How to connect a 3g modem to a wi fi router. How to connect a USB modem to a router: recommendations and guidance. Possible problems and solutions

Almost everyone who connects to the Internet in villages does so via 3G USB modems. Both in Ukraine and in Russia. This is because there is no way to connect a regular cable Internet, and ADSL cannot be connected everywhere (besides, not everyone has a telephone line)... Therefore, you have to use wireless 3G / 4G Internet. In Ukraine, the most popular provider is probably Intertelecom. I use it myself from time to time. MegaFon, MTS, Beeline are very popular in Russia. But today is not about that.

It doesn't matter where you live and what kind of Internet you have, sooner or later you will most likely want to install a Wi-Fi router at home. To distribute the Internet to all our devices: smartphones, tablets, laptops, etc. After all, when we use the Internet via a USB modem, the Internet can only be on one computer. And what to do with other devices, how to distribute 3G Internet from a modem to other devices over a Wi-Fi network. This is what we will figure out now, using the example of TP-LINK routers.

How to choose TP-LINK router for 3G modem?

We need a dedicated Wi-Fi router that supports 3G / 4G USB modems. Exactly special router, in our case we are considering devices from TP-LINK. Since not every router is able to distribute the Internet from 3G modems. And even if you already have a TP-LINK router, it's not a fact that it supports work with modems, even if it has a USB connector.

They often ask how to connect a 3G modem to a TP-LINK TL-WR741ND, TL-WR841ND router, etc. No way, it simply does not support them. TP-LINK has several models that are suitable for working with modems from Intertelecom, MTS, MegaFon, and other operators. These are two common routers: TL-MR3420 and TL-MR3220... And two portable ones: TL-MR3020and TL-MR3040... Perhaps at the moment there are already other models. This means that you can connect our modem to these routers to the USB connector, and we will get the Internet via a Wi-Fi network, and via a network cable, for example, for a stationary computer. I have TP-LINK TL-MR3220, worked with Novatel U720 modem before.

A very important point. If you have already bought a router, and just realized that it does not suit you, then it is not too late to return it back to the store.

And if you are going to buy, be sure to make sure that the model of the router you have chosen supports your 3G modem specifically. Yes, routers do not work with all modems. And it may turn out that the router simply does not see your USB modem.

What would check compatibility, go to the official website. For Ukraine - http://www.tp-link.ua/ru/comp-list.html, for Russia - http://www.tp-linkru.com/comp-list.html in the section "List of compatible 3G / 3.75G USB modems "click on the router model you need (which you want to buy), and save the .xlsx file to your computer. Open it and see what modems it supports.

I think everything is clear with the choice of a router. Let's now look at the process of connecting a 3G modem to TP-LINK. We will also configure the router to work with a modem and configure a Wi-Fi network. I'll show you using my TP-LINK TL-MR3220 as an example.

Connecting and configuring a 3G USB modem on a TP-LINK router

Nothing complicated. We connect power to the router and turn it on. We connect our 3G modem to the USB connector on the router (it is possible through an extension cord, if there is an antenna, then we connect it the same way).

We need to connect to the router from the computer in order to go into its settings. Can be connected via cable (as shown below), or over a Wi-Fi network.

In the control panel, first open the tab Network – Internet Access, highlight the item 3G / 4G Only (Recommended), and press Save.

Then open the tab Network – 3G / 4G... On the contrary 3G / 4G USB Modem should be written Identified (or modem name)... This means that the modem is detected and ready for use. If the router does not see the USB modem, then try updating the router firmware according to the instructions. There is a chance that everything will work after the software update.

On the menu Location choose our region (in my case, Ukraine), and in the menu Mobile ISP choose a provider (I have Intertelecom)... Farther, Connection Mode leave Connect Automaticallyand Authentication Type exhibiting Auto.

Click on the button Connect... The router must connect to the Internet through our modem. The status should become Connected... If so, then everything is fine. Push the button Save to save the settings.

There is also a button there Advanced Settings, if you click on it, the settings will open, where you can manually set all the parameters necessary for connection (dialer number, username, password)... But these settings are unlikely to be useful to you.

We've almost set everything up. If the router "made friends" with the modem and connected to the Internet, then it already distributes it both via cable and Wi-Fi network. It remains only to configure the wireless network. Change the name of the wireless network itself, and put a password on Wi-Fi.

Open the tab Wireless, set a name for the Wi-Fi network, and set our region. Save the settings by clicking on Save.

Do not forget to save the settings by clicking on the button Save... I would also recommend changing the default admin password, which is used to enter the router settings. You can do this on the tab System Tools – Password.

Then reboot your router. This can be done in the same way from the control panel. Tab System Tools – Reboot, and click on the Reboot button.

The router will reboot. It should already automatically connect to the Internet via a 3G modem, and distribute the Internet via Wi-Fi and a network cable. Connect to the Wi-Fi network using the password that we set during the setup process.

Now, through one USB modem, we can connect several computers and other devices to the Internet. At the same time, the payment remains the same as before. But, if you have a tariff with metered traffic, then you need to understand that several devices will use metered traffic faster. And very often, the traffic that is over the limit is not cheap.

Possible problems and solutions

Unstable work, the Internet very often disappears

Wireless 3G Internet is certainly not as stable as wired, and therefore, the modem may periodically lose connection with the base station. The Internet may disappear on those devices that are connected to the router. The computer will have "No Internet access" (limited on Windows 10).

If the Internet is gone and does not appear, then just restart the router (turn off and turn on the power)... Everything, of course, depends on your provider, and on the base station to which you connect. This happens with Interetelcom. Sometimes you have to reboot the router. And sometimes it doesn't help, you have to sit and wait until the Internet starts working.

After connecting the 3G modem to the router, it does not connect to the Internet

Very low internet speed

This is most likely due to a bad signal. In this case, we apply exactly the same advice as I gave above: raise the modem, install the antenna, and set up the whole thing with the AxesstelPst EvDO BSNL 1.67 program.

Afterword

In this article, I tried to give all the necessary information that will help you choose and install a TP-LINK router that will connect to the Internet via a 3G modem and distribute it to all your devices.

This is a very relevant topic, since more and more providers provide completely unlimited tariffs, and more and more people want to use the Internet via Wi-Fi on mobile devices, tablets, etc. And you cannot do without a router. Although, there is one way, you can try to distribute the Internet from a laptop, here is a link to the instruction:.

If you still have any questions on this topic, maybe I missed something, or something is not working out for you, then write in the comments. I will be happy to answer and try to help.

Why can an instruction on how to connect a USB 3G modem to a router be useful? There may be a lot of obscene reasons, but, in fact, they are not always justified. What does this mean? For example, you were going to install equipment for installing the Internet, have already prepared for a call from an Internet provider, and you were unexpectedly presented with a 3G modem to access the network. You might think: why then do you even need a provider with meter wires, connecting a telephone line (not always), if you can just insert a SIM card and enjoy watching online movies by installing this USB modem into your computer. To answer this question, let's take a closer look at such a wonderful device.

Users strive to ensure that the 3G modem provides access to the Internet for more than one device

USB 3G-modem allows any user to get access to the world wide web, just by inserting this device into a special slot on a laptop or computer. It is very convenient. You will not need to wait for the arrival of the master, go to the headquarters of Internet providers, select tariffs. It is enough to connect the device to a computer and follow the simplest instructions. Since a USB 3G modem works through a SIM card inserted into it, it is advisable to remember the signal level in your room. Depending on this, choose the most suitable network. If, for example, Megafon does not catch well in your house, then you should not buy a modem with a SIM card of the specified operator. And vice versa, if Megafon shows a high quality 3G (or 4G) signal, then it is better to take it.

Despite the large number of advantages, this modem also has a number of disadvantages. These include the fact that only the device to which such a modem is connected will receive access to the World Wide Web. Of course, there are ways to fix these problems (for example, using third-party software). Also, developers have foreseen the popularity factor. Therefore, portable 3G Wi-Fi routers are now especially famous. Their only drawback is that they need to be charged. But there are no portable non-rechargeable devices, so you have to put up with this.

Now let's get back, in fact, to our question: connecting a USB 3G modem to a router. It will be useful if the traffic and speed provided by the modem are enough for you, and there is a wireless router at home (although you can also buy it). Then you can connect to the network from any device with Wi-Fi wireless services. But it is also important to note that not all routers support the function of connecting an external modem. Therefore, before buying, consult with a specialist or read the instructions in detail.

Let's move on to our operation:

First, install the necessary software from the supplied disks or devices, otherwise nothing will work.
If your SIM card has a PIN code check, be sure to disable it. This can be done using a regular phone.
Connect the router to the power supply and install a 3G USB modem in its corresponding socket.
Now you need to log into the router's control panel. If you do not know how to do this, then refer to the instructions of the device. In most cases, this panel is located at the following address: http://192.168.1.1.
You need to explain to the router where to get the Internet from for distribution. Go to the "Connection" tab of the "Internet" menu item. In the right part of the window, check the box next to "Enable modem connection". Select an operator and fill in the required fields. Done!

Now you know how to connect a 3G USB modem to a router. If all steps are completed successfully, then you will have a working Internet connection. Do not forget that the speed of such a modem may be limited. Although recently, there is practically no such problem. Now the tariffs differ according to the available incoming traffic. It is also advisable to note that such a connection will cost more in service than through a fiber-optic network or telephone provider. But the choice always remains with the user. Enjoy your use! Share your opinion and experience in the comments.

In urban environments, it is easy to connect to the Internet. It is enough just to leave a request for connection to a city provider (one of many). Within two or three days you will be connected, and even offered some promotional conditions as a new subscriber. But what about users who live, for example, in the private sector, in remote areas of the region? City providers usually cannot reach there, because they have to spend a lot of cable or expensive equipment, which either does not pay off at all, or only for a very long time. So you can understand the providers.

Fortunately, there are other solutions. For example, you can use a USB modem to connect to the Internet over a third (3G) or even fourth (4G) generation network. However, in this case, this modem has to be connected to a laptop. But how to connect a USB modem to a router and make the Internet available to any Wi-Fi device? This option is actively practiced by users to whom the city provider does not reach.

We figure out how to connect a USB modem to a router

Immediately, we note that any router will not be suitable for solving this problem. You need a special model with a modem connection function, that is, a router with a USB port for a modem. Below we will tell you in detail what to do.

So, setting up a router for a USB modem looks like this:

Install the software from the discs that come with the router and USB modem.
Disable the PIN code check on the SIM card. It is necessary. If there is a check that the router simply cannot understand, there will be no Internet. You can turn it off using a regular mobile phone. Just insert the SIM card into your phone and disable PIN verification in the settings.
Plug the modem into a USB port on your router.
Connect to the router from a laptop, go to the control panel. To do this, write the address in the address bar of the browser, and you will be taken to the desired place. You can view the address you need on the device panel itself. In addition, it is also always indicated on the information sticker and in the instructions.
In the router menu, we are looking for the buttons "Connection", "Internet", "Enable modem connection". These buttons may be slightly different, but the essence should be something like this. We are interested in the function of the modem connection. It needs to be turned on.
After turning on, restart the router. This can be done by clicking the restart button in the menu bar. The router itself can also be rebooted physically: remove the plug from the outlet and insert it back.

Now you know how to connect a USB modem to a router. Usually, this process is simple, and no difficulties arise, but they are still not excluded. For example, the modem must first be configured on the computer. An unconfigured modem will not work with a router.

The advantages of this method

A router with a USB modem port is a good and practical solution that has its pros and cons. So, the advantages include the relative ease of connection. That is, you need to pull any cables, drill holes, etc. Just plug in the USB modem through your router and you're done. However, this is where the benefits end.

Minuses

The main disadvantage of such a connection is the high cost of equipment and tariff. At a minimum, a router for a USB modem will cost more than a standard Wi-Fi router without a USB port. You also need to buy separately the modem itself, which may even cost more than the router itself. Depending on the operator you choose, the cost of the tariff can also be more or less high. But in any case, the subscription tariff will cost more than the one offered by the city provider.

Connection speed

If the city network assumes an Internet connection at a speed of up to 100 Mbps, then the modem will definitely not be able to offer such speeds. Even if it uses the fourth generation data network (4G), the real speed will be in the region of 15-20 Mbps, which, admittedly, is pretty cool. But, most likely, the modem will use some kind of third-generation (3G) network technology, and if the actual (and not advertising) speed is at least 5 MBit per second, then that's not bad. At the very least, you can watch movies online at that speed. Therefore, before connecting a USB modem to the router, make sure the real Internet speed is.

Is there any other way out?

Some users often wonder if it is possible to connect a router to a USB modem without a USB port. Of course, this can be done, but it is extremely difficult. The idea is to open the router itself, solder the USB interface there and flash it with a special firmware that will "see" the USB port. But few people practice such a scheme. However, there is another interesting way.

Sharing Wi-Fi from a laptop

If you have a modem, but do not have a router with a USB port for a modem, then you can connect to the Internet and create a Wi-Fi network at home using a regular laptop. It's just that the laptop itself will replace our router. The main thing is that the laptop has a working Wi-Fi adapter.

The easiest way is to use Connectify. By the way, it is available on the Internet for free, but it also has a paid version with wider functionality. Free will suit us. Download it, install it on your computer and run it.

There we need to fill in the lines:

Hotspot Name is the name of your network. It will be standard in the free version and cannot be changed.
Line Password - here enter the password that will be used to access the network.
The string Internet to share. There you need to select from the drop-down list the source of the Internet signal that will be used for distribution over Wi-Fi. We select our modem:
In Share Over, select the Wi-Fi item.
In Sharing Mode, select WPA2 encryption.

Now click on the big button at the bottom - Start HotSpot. This is how we turned our laptop into an access point. Now it will distribute Wi-Fi instead of a regular router.

If you cannot customize this program for any reason, you can use others. For example, the free MyPublicWiFi program offers the same functionality. In addition, there is a program myHotSpot with similar capabilities. You don't need to use any programs at all. The built-in tools of the Windows 7 operating system allow you to make an access point out of a laptop, but you have to tinker with them. It is best to use third party software.

That's all. Now you know how to connect a USB modem to a router and distribute Wi-Fi from a laptop without a router at all.

This article will be useful to those who want to configure the distribution of the Internet from a Wi-Fi router, having an Internet connection from a mobile USB modem inserted into the USB port of a computer. Having a Wi-Fi router with a USB port with support for 3G / 4G modem connectivity would greatly simplify the task, but if there is none, and you don't want to spend money on buying a new router, then, as an option, you can use this method. The downside of such a connection is that the distribution of Wi-Fi Internet, of course, will not happen when the computer is turned off.

In a nutshell, the task comes down to providing general access to the mobile Internet connection on the computer, and specifying the computer's network card as a gateway on the router.

Read more about how to make all the necessary settings later in the article.

In my example, I will use a computer with Windows 10 operating system, a Huawei E3372 USB modem with HiLink firmware and a TP-Link WR841N Wi-Fi router. However, the procedure will be the same for any other configuration.

I must say right away that there was no modem with native operator firmware at hand, so I will not guarantee the operability of the circuit when using such a modem, but it is highly likely that in this case, everything will work as it should.

First, you need to connect the router to the computer to the LAN port, as shown in the figure below and go to its web interface.

For most routers, including our TP-Link, the web interface is available at the ip address 192.168.0.1 or at tplinkwifi.net... The default login to enter the “admin panel” of the device is admin, the password is the same. This information is usually indicated on the router itself.

Our task is to go to the WAN settings, select the “Static IP” connection type, set the IP address and specify the gateway. Set the address for the WAN port of the router 192.168.1.2 , and the gateway will indicate the address 192.168.1.1 - we will give this address to the network card of the computer to which we will connect this router. You can set other addresses, the main thing is that both the router and the network card are in the same subnet.

Then we switch the cable from the LAN port to the WAN port and proceed with setting up the connections on the computer.

By right-clicking on the network icon in the taskbar, we will go to the "Network and Sharing Center", where we will select the "Change adapter settings" section. There we will find 2 connections, one of which belongs to a network card (Realtek PCIe ...), the other to a USB modem (Remote NDIS ...).

In the settings of the second, we will allow other users to use this Internet connection. To open the settings menu, right-click on it and select the "Properties" menu item. Go to the "Access" tab and put a tick as in the picture below. Click “Ok” to save the settings.

Now, in the same way, go to the settings menu of the network card and assign it a static IP address 192.168.1.1. Do not forget to click “Ok” to save the settings.

This completes the setup. After saving the last settings, the Wi-Fi router should immediately start distributing the Internet. If it doesn't, you may need to restart it. If it does not work even after rebooting, then carefully check the settings again. Note that when the router is connected to the computer via the WAN port, you will not be able to access the web interface from the computer. In this case, you can use your phone or tablet by connecting to the router via Wi-Fi.

If you have any questions, leave them in the comments to the article.