet  ppp-out1: sent IPCP ConfAck id=0x9
Jan/02/1970 01:34:14 async,ppp,debug,packet  ppp-out1: rcvd IPCP ConfAck id=0x4
Jan/02/1970 01:34:14 async,ppp,debug,packet     <addr 22.230.114.53>
Jan/02/1970 01:34:14 async,ppp,debug,packet     <ms-dns 10.4.27.70>
Jan/02/1970 01:34:14 async,ppp,debug,packet     <ms-dns 10.4.58.204>
Jan/02/1970 01:34:14 async,ppp,debug ppp-out1: IPCP opened
Jan/02/1970 01:34:14 async,ppp,info ppp-out1: could not determine remote address, using 10.112.112.144
Jan/02/1970 01:34:14 async,ppp,info ppp-out1: connected
Jan/02/1970 01:34:14 system,info item added
Jan/02/1970 01:34:14 system,info item added
Jan/02/1970 01:34:14 route,debug,event Interface change
Jan/02/1970 01:34:14 route,debug,event     interface=ppp-out1
Jan/02/1970 01:34:14 route,debug,event     status=UP,RUNNING
Jan/02/1970 01:34:14 route,debug,event     mtu=1500
Jan/02/1970 01:34:14 route,debug,event Interface change
Jan/02/1970 01:34:14 route,debug,event     interface=ppp-out1
Jan/02/1970 01:34:14 route,debug,event     status=UP,RUNNING
Jan/02/1970 01:34:14 route,debug,event     mtu=1500
Jan/02/1970 01:34:14 route,debug,calc Begin calculation
Jan/02/1970 01:34:14 route,debug,event Link up
Jan/02/1970 01:34:14 route,debug,event     interface=ppp-out1
Jan/02/1970 01:34:14 route,debug,event Update
Jan/02/1970 01:34:14 route,debug,event     interface=ppp-out1
Jan/02/1970 01:34:14 route,debug,event Added candidate route
Jan/02/1970 01:34:14 route,debug,event     dst-prefix=0.0.0.0/0
Jan/02/1970 01:34:14 route,debug,event     attributes
Jan/02/1970 01:34:14 route,debug,event         protocol=DYNAMIC
Jan/02/1970 01:34:14 route,debug,event         distance=0
Jan/02/1970 01:34:14 route,debug,event         scope=30
Jan/02/1970 01:34:14 route,debug,event         target-scope=10
Jan/02/1970 01:34:14 route,debug,event         next-hop= address=10.112.112.144
Jan/02/1970 01:34:14 route,debug,event         origin-type=DYNAMIC
Jan/02/1970 01:34:14 route,debug,calc End calculation
Jan/02/1970 01:34:14 route,debug Begin redistribution
Jan/02/1970 01:34:14 route,debug Accept  0.0.0.0/0
Jan/02/1970 01:34:14 route,debug Commit prefix 0.0.0.0/0
Jan/02/1970 01:34:14 route,debug End redistribution
Jan/02/1970 01:34:14 route,debug,calc Begin calculation
Jan/02/1970 01:34:14 route,debug,event Address added or changed
Jan/02/1970 01:34:14 route,debug,event     local=22.230.114.53
Jan/02/1970 01:34:14 route,debug,event     network=10.112.112.144/32
Jan/02/1970 01:34:14 route,debug,event     interface=ppp-out1
Jan/02/1970 01:34:14 route,debug,event Added candidate route
Jan/02/1970 01:34:14 route,debug,event     dst-prefix=10.112.112.144/32
Jan/02/1970 01:34:14 route,debug,event     attributes
Jan/02/1970 01:34:14 route,debug,event         protocol=CONNECT
Jan/02/1970 01:34:14 route,debug,event         distance=0
Jan/02/1970 01:34:14 route,debug,event         scope=10
Jan/02/1970 01:34:14 route,debug,event         target-scope=0
Jan/02/1970 01:34:14 route,debug,event         connected-net= address=22.230.114.53/32 interface=ppp-out1
Jan/02/1970 01:34:14 route,debug,event         routing-mark=main
Jan/02/1970 01:34:14 route,debug,event         table=main
Jan/02/1970 01:34:14 route,debug,event         origin-type=CONNECTED
Jan/02/1970 01:34:14 route,debug,calc Tag next hop for recalculation
Jan/02/1970 01:34:14 route,debug,calc     address=10.112.112.144
Jan/02/1970 01:34:14 route,debug,calc Select route
Jan/02/1970 01:34:14 route,debug,calc     dst-address=10.112.112.144/32
Jan/02/1970 01:34:14 route,debug,calc     attributes
Jan/02/1970 01:34:14 route,debug,calc         protocol=CONNECT
Jan/02/1970 01:34:14 route,debug,calc         distance=0
Jan/02/1970 01:34:14 route,debug,calc         scope=10
Jan/02/1970 01:34:14 route,debug,calc         target-scope=0
Jan/02/1970 01:34:14 route,debug,calc         connected-net= address=22.230.114.53/32 interface=ppp-out1
Jan/02/1970 01:34:14 route,debug,calc         routing-mark=main
Jan/02/1970 01:34:14 route,debug,calc         table=main
Jan/02/1970 01:34:14 route,debug,calc         origin-type=CONNECTED
Jan/02/1970 01:34:14 route,debug,calc Next hop resolved
Jan/02/1970 01:34:14 route,debug,calc     address=10.112.112.144
Jan/02/1970 01:34:14 route,debug,calc     route=10.112.112.144/32
Jan/02/1970 01:34:14 route,debug,calc     immediate-address=10.112.112.144
Jan/02/1970 01:34:14 route,debug,calc     interface=ppp-out1
Jan/02/1970 01:34:14 route,debug,calc Select route
Jan/02/1970 01:34:14 route,debug,calc     dst-address=0.0.0.0/0
Jan/02/1970 01:34:14 route,debug,calc     attributes
Jan/02/1970 01:34:14 route,debug,calc         protocol=DYNAMIC
Jan/02/1970 01:34:14 route,debug,calc         distance=0
Jan/02/1970 01:34:14 route,debug,calc         scope=30
Jan/02/1970 01:34:14 route,debug,calc         target-scope=10
Jan/02/1970 01:34:14 route,debug,calc         next-hop= address=10.112.112.144
Jan/02/1970 01:34:14 route,debug,calc         origin-type=DYNAMIC
Jan/02/1970 01:34:14 route,debug,calc End calculation
Jan/02/1970 01:34:14 route,debug Begin redistribution
Jan/02/1970 01:34:14 route,debug Accept add 10.112.112.144/32
Jan/02/1970 01:34:14 route,debug Accept add 0.0.0.0/0
Jan/02/1970 01:34:14 route,debug Commit prefix 0.0.0.0/0
Jan/02/1970 01:34:14 route,debug Commit prefix 10.112.112.144/32
Jan/02/1970 01:34:14 route,debug End redistribution
Jan/02/1970 01:34:19 async,ppp,debug ppp-out1: LCP lowerdown
Jan/02/1970 01:34:19 async,ppp,debug ppp-out1: LCP closed
Jan/02/1970 01:34:19 async,ppp,debug ppp-out1: CCP lowerdown
Jan/02/1970 01:34:19 async,ppp,debug ppp-out1: BCP lowerdown
Jan/02/1970 01:34:19 async,ppp,debug ppp-out1: BCP down event in starting state
Jan/02/1970 01:34:19 async,ppp,debug ppp-out1: IPCP lowerdown
Jan/02/1970 01:34:19 async,ppp,debug ppp-out1: IPCP closed
Jan/02/1970 01:34:19 async,ppp,debug ppp-out1: IPV6CP lowerdown
Jan/02/1970 01:34:19 async,ppp,debug ppp-out1: IPV6CP down event in starting state
Jan/02/1970 01:34:19 async,ppp,debug ppp-out1: MPLSCP lowerdown
Jan/02/1970 01:34:19 async,ppp,info ppp-out1: terminating... - hungup
Jan/02/1970 01:34:19 route,debug,event Interface change
Jan/02/1970 01:34:19 route,debug,event     interface=ppp-out1
Jan/02/1970 01:34:19 route,debug,event     status=DOWN
Jan/02/1970 01:34:19 route,debug,event     mtu=1500
Jan/02/1970 01:34:19 route,debug,event Interface change
Jan/02/1970 01:34:19 route,debug,event     interface=ppp-out1
Jan/02/1970 01:34:19 route,debug,event     status=DOWN
Jan/02/1970 01:34:19 route,debug,event     mtu=1500
Jan/02/1970 01:34:19 async,ppp,debug ppp-out1: LCP lowerdown
Jan/02/1970 01:34:19 async,ppp,debug ppp-out1: LCP down event in starting state
Jan/02/1970 01:34:19 async,ppp,info ppp-out1: disconnected
Jan/02/1970 01:34:19 async,ppp,info ppp-out1: initializing...
Jan/02/1970 01:34:19 async,ppp,info ppp-out1: reseting link...
Jan/02/1970 01:34:19 route,debug,event Remove interface ppp-out1
Jan/02/1970 01:34:19 system,info item removed
Jan/02/1970 01:34:19 system,info item removed
Jan/02/1970 01:34:19 route,debug,calc Begin calculation
Jan/02/1970 01:34:19 route,debug,event Removed route
Jan/02/1970 01:34:19 route,debug,event     state=ACTIVE
Jan/02/1970 01:34:19 route,debug,event     dst-prefix=10.112.112.144/32
Jan/02/1970 01:34:19 route,debug,event     attributes
Jan/02/1970 01:34:19 route,debug,event         protocol=CONNECT
Jan/02/1970 01:34:19 route,debug,event         distance=0
Jan/02/1970 01:34:19 route,debug,event         scope=10
Jan/02/1970 01:34:19 route,debug,event         target-scope=0
Jan/02/1970 01:34:19 route,debug,event         connected-net= address=22.230.114.53/32 interface=ppp-out1
Jan/02/1970 01:34:19 route,debug,event         routing-mark=main
Jan/02/1970 01:34:19 route,debug,event         table=main
Jan/02/1970 01:34:19 route,debug,event         origin-type=CONNECTED
Jan/02/1970 01:34:19 route,debug,calc Tag next hop for recalculation
Jan/02/1970 01:34:19 route,debug,calc     address=10.112.112.144
Jan/02/1970 01:34:19 route,debug,event Removed route
Jan/02/1970 01:34:19 route,debug,event     state=ACTIVE
Jan/02/1970 01:34:19 route,debug,event     dst-prefix=0.0.0.0/0
Jan/02/1970 01:34:19 route,debug,event     attributes
Jan/02/1970 01:34:19 route,debug,event         protocol=DYNAMIC
Jan/02/1970 01:34:19 route,debug,event         distance=0
Jan/02/1970 01:34:19 route,debug,event         scope=30
Jan/02/1970 01:34:19 route,debug,event         target-scope=10
Jan/02/1970 01:34:19 route,debug,event         next-hop= address=10.112.112.144
Jan/02/1970 01:34:19 route,debug,event         origin-type=DYNAMIC
Jan/02/1970 01:34:19 route,debug,calc Tag next hop for recalculation
Jan/02/1970 01:34:19 route,debug,calc     address=10.112.112.144
Jan/02/1970 01:34:19 route,debug,calc Tag next hop for recalculation
Jan/02/1970 01:34:19 route,debug,calc     address=10.112.112.144
Jan/02/1970 01:34:19 route,debug,calc End calculation
Jan/02/1970 01:34:19 route,debug Begin redistribution
Jan/02/1970 01:34:19 route,debug Accept withdraw 0.0.0.0/0
Jan/02/1970 01:34:19 route,debug Accept withdraw 10.112.112.144/32
Jan/02/1970 01:34:19 route,debug Commit prefix 0.0.0.0/0
Jan/02/1970 01:34:19 route,debug Commit prefix 10.112.112.144/32
Jan/02/1970 01:34:19 route,debug End redistribution
Jan/02/1970 01:34:19 route,debug,calc Begin calculation
Jan/02/1970 01:34:19 route,debug,event Address removed
Jan/02/1970 01:34:19 route,debug,event     network=10.112.112.144/32
Jan/02/1970 01:34:19 route,debug,calc End calculation
---------- repeat ----------
Jan/02/1970 01:34:20 async,debug usb2:2: sent ATH
Jan/02/1970 01:34:20 async,debug usb2:2: rcvd OK
Jan/02/1970 01:34:20 async,ppp,info ppp-out1: initializing modem...
Jan/02/1970 01:34:21 async,ppp,info ppp-out1: dialing out...
Jan/02/1970 01:34:21 async,debug usb2:2: sent AT+CGDCONT=1,"IP","telstra.internet"

Hardware:
Routerboard: 953GS 5HPnT - ROS 6.35.4 current (Note: ROS < 6.35 fails to create/see the USB port)
4G Modem: Sierra MC7430 - Firmware: SWI9X30C_02.14.03.00 PRI: 002.013_000, Telstra carrier provisioning file
Pins 23, 25, 31 and 33 covered by tape (to stop USB3 <> PCIe interface negotiation confusion..?) Not recommended for production environments
SIM card: Activated Telstra SIM (tested working in 320U)

Configuration:
All configuration has been done on a freshly reset RB953.
Current configuration is essentially the same as our Sierra 320 USB modems, except for the Data Channel and the USB port mode.
* Would be nice to be able to change one of the channels to enable scripts to pull modem stats from the info channel, while PPP connected

Modem
There are no specific settings configured - all default

Router

[admin@MikroTik] > export                           
# jan/02/1970 03:57:32 by RouterOS 6.35.4
# software id = WJ6C-EF5H
#

/port
set 1 name=usb2
/interface ppp-client
add apn=telstra.internet data-channel=2 dial-on-demand=no info-channel=2 name=ppp-out1 port=usb2
/ip address
add address=192.168.88.1/24 interface=ether1 network=192.168.88.0
/ip firewall nat
add action=masquerade chain=srcnat log=yes log-prefix="MASQ - " out-interface=ppp-out1
/system leds
set 0 interface=wlan1
add interface=wlan2 leds=wlan2_signal1-led,wlan2_signal2-led,wlan2_signal3-led,wlan2_signal4-led,wlan2_signal5-led type=wireless-signal-strength
add interface=wlan2 leds=wlan2_tx-led type=interface-transmit
add interface=wlan2 leds=wlan2_rx-led type=interface-receive
/system logging
add action=disk topics=!ups
/system routerboard settings
set cpu-frequency=720MHz protected-routerboot=disabled
[admin@MikroTik]


USB
/system routerboard usb print
type: mini-PCIe

Port
This setting does not seem to matter whether it is on or off - same connect/disconnect issue

[admin@MikroTik] /port firmware print 
              directory: firmware
  ignore-directip-modem: yes
[admin@MikroTik]

PPP Info

/interface ppp-client info ppp-out1 
       modem-status: call in progress
         pin-status: no password required
      functionality: full
       manufacturer: Sierra Wireless, Incorporated
              model: MC7430
           revision: SWI9X30C_02.14.03.00 r6134 CARMD-EV-FRMWR2 2016/03/28 14:34:14
      serial-number: 359074060086602
   current-operator: Telstra Mobile Telstra (cellid 7f68a02)
  access-technology: Evolved 3G (LTE)
     signal-strengh: -53 dBm
   frame-error-rate: n/a

I hope I haven’t missed anything… Let me know and I will add it asap

If we can nut this out, I will post a “Sierra MC7430 4g LTE-A mini-PCI-e Modem Configuration” topic for anybody interested.

Thanks
Ian D

2

Hi could you please provide with supout.rif and send it to support@mikrotik.com?

3

Hi kristaps,

Sure, I have sent a SUPOUT.rif to support - Ticket#201606286600057

supout.rif attached

Thanks
Ian D

4

Same problem happened to me. Just gotten MC7430 too, thinking to replace the old MC7710 in our boards.

With RB912 and RB953, can get DNS and IP but disconnects after a few seconds.
With RB922, not connecting at all, PPP DEBUG, says nothing informative, just initializing…

5

Hi wenasong,

Thanks for the input. The MC7430 is a great Modem, on paper.
I woke up this morning vowing to update this thread, thanks for the reminder… Other elements of this project have been consuming most of my time.

wenasong: Did you have to cover the USB3 pins to get the MC7430 working in the RB912 (or RB953)?

I have been working on this issue with kristaps from MikroTik support. He has asked me to see if I can replicate the issue in Linux and send him some more logs.

Setup:
HP EliteBook 8440p
Ubuntu 16.04 LTS (all updates installed)
wvdial (PPP dialer)
USB to Mini PCIe adapter (http://www.m2mconnectivity.com.au/brands/sierra-wireless/accessories/usb-mini-pci-express-card)
Sierra AirPrime MC7430

Result:
I am able to replicate the connection issue however the time between the last ping and reconnect can be between 90-120 seconds.

  1. Start Connection - successful
  2. 4-5 pings & dns resolution - As you can see not much time to do any thorough testing
  3. No connection for 90-120 seconds
    And repeat

Logs sent to Mikrotik

MikroTik support:
Last update from MikroTik support : “It Looks There is FW issue in sierra card”

MikroTik have not yet responded to my query on if they are going to, or want me to, log a bug with Sierra.
I may have to do this through the Australian Supplier (M2M connectivity).

Conclusion:
I am going to assume that MikroTik will not spend to much more time on this issue. When you think about it, that is probably fair. The issue doesn’t seem to be with RouterOS and I assume there is no config under the hood of RouterOS that they can tweak to get a stable connection. Further testing under linux may prove this wrong..

I feel there may be another Sierra firmware issue that is stopping the MC7430 from falling back to USB2 when it fails to negotiate a connection on its USB3 port - I will mention this too.
I have read posts on the internet that say the HOST device is responsible for negotiating the comms to the PCI-e device, not the PCI-e device itself (this sounds reasonable to me..). If this is the case, MikroTik may have a PCIe driver / hardware incompatibility negotiating the comms on pins 23, 25, 31 and 33 for USB3 WLAN devices…?

I will place a request on the Sierra Dev forums to see if anybody has replicated this issue in Linux. Somebody smarter than I may know what the issue is or have a fix that I can pass on to MikroTik to try.

Thanks
IanD

Disclaimer: I do not work for M2M connectivity, they are my supplier.

6

Hi IanD and Wenasong, Just wondering if either of you managed to get the MC7430’s working?

7

Nope, sticking with MC7710, most stable after all.

8

True but I need band 28. Anyway I’ve bought one so I’ll see how I go.
If I make any real progress I’ll keep updating here.

9

Actually all Sierra Wireless board without DIP Firmware, (DirectIP) won’t be able to work properly. I suggest you go for Huawei Modem 909 something.

10

Well I got the little bastard to work.

Correction I think there are at least two things.
First if the modem get an IP and then says is cant resolve remote address or some BS like that then flash the Telstra firmware on it from the Sierra website.
I think mine needed that since it was an ebay special.

If it simply disconnects like IanD described It might need the USB3.0 pins taped over ( I’m still testing)
Untitled.png
This is on a USB expansion board with USB3.0 pins taped as described http://forum.mikrotik.com/t/zte-zm8620-or-sierra-em7455-compatibility/99992/1 Post #11

11

I did a bit more testing today which told me this much.

It’s pretty flakey, ie when the modem wants to fart around it does. When it wants to work it works well.
The only real difference between Ian D’s setup and mine would be a more recent firmware for the modem “Telstra SWI9X30C_02.20.03.01 002.019_001”
I’ve got my USB3.0 pins taped and without that I cannot get it working at all.

I have currently got it working in the USB carrier board (can’t think of a better name) on a RB952 since I bricked my 953.
I have not been able to get just the MC7430 to detect in the Mini-PCI-e ports thus the USB carrier board.

I think the more useful things to know would be how/if you can change the USB port for the info channel.
I also suspect the band numbers have been rearranged in the Telstra firmware.

12 
15:32:41 async,ppp,info ppp-out2: terminating... - hungup 
15:32:41 async,ppp,info ppp-out2: disconnected 
15:32:41 async,ppp,info ppp-out2: initializing... 
15:32:41 async,ppp,info ppp-out2: reseting link... 
15:32:41 system,info item removed 
15:32:41 system,info item removed 
15:32:42 async,ppp,info ppp-out2: initializing modem... 
15:32:43 async,ppp,info ppp-out2: dialing out... 
15:32:43 async,ppp,info ppp-out2: authenticated 
15:32:43 async,ppp,info ppp-out2: could not determine remote address, using 10.112.112.233 
15:32:43 async,ppp,info ppp-out2: connected 
15:32:43 system,info item added 
15:32:43 system,info item added 
15:32:48 async,ppp,info ppp-out2: terminating... - hungup 
15:32:48 async,ppp,info ppp-out2: disconnected 
15:32:48 async,ppp,info ppp-out2: initializing... 
15:32:48 async,ppp,info ppp-out2: reseting link... 
15:32:48 system,info item removed 
15:32:48 system,info item removed 
15:32:49 async,ppp,info ppp-out2: initializing modem... 
15:32:50 async,ppp,info ppp-out2: dialing out... 
15:32:50 async,ppp,info ppp-out2: authenticated 
15:32:50 async,ppp,info ppp-out2: could not determine remote address, using 10.112.112.234 
15:32:50 async,ppp,info ppp-out2: connected 
15:32:50 system,info item added 
15:32:50 system,info item added

When getting this rubbish I’ve found I can reliably get it to connect if I remove the modem from the USB carrier board, wait 5 and plug it back in.

13

Ok so I’ve done a fair bit of testing and have concluded the following.
I need someone who really understands PPP :smiley:

Here are some logs from a “failing” connection which fails about every 5 seconds repeatedly.

Fresh reboot, interface enabled.

14:41:56 system,info,account user admin logged in from 10.0.0.200 via telnet 
14:42:25 async,ppp,info ppp-out1: initializing... 
14:42:25 async,ppp,info ppp-out1: reseting link... 
14:42:25 system,info device changed by admin 
14:42:26 async,ppp,info ppp-out1: initializing modem... 
14:42:27 async,ppp,info ppp-out1: dialing out... 
14:42:27 async,ppp,debug ppp-out1: LCP lowerup 
14:42:27 async,ppp,debug ppp-out1: LCP open 
14:42:27 async,ppp,debug,packet  ppp-out1: sent LCP ConfReq id=0x1 
14:42:27 async,ppp,debug,packet    <magic 0x62a10c2c> 
14:42:27 async,ppp,debug,packet    <pcomp> 
14:42:27 async,ppp,debug,packet    <accomp> 
14:42:27 async,ppp,debug,packet  ppp-out1: rcvd LCP ConfReq id=0x9 
14:42:27 async,ppp,debug,packet    <asyncmap 0x0> 
14:42:27 async,ppp,debug,packet    <magic 0x4c052c01> 
14:42:27 async,ppp,debug,packet    <pcomp> 
14:42:27 async,ppp,debug,packet    <accomp> 
14:42:27 async,ppp,debug,packet    <auth  chap> 
14:42:27 async,ppp,debug,packet  ppp-out1: sent LCP ConfAck id=0x9 
14:42:27 async,ppp,debug,packet    <asyncmap 0x0> 
14:42:27 async,ppp,debug,packet    <magic 0x4c052c01> 
14:42:27 async,ppp,debug,packet    <pcomp> 
14:42:27 async,ppp,debug,packet    <accomp> 
14:42:27 async,ppp,debug,packet    <auth  chap> 
14:42:27 async,ppp,debug,packet  ppp-out1: rcvd LCP ConfAck id=0x1 
14:42:27 async,ppp,debug,packet    <magic 0x62a10c2c> 
14:42:27 async,ppp,debug,packet    <pcomp> 
14:42:27 async,ppp,debug,packet    <accomp> 
14:42:27 async,ppp,debug ppp-out1: LCP opened 
14:42:27 async,ppp,debug,packet  ppp-out1: rcvd LCP DiscReq id=0xa 
14:42:27 async,ppp,debug,packet     <magic 0x4c052c01> 
14:42:27 async,ppp,debug,packet  ppp-out1: rcvd CHAP Challenge id=0x1 
14:42:27 async,ppp,debug,packet     <challenge len=16> 
14:42:27 async,ppp,debug,packet     <name UMTS_CHAP_SRVR> 
14:42:27 async,ppp,debug,packet  ppp-out1: sent CHAP Response id=0x1 
14:42:27 async,ppp,debug,packet     <response len=16> 
14:42:27 async,ppp,debug,packet  ppp-out1: rcvd CHAP Success id=0x1 
14:42:27 async,ppp,info ppp-out1: authenticated 
14:42:27 async,ppp,debug ppp-out1: IPCP lowerup 
14:42:27 async,ppp,debug ppp-out1: IPCP open 
14:42:27 async,ppp,debug,packet  ppp-out1: sent IPCP ConfReq id=0x1 
14:42:27 async,ppp,debug,packet     <addr 0.0.0.0> 
14:42:27 async,ppp,debug,packet     <ms-dns 0.0.0.0> 
14:42:27 async,ppp,debug,packet     <ms-dns 0.0.0.0> 
14:42:27 async,ppp,debug ppp-out1: IPV6CP open 
14:42:27 async,ppp,debug ppp-out1: MPLSCP lowerup 
14:42:27 async,ppp,debug ppp-out1: MPLSCP open 
14:42:27 async,ppp,debug,packet  ppp-out1: sent MPLSCP ConfReq id=0x1 
14:42:27 async,ppp,debug ppp-out1: BCP open 
14:42:27 async,ppp,debug ppp-out1: CCP lowerup 
14:42:27 async,ppp,debug ppp-out1: CCP open 
14:42:27 async,ppp,debug,packet  ppp-out1: rcvd LCP ProtRej id=0xb 
14:42:27 async,ppp,debug,packet      82 81 01 01 00 04 
14:42:27 async,ppp,debug,packet  ppp-out1: rcvd IPCP ConfReq id=0x6 
14:42:27 async,ppp,debug,packet  ppp-out1: sent IPCP ConfNak id=0x6 
14:42:27 async,ppp,debug,packet     <addr 0.0.0.0> 
14:42:27 async,ppp,debug,packet  ppp-out1: rcvd IPCP ConfNak id=0x1 
14:42:27 async,ppp,debug,packet     <addr 10.106.8.75> 
14:42:27 async,ppp,debug,packet     <ms-dns 10.5.80.241> 
14:42:27 async,ppp,debug,packet     <ms-dns 10.5.68.232> 
14:42:27 async,ppp,debug,packet  ppp-out1: sent IPCP ConfReq id=0x2 
14:42:27 async,ppp,debug,packet     <addr 10.106.8.75> 
14:42:27 async,ppp,debug,packet     <ms-dns 10.5.80.241> 
14:42:27 async,ppp,debug,packet     <ms-dns 10.5.68.232> 
14:42:27 async,ppp,debug,packet  ppp-out1: rcvd IPCP ConfReq id=0x7 
14:42:27 async,ppp,debug,packet  ppp-out1: sent IPCP ConfAck id=0x7 
14:42:27 async,ppp,debug,packet  ppp-out1: rcvd IPCP ConfAck id=0x2 
14:42:27 async,ppp,debug,packet     <addr 10.106.8.75> 
14:42:27 async,ppp,debug,packet     <ms-dns 10.5.80.241> 
14:42:27 async,ppp,debug,packet     <ms-dns 10.5.68.232> 
14:42:27 async,ppp,debug ppp-out1: IPCP opened 
14:42:27 async,ppp,info ppp-out1: could not determine remote address, using 10.112.112.124 
14:42:27 async,ppp,info ppp-out1: connected 
14:42:27 system,info item added 
14:42:27 system,info item added 
14:42:32 async,ppp,debug ppp-out1: LCP lowerdown 
14:42:32 async,ppp,debug ppp-out1: LCP closed 
14:42:32 async,ppp,debug ppp-out1: CCP lowerdown 
14:42:32 async,ppp,debug ppp-out1: BCP lowerdown 
14:42:32 async,ppp,debug ppp-out1: BCP down event in starting state 
14:42:32 async,ppp,debug ppp-out1: IPCP lowerdown 
14:42:32 async,ppp,debug ppp-out1: IPCP closed 
14:42:32 async,ppp,debug ppp-out1: IPV6CP lowerdown 
14:42:32 async,ppp,debug ppp-out1: IPV6CP down event in starting state 
14:42:32 async,ppp,debug ppp-out1: MPLSCP lowerdown 
14:42:32 async,ppp,info ppp-out1: terminating... - hungup 
14:42:32 async,ppp,debug ppp-out1: LCP lowerdown 
14:42:32 async,ppp,debug ppp-out1: LCP down event in starting state 
14:42:32 async,ppp,info ppp-out1: disconnected 
14:42:32 async,ppp,info ppp-out1: initializing... 
14:42:32 async,ppp,info ppp-out1: reseting link... 
14:42:32 system,info item removed 
14:42:32 system,info item removed 
14:42:33 async,ppp,info ppp-out1: initializing modem... 
14:42:34 async,ppp,info ppp-out1: dialing out... 
14:42:34 async,ppp,debug ppp-out1: LCP lowerup 
14:42:34 async,ppp,debug,packet  ppp-out1: sent LCP ConfReq id=0x2 
14:42:34 async,ppp,debug,packet    <magic 0x4757c8ef> 
14:42:34 async,ppp,debug,packet    <pcomp> 
14:42:34 async,ppp,debug,packet    <accomp> 
14:42:34 async,ppp,debug ppp-out1: LCP open 
14:42:34 async,ppp,debug,packet  ppp-out1: rcvd LCP ConfReq id=0xc 
14:42:34 async,ppp,debug,packet    <asyncmap 0x0> 
14:42:34 async,ppp,debug,packet    <magic 0x4c054896> 
14:42:34 async,ppp,debug,packet    <pcomp> 
14:42:34 async,ppp,debug,packet    <accomp> 
14:42:34 async,ppp,debug,packet    <auth  chap> 
14:42:34 async,ppp,debug,packet  ppp-out1: sent LCP ConfAck id=0xc 
14:42:34 async,ppp,debug,packet    <asyncmap 0x0> 
14:42:34 async,ppp,debug,packet    <magic 0x4c054896> 
14:42:34 async,ppp,debug,packet    <pcomp> 
14:42:34 async,ppp,debug,packet    <accomp> 
14:42:34 async,ppp,debug,packet    <auth  chap> 
14:42:34 async,ppp,debug,packet  ppp-out1: rcvd LCP ConfAck id=0x2 
14:42:34 async,ppp,debug,packet    <magic 0x4757c8ef> 
14:42:34 async,ppp,debug,packet    <pcomp> 
14:42:34 async,ppp,debug,packet    <accomp> 
14:42:34 async,ppp,debug ppp-out1: LCP opened 
14:42:34 async,ppp,debug,packet  ppp-out1: rcvd LCP DiscReq id=0xd 
14:42:34 async,ppp,debug,packet     <magic 0x4c054896> 
14:42:34 async,ppp,debug,packet  ppp-out1: rcvd CHAP Challenge id=0x1 
14:42:34 async,ppp,debug,packet     <challenge len=16> 
14:42:34 async,ppp,debug,packet     <name UMTS_CHAP_SRVR> 
14:42:34 async,ppp,debug,packet  ppp-out1: sent CHAP Response id=0x1 
14:42:34 async,ppp,debug,packet     <response len=16> 
14:42:34 async,ppp,debug,packet  ppp-out1: rcvd CHAP Success id=0x1 
14:42:34 async,ppp,info ppp-out1: authenticated 
14:42:34 async,ppp,debug ppp-out1: IPCP lowerup 
14:42:34 async,ppp,debug,packet  ppp-out1: sent IPCP ConfReq id=0x3 
14:42:34 async,ppp,debug,packet     <addr 0.0.0.0> 
14:42:34 async,ppp,debug,packet     <ms-dns 0.0.0.0> 
14:42:34 async,ppp,debug,packet     <ms-dns 0.0.0.0> 
14:42:34 async,ppp,debug ppp-out1: IPCP open 
14:42:34 async,ppp,debug ppp-out1: IPV6CP open 
14:42:34 async,ppp,debug ppp-out1: MPLSCP lowerup 
14:42:34 async,ppp,debug,packet  ppp-out1: sent MPLSCP ConfReq id=0x2 
14:42:34 async,ppp,debug ppp-out1: MPLSCP open 
14:42:34 async,ppp,debug ppp-out1: BCP open 
14:42:34 async,ppp,debug ppp-out1: CCP lowerup 
14:42:34 async,ppp,debug ppp-out1: CCP open 
14:42:34 async,ppp,debug,packet  ppp-out1: rcvd LCP ProtRej id=0xe 
14:42:34 async,ppp,debug,packet      82 81 01 02 00 04 
14:42:34 async,ppp,debug,packet  ppp-out1: rcvd IPCP ConfReq id=0x8 
14:42:34 async,ppp,debug,packet  ppp-out1: sent IPCP ConfNak id=0x8 
14:42:34 async,ppp,debug,packet     <addr 0.0.0.0> 
14:42:34 async,ppp,debug,packet  ppp-out1: rcvd IPCP ConfNak id=0x3 
14:42:34 async,ppp,debug,packet     <addr 10.106.11.96> 
14:42:34 async,ppp,debug,packet     <ms-dns 10.5.80.241> 
14:42:34 async,ppp,debug,packet     <ms-dns 10.5.68.232> 
14:42:34 async,ppp,debug,packet  ppp-out1: sent IPCP ConfReq id=0x4 
14:42:34 async,ppp,debug,packet     <addr 10.106.11.96> 
14:42:34 async,ppp,debug,packet     <ms-dns 10.5.80.241> 
14:42:34 async,ppp,debug,packet     <ms-dns 10.5.68.232> 
14:42:34 async,ppp,debug,packet  ppp-out1: rcvd IPCP ConfReq id=0x9 
14:42:34 async,ppp,debug,packet  ppp-out1: sent IPCP ConfAck id=0x9 
14:42:34 async,ppp,debug,packet  ppp-out1: rcvd IPCP ConfAck id=0x4 
14:42:34 async,ppp,debug,packet     <addr 10.106.11.96> 
14:42:34 async,ppp,debug,packet     <ms-dns 10.5.80.241> 
14:42:34 async,ppp,debug,packet     <ms-dns 10.5.68.232> 
14:42:34 async,ppp,debug ppp-out1: IPCP opened 
14:42:34 async,ppp,info ppp-out1: could not determine remote address, using 10.112.112.125 
14:42:34 async,ppp,info ppp-out1: connected 
14:42:34 system,info item added 
14:42:34 system,info item added 
14:42:35 async,ppp,debug ppp-out1: LCP close 
14:42:35 async,ppp,debug ppp-out1: LCP closed 
14:42:35 async,ppp,debug ppp-out1: CCP lowerdown 
14:42:35 async,ppp,debug ppp-out1: BCP lowerdown 
14:42:35 async,ppp,debug ppp-out1: BCP down event in starting state 
14:42:35 async,ppp,debug ppp-out1: IPCP lowerdown 
14:42:35 async,ppp,debug ppp-out1: IPCP closed 
14:42:35 async,ppp,debug ppp-out1: IPV6CP lowerdown 
14:42:35 async,ppp,debug ppp-out1: IPV6CP down event in starting state 
14:42:35 async,ppp,debug ppp-out1: MPLSCP lowerdown 
14:42:35 async,ppp,debug,packet  ppp-out1: sent LCP TermReq id=0x3 
14:42:35 async,ppp,debug,packet     administrator request 
14:42:35 async,ppp,debug,packet  ppp-out1: rcvd LCP TermAck id=0x3 
14:42:35 async,ppp,debug ppp-out1: LCP lowerdown 
14:42:35 async,ppp,info ppp-out1: terminating... - administrator request 
14:42:35 system,info item removed 
14:42:35 system,info item removed 
14:42:35 system,info device changed by admin 
14:42:35 async,ppp,debug ppp-out1: LCP lowerdown 
14:42:35 async,ppp,debug ppp-out1: LCP down event in initial state 
14:42:35 async,ppp,info ppp-out1: disabled

Here is the same logging configuration, just removed the MC7430 for about 5 seconds, and then plugged it back in. Wait about another 30 seconds until a LED illuminates on the USB carrier board and then enable the interface. Once it comes up, it will stay up pretty much indefinitely.

MC7430 removed from USB caddy for 5 seconds and returned, Interface then enabled again.

14:47:51 system,info device changed by admin 
14:47:51 async,ppp,info ppp-out1: initializing... 
14:47:51 async,ppp,info ppp-out1: reseting link... 
14:47:52 async,ppp,info ppp-out1: initializing modem... 
14:47:53 async,ppp,info ppp-out1: dialing out... 
14:47:53 async,ppp,debug ppp-out1: LCP lowerup 
14:47:53 async,ppp,debug ppp-out1: LCP open 
14:47:53 async,ppp,debug,packet  ppp-out1: sent LCP ConfReq id=0x1 
14:47:53 async,ppp,debug,packet    <magic 0x3e3678e6> 
14:47:53 async,ppp,debug,packet    <pcomp> 
14:47:53 async,ppp,debug,packet    <accomp> 
14:47:53 async,ppp,debug,packet  ppp-out1: rcvd LCP ConfReq id=0x0 
14:47:53 async,ppp,debug,packet    <asyncmap 0x0> 
14:47:53 async,ppp,debug,packet    <magic 0x4c0a25df> 
14:47:53 async,ppp,debug,packet    <pcomp> 
14:47:53 async,ppp,debug,packet    <accomp> 
14:47:53 async,ppp,debug,packet    <auth  chap> 
14:47:53 async,ppp,debug,packet  ppp-out1: sent LCP ConfAck id=0x0 
14:47:53 async,ppp,debug,packet    <asyncmap 0x0> 
14:47:53 async,ppp,debug,packet    <magic 0x4c0a25df> 
14:47:53 async,ppp,debug,packet    <pcomp> 
14:47:53 async,ppp,debug,packet    <accomp> 
14:47:53 async,ppp,debug,packet    <auth  chap> 
14:47:53 async,ppp,debug,packet  ppp-out1: rcvd LCP ConfAck id=0x1 
14:47:53 async,ppp,debug,packet    <magic 0x3e3678e6> 
14:47:53 async,ppp,debug,packet    <pcomp> 
14:47:53 async,ppp,debug,packet    <accomp> 
14:47:53 async,ppp,debug ppp-out1: LCP opened 
14:47:53 async,ppp,debug,packet  ppp-out1: rcvd LCP DiscReq id=0x1 
14:47:53 async,ppp,debug,packet     <magic 0x4c0a25df> 
14:47:53 async,ppp,debug,packet  ppp-out1: rcvd CHAP Challenge id=0x1 
14:47:53 async,ppp,debug,packet     <challenge len=16> 
14:47:53 async,ppp,debug,packet     <name UMTS_CHAP_SRVR> 
14:47:53 async,ppp,debug,packet  ppp-out1: sent CHAP Response id=0x1 
14:47:53 async,ppp,debug,packet     <response len=16> 
14:47:53 async,ppp,debug,packet  ppp-out1: rcvd CHAP Success id=0x1 
14:47:53 async,ppp,info ppp-out1: authenticated 
14:47:53 async,ppp,debug ppp-out1: IPCP lowerup 
14:47:53 async,ppp,debug ppp-out1: IPCP open 
14:47:53 async,ppp,debug,packet  ppp-out1: sent IPCP ConfReq id=0x1 
14:47:53 async,ppp,debug,packet     <addr 0.0.0.0> 
14:47:53 async,ppp,debug,packet     <ms-dns 0.0.0.0> 
14:47:53 async,ppp,debug,packet     <ms-dns 0.0.0.0> 
14:47:53 async,ppp,debug ppp-out1: IPV6CP open 
14:47:53 async,ppp,debug ppp-out1: MPLSCP lowerup 
14:47:53 async,ppp,debug ppp-out1: MPLSCP open 
14:47:53 async,ppp,debug,packet  ppp-out1: sent MPLSCP ConfReq id=0x1 
14:47:53 async,ppp,debug ppp-out1: BCP open 
14:47:53 async,ppp,debug ppp-out1: CCP lowerup 
14:47:53 async,ppp,debug ppp-out1: CCP open 
14:47:53 async,ppp,debug,packet  ppp-out1: rcvd LCP ProtRej id=0x2 
14:47:53 async,ppp,debug,packet      82 81 01 01 00 04 
14:47:54 async,ppp,debug,packet  ppp-out1: rcvd IPCP ConfNak id=0x1 
14:47:54 async,ppp,debug,packet     <ms-dns 10.11.12.13> 
14:47:54 async,ppp,debug,packet     <ms-dns 10.11.12.14> 
14:47:54 async,ppp,debug,packet     <ms-wins 10.11.12.13> 
14:47:54 async,ppp,debug,packet     <ms-wins 10.11.12.14> 
14:47:54 async,ppp,debug,packet  ppp-out1: sent IPCP ConfReq id=0x2 
14:47:54 async,ppp,debug,packet     <addr 0.0.0.0> 
14:47:54 async,ppp,debug,packet     <ms-dns 10.11.12.13> 
14:47:54 async,ppp,debug,packet     <ms-dns 10.11.12.14> 
14:47:54 async,ppp,debug,packet     <ms-wins 10.11.12.13> 
14:47:54 async,ppp,debug,packet     <ms-wins 10.11.12.14> 
14:47:55 async,ppp,debug,packet  ppp-out1: rcvd IPCP ConfNak id=0x2 
14:47:55 async,ppp,debug,packet     <ms-dns 10.11.12.13> 
14:47:55 async,ppp,debug,packet     <ms-dns 10.11.12.14> 
14:47:55 async,ppp,debug,packet     <ms-wins 10.11.12.13> 
14:47:55 async,ppp,debug,packet     <ms-wins 10.11.12.14> 
14:47:55 async,ppp,debug,packet  ppp-out1: sent IPCP ConfReq id=0x3 
14:47:55 async,ppp,debug,packet     <addr 0.0.0.0> 
14:47:55 async,ppp,debug,packet     <ms-dns 10.11.12.13> 
14:47:55 async,ppp,debug,packet     <ms-dns 10.11.12.14> 
14:47:55 async,ppp,debug,packet     <ms-wins 10.11.12.13> 
14:47:55 async,ppp,debug,packet     <ms-wins 10.11.12.14> 
14:47:56 async,ppp,debug,packet  ppp-out1: rcvd IPCP ConfReq id=0x0 
14:47:56 async,ppp,debug,packet  ppp-out1: sent IPCP ConfNak id=0x0 
14:47:56 async,ppp,debug,packet     <addr 0.0.0.0> 
14:47:56 async,ppp,debug,packet  ppp-out1: rcvd IPCP ConfRej id=0x3 
14:47:56 async,ppp,debug,packet     <ms-wins 10.11.12.13> 
14:47:56 async,ppp,debug,packet     <ms-wins 10.11.12.14> 
14:47:56 async,ppp,debug,packet  ppp-out1: sent IPCP ConfReq id=0x4 
14:47:56 async,ppp,debug,packet     <addr 0.0.0.0> 
14:47:56 async,ppp,debug,packet     <ms-dns 10.11.12.13> 
14:47:56 async,ppp,debug,packet     <ms-dns 10.11.12.14> 
14:47:56 async,ppp,debug,packet  ppp-out1: rcvd IPCP ConfReq id=0x1 
14:47:56 async,ppp,debug,packet  ppp-out1: sent IPCP ConfAck id=0x1 
14:47:56 async,ppp,debug,packet  ppp-out1: rcvd IPCP ConfNak id=0x4 
14:47:56 async,ppp,debug,packet     <addr 10.107.124.217> 
14:47:56 async,ppp,debug,packet     <ms-dns 10.5.68.232> 
14:47:56 async,ppp,debug,packet     <ms-dns 10.5.80.241> 
14:47:56 async,ppp,debug,packet  ppp-out1: sent IPCP ConfReq id=0x5 
14:47:56 async,ppp,debug,packet     <addr 10.107.124.217> 
14:47:56 async,ppp,debug,packet     <ms-dns 10.5.68.232> 
14:47:56 async,ppp,debug,packet     <ms-dns 10.5.80.241> 
14:47:56 async,ppp,debug,packet  ppp-out1: rcvd IPCP ConfAck id=0x5 
14:47:56 async,ppp,debug,packet     <addr 10.107.124.217> 
14:47:56 async,ppp,debug,packet     <ms-dns 10.5.68.232> 
14:47:56 async,ppp,debug,packet     <ms-dns 10.5.80.241> 
14:47:56 async,ppp,debug ppp-out1: IPCP opened 
14:47:56 async,ppp,info ppp-out1: could not determine remote address, using 10.112.112.126 
14:47:56 async,ppp,info ppp-out1: connected 
14:47:56 system,info item added 
14:47:56 system,info item added

When testing through the mPCI-e ports its the same story.
If anyone has any ideas from the logs feel free to pipe up.

14

Well I’ve tested it in Linux (Kali 2016.2) and using Network Manager to connect it works flawlessly. I can disconnect, reconnect, reboot, ect and it connects and stays connected every time,
It also cranks the speed 100Mbs down and 35Mbs up still using USB2.
I’ve raised a support ticket to see try get some help from Mikrotik.

15

Hey guys,

Any update on this?

16

Yeah, Mikrotik as usual gave some really embarrassingly simple things to try that seem to work.

Once you configure it correctly enough to get the interface dropping every 5 seconds. Issue a 5 second reboot of the USB power bus, the modem will boot, connect and stay connected. I just tested it and it has stayed up for 3 days straight. So will do some more cycling, resets,disable interface etc so see how reliable the 5 second power cycle is.

17

Did What___________________________Modem connects______________5 second USB power cycle_________Additional notes
_________________________________and stays connected____________results in stable connection
_______________________________without user intervention

Unplugged the RB953____________________ No____________________________ Yes__________________Unknown length of power off
Unplugged the RB953 (second try)__________ Yes____________________________Didnt test_____________Was given a good 5 seconds off
Unplugged the RB953 (Third try)____________Yes____________________________Yes__________________Was given about 1 second off
Unplugged the RB953 (Fourth try)___________Yes____________________________Yes__________________Was given about 1 second off
Unplugged the RB953 (Fifth try)_____________Yes____________________________Didn’t test_____________Was given about 3 seconds off

Disabled the PPP interface_________________Yes____________________________Yes__________________Disabled for about 1 second
Disabled the PPP interface_________________No_____________________________Yes__________________Disabled for about 6-8 seconds
Disabled the PPP interface_________________No_____________________________Yes__________________Disabled for about 10 seconds
Disabled the PPP interface_________________Yes____________________________Didn’t test_____________Disabled for about 1 second
Disabled the PPP interface_________________Yes____________________________Didn’t test_____________Disabled for about 2 seconds
Disabled the PPP interface_________________Yes____________________________Didn’t test_____________Disabled for about 3 seconds
Disabled the PPP interface_________________No_____________________________Yes__________________Disabled for about 4 seconds

Rebooted the RB953______________________No_____________________________Yes
Rebooted the RB953______________________No_____________________________Yes

screw what ever took all the spaces out

In summary.
Doing power cycles on the RB953, the MC7430 was reasonably reliable at connecting back up.
Disabling the PPP interface for more than about 4 seconds would result in the PPP interface cycling. A 5 second USB power reset cured it’s ills everytime.
Rebooting the RB953 caused the PPP to start cycling everytime once the MC7430 had booted. A 5 second USB power reset cured it’s ills everytime.


I’ll write a guide after I’ve done some more testing.

18

Hello ,
I have the same problem
I have try to do what you told
when the ppp is connected I’m sending a usb reset duration=5
but after it return , it still disconnected every 6-7 sec
using verstion 6.36

also I’m using RB411 and x86
there is no option there to do “usb reset” - so what can I do?

Thanks ,

19

First thing is to upgrade the ROS version.
I’m not the familiar with the cli prompts so will talk in terms of Winbox.

If you go to the following menu in Winbox you should find the “usb power reset”
System > Routerboard > USB power reset
once your in that screen it’s pretty self explanatory.

What do you mean by

RB411 AFAIK is not an x86 instruction set.

20

Ok here is a pair of scripts and a schedule, bit rough around the edges, actually probably rough all the way through. But it does work.
It will power reset the USB device if there are three lots of "link down " count increases in 10 seconds.
If it needs to power cycle the USB a couple of times it will reboot the router as a precaution.
ROS 6.38 and RouterBOARD 952Ui-5ac2nD

I will develop and post another for the RB953 since thats what I want to use in the end.
I might even improve the script as I already know some poor code in there.

add name=Startup on-event="system script run 1\
    \n\
    \n" policy=ftp,reboot,read,write,policy,test,password,sniff,sensitive,romon start-time=startup
add interval=20s name="20 seconds" on-event="system script run 0\
    \n" policy=ftp,reboot,read,write,policy,test,password,sniff,sensitive,romon start-date=apr/09/2017 start-time=08:08:46
/system script
add name=PPP-link-down-check owner=admin policy=ftp,reboot,read,write,policy,test,password,sniff,sensitive,romon source="log info PPP_script_start\r\
    \nglobal A1 [interface get ppp-out1 link-downs ]\r\
    \ndelay delay-time=10\r\
    \nglobal A2 [interface get ppp-out1 link-downs ]\r\
    \nglobal A3\r\
    \nglobal A4\r\
    \n\r\
    \nif (\$A2 > \$A1) do={:set \$A3 (\$A3+1)} else={:set \$A3 value=(\$A3+0)}\r\
    \nif (\$A3 >=3) do={system routerboard usb power-reset duration= 5; global A3 0; :set \$A4 (\$A4+1)}\r\
    \nif (\$A4 >=3) do={system reboot}\r\
    \nlog info PPP_script_end"
add name=variable-initialise owner=admin policy=ftp,reboot,read,write,policy,test,password,sniff,sensitive,romon source="global A1 0\r\
    \nglobal A2 0\r\
    \nglobal A3 0\r\
    \nglobal A4 0"