Who sod the wi-fi router see a 3g/4g usb modem?

Today we will try to solve the problem when the router does not see 3G (4G) USB modem after connection. If you came to this page, you probably understand what I mean. The problem is simple and straightforward. There are routers that can connect to the Internet via a 3G modem plugged into a USB port. So, in the process of configuring the router, many face the problem when after connecting the USB modem, the router simply does not detect it. In the router settings, where the status of the modem connection is displayed, there is nothing, or writes that the modem is not defined.

There are several reasons why you may encounter such a problem. And now I will tell you about them. Most often, this problem is faced by those who are not serious about choosing a router, and those who do not read my articles 🙂 Now you will understand why.

What to do if the router does not detect USB modem

1
In most cases, when we get the idea of buying a Wi-Fi router, we already have the modem and the internet is connected. And few people know that not all routers, even those that have USB ports, support 3G/4G modems. And those that support connection to the Internet through modems, do not work with all models of modems. It is because of the compatibility of the router with the modem, most often there is a problem when the router simply does not see the modem.

I even wrote a separate article how to give out Internet over Wi-Fi c 3G USB modem? Routers with support for USB modems, where I talked in detail about these points. And the same article I prepared specifically on ASUS routers. Be careful when choosing!

What to do if you have already bought everything and it turns out that the router and modem are incompatible:

If you have looked at the list of compatible modems with your router, and did not find your modem there, you can try to update the firmware of the router to the latest version. It may have added support for your model. Although it is unlikely, of course. Also, you can search for information on the query “router model + modem model”. Perhaps someone has already encountered this problem.

If possible, just return the router to the store, and take another that supports your modem. Alternatively, change the modem for your router.

2
Update the router firmware (already wrote about it above), and do a factory reset. Perhaps, after that, the router will be able to detect your modem.

3
Connect your modem directly to the router. No extension cords or the like. A USB extension cord can be used, but not preferably. And if you need one, take one that is not too long.

I myself have already encountered a problem when the modem was not detected by the router because of a too long extension cord. Many people use extension cords to raise the modem higher for better reception.

4
You may have a slightly different problem. The router sees the 3G modem, but just can’t connect to the Internet through it. In this case, you need to make sure that you have configured the router correctly, the modem is in the area of stable network reception, and there are no restrictions from the operator.

I have already written instructions on how to configure the modem on the TP-LINK router:

Instructions on how to configure the modem on TP-LINK router. Using the TL-MR3220 model as an example.

Check the parameters. In the section with Internet connection setup, or in the “USB” tab, you will see all the necessary information on the modem.

If you connect the modem and the router does not respond to it in any way (there is no information in the settings), then most likely you will have to change either the modem or the router. I remember a long time ago I was setting up such a scheme on a TP-LINK TL-MR3220 router. I couldn’t set it up, but after installing the 10th firmware and dancing with tambourine everything somehow worked.