What to do if the router does not see the USB modem. What to do if the Wi-Fi router does not see the USB modem? Tp link mr3220 sees the modem

Today we will try to figure out the problem when the router does not see the 3G (4G) USB modem after connecting. If you have come to this page, then you probably understand what I mean. The problem is simple and clear. There are routers that can connect to the Internet through a 3G modem connected to a USB port. So, in the process of setting up a router, many are faced with a problem when, after USB connections modem, the router simply does not detect it. In the router settings, where the modem connection status is displayed, there is nothing, or it says that the modem is not defined.

There are several reasons why you might encounter this problem. And now I will tell 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 a USB modem

1 In most cases, when the idea of ​​a purchase comes to us wifi router Yes, we already have a modem, and the Internet is connected. And few people know that not all routers, even those that have USB ports, support connecting 3G / 4G modems. And those that support connecting to the Internet via modems do not work with all models of modems. It is precisely because of the compatibility of the router with the modem that the problem most often arises when the router simply does not see the modem.

I even wrote a separate article, where I spoke in detail about these moments. And I prepared the same article. Be careful when choosing!

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

If you looked at the list of compatible modems with your router, and you didn’t find your modem there, then you can try updating the router’s firmware to the latest version. Perhaps support for your model was added there. Although, it is unlikely of course. Also, you can search for information about the following query "router model + modem model". Perhaps someone has already encountered such a problem.

If possible, just return the router to the store and get another one that supports your modem. Or, change the modem to match your router.

2 Update the router firmware (already posted about this above) and do a factory reset. Perhaps after that, the router will be able to determine your modem. 3 Connect the modem directly to the router. No extension cords or anything. A USB extension cable can be used, but not recommended. And if necessary, then take not too long.

I myself have already encountered a problem when the modem was not detected by the router due to an extension cord that was too long. Many 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 simply cannot 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 zone of stable network reception, and there are no restrictions from the operator.

I already wrote instructions for setting up a modem on ASUS and TP-LINK routers:

Check your settings. In the section with setting up an Internet connection, or on the "USB" tab, you will see all the necessary information on the modem.

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

These days, accessing the Internet within the city is quite easy, but if you are outside the city, where telephone lines No, in this case, the 3G / 4G modem helps out. It is this network device, when paired with a Wi-Fi router, that makes it possible to access global network multiple users at the same time. Thus, it is possible to work without problems in the country and even in nature, provided there is a power source (generator). Paradoxically, while solving the problem of multi-user access in this way, we sometimes encounter the fact that the router does not see the USB modem.

At the same time, the 3G / 4G Internet source itself, paired with a laptop, works quite normally, and when connected to a wireless network device, it completely refuses to show signs of life.

Since you are reading this article, it means that you also encountered a problem in the joint operation of the router and 3G / 4G modem. I will try to present ways to solve this problem in a logical order.

Troubleshooting these network devices.

1. The most common case is the banal incompatibility of devices. That is, a 3/4G modem cannot work with a certain router model. Simply put, the modem and router are incompatible. Do not rush to despair. Find the model name on the case of one and the second device and visit the official website of the router manufacturer to make sure that the devices can work in tandem. Find your model in the list and go to the specifications. Find a description that mentions which modem models it pairs with without problems.

If it turns out that they cannot work in pairs, then one of the devices will have to be replaced. Particular attention should be paid to the fact that if you still have to change one of the devices, then definitely you should choose a modem in this list. There are two main reasons for this:

• The cost of a 3G modem, as a rule, is 3 times less than that of a router. And spending extra money just doesn't make sense.
• I haven’t come across, but I heard that there are models that will not work with any router at all, since they are able to exchange data directly through the USB port of a desktop computer or mobile laptop.
• Looking ahead, I want to say that if you want to "make friends" of these devices by flashing the router, then you will automatically lose the warranty, and you may not be able to "try on" them.

It should be said that when choosing network equipment, you must initially be very careful about the issue of compatibility. As a rule, each router model has its own compatibility list, which you should focus on.

2. There are such unpleasant moments when both devices in the list proposed by the manufacturer are quite compatible and, it would seem, can work quietly. But the result is null. The fact is that manufacturers often sell devices with slightly outdated software versions or modify raw versions later.

You can try to solve this issue by flashing, but no one will give a 100% guarantee of success. Go to the developer's website and find the firmware for your model in a special section, and then give it to the router through the administrative section. This procedure is not difficult and does not require special technical training. But, if in doubt, it is better to seek help from a specialist.

3. Before you start changing the firmware, make sure that the modem is in the provider's coverage area and that you have made all the settings correctly. If you decide to create connections again, I recommend that you immediately reset the router settings, and then try to link them together again. Several times I came across guys who incorrectly set the parameters in the settings and therefore the router did not see the modem.

Go to the device interface and activate the "Enable modem" option. Not valid for all models. Be sure to check which device mode is set and compare the configuration settings with those recommended by your carrier. You can clarify all the necessary information in the service technical support clients.

4. Often, users connect receiving devices through various kinds, cords and extension cords. You just need to remove this extra element. It is the cables that serve as a serious problem and can neutralize all efforts to receive and return a signal.

And finally, if the router does not see the provider's USB modem, then you should not panic, but take it calmly and approach the problem with a cool head. In the vast majority of cases, the problem can be solved positively by the above methods. Good luck! Bye!

2015-12-25T18:11:08+00:00

Excellent and helpful article. It clearly fit in my head what - why, following your instructions for action, I solved the problem of my "blinded" router. But I was already going to take it for a flashing on the advice of "specialists" or buy a new one, which is even sadder. Friends, share

If you have purchased a 3G modem but are facing a compatibility issue, this article provides an answer on how to resolve this issue for your router. After you plug the 3G modem into your router, go to the router's administrative control panel at http://192.168.1.1 with the default username and password admin. If you see a status page similar to the one shown in the figure below, then you have a problem. modem compatibility issue.

You can try to solve it in the following ways:

Firmware update

Tp-link is constantly updating firmware to expand the list of compatible modems, and it is possible that your firmware is simply outdated. If your 3g modem is listed in the compatibility list, but you still have an image Unknown Modem then you better update firmware. Download the latest firmware and then update the firmware software your router by going to the System tools -> Firmware Upgrade page.

Specify firmware file

Uploading the binary file of the modem

When a new modem compatible with our router is released, as a rule, the release of new firmware comes out with some delay, and after that it will be available on the manufacturer's website, on the modem binaries download page. First you need to find out if your modem model is listed in the modem binary table, if so then you need to download the appropriate file to your local computer. Here, as an example, we will consider the Huawei EC 169 3G modem.

Before uploading the modem binary file, the page looks like the picture below.

Then you need to go Network (Network) -> 3G, click modem settings.

On the new page, click Add New.

Then download the modem binary.

Reboot your router, go to System Tools - Reboot.

After the reboot is completed, the modem will be recognized by the TP-link router automatically.

If your 3G modem is still not detected by the router, please contact the dealer from whom you bought this router, and they will help you solve this problem.

Let's say you have a girlfriend (or grandmother) who has a tablet or laptop but no Internet connection. And she really needs the Internet. What to do? The solution may be to use a 3G or 4G modem. But on some tablets, there is even nowhere to connect it, not to mention the fact that it is physically inconvenient (a process sticking out of the side of the tablet, the difficulty of using it by several people). Ideally, you need to get an absolutely autonomous device that will perform the functions of a point WiFi access. Brought, plugged the plug into the outlet, and everything works.
But for this you need to do some preparatory work. In fact, we need three devices: a 3G modem to connect to an Internet provider, a router (or, as it is also called, a router) with the ability to connect such a modem to create a WiFi access point, and possibly a WiFi adapter for testing (on the desktop computers of the module WiFi may or may not be available.
I must say right away that the most difficult thing here is that the router can work with the modem. The fact is that mobile Internet providers (usually mobile operator, well known to everyone) provide a program with the modem with which it can be controlled, and there are few options here (a program for Windows, Mac, Linux or Android), but programs for managing a modem inserted into a router are created by the router manufacturer. And there are many models of modems ... Well, if your modem is supported, but if not? In general, the article is just about that.
By the way, the problem can also be solved like this: take a list of supported modems for a given router (it is usually in the manual or on the website), buy a modem that is definitely supported (they cost, however, relatively expensive, from 800 rubles), and then rearrange sim card from a “branded” modem.
The only thing these devices have in common is the connection to the USB port. Well, and also the fact that they look like a flash drive :)
So, first of all, you need to determine the brand of the existing modem. To do this, you need to install it on a computer and carefully study the control program (the most valuable information is usually hidden the farthest). For example, I have a Beeline modem. What brand is it?

Huawei modem E3131. It is not included in the list of supported modems for this router, and therefore the task becomes more interesting (I do not like trivial tasks). There are a lot of questions on this modem on the Internet, which confirms that the “plugged in - it worked” rule does not apply here. It may seem to an unprepared user that nothing will come of it, that the router must be taken back to the store, and in general everything is bad. But it's not!
By the way, the ability to connect a modem is far from the only characteristic of the router. This has a number of advantages: a removable WiFi antenna, the ability to connect up to 4 computers by wire, an off button (not all models have it), a power plug with a long cord. Or maybe it will be more convenient for you to work with a router that is made like one big plug - no wires, just plug it into an outlet? The manufacturer also matters. For me, for example, the authorities on this issue are ASUS, NETGEAR, TP-LINK, ZyXEL.
In general, I bought exactly the router that is most convenient for me.
Now you need to start configuring the router. To do this, you need a computer with the ability to connect an Ethernet cable (wired Internet). Wired Internet it is also needed in order to have access to the network to obtain the necessary information materials (manuals, firmware programs, etc.), because everything will not work the first time.

We connect the router - in this case TP-LINK TL-MR3220. Disconnect the Internet cable from the computer and plug it into the blue connector of the router. We connect the short cable included with the router to the computer and to one of the yellow connectors on the router. Turn on the router. Ideally, the Internet connection should work - the router here serves as a simple signal translator.
What if it doesn't work? It makes sense to wait a few minutes and restart your computer. Still not working? There can be many reasons, but I will dwell on one in detail (it just so happens that the article will be long).
When a wired Internet provider provides you with a connection, it often fixes the MAC address of the device that was connected first. This address is a kind of additional password, and a device with a different address will not be granted access to the network. The MAC address is a unique device number, these addresses practically do not repeat, so you can uniquely identify the device by it. All network devices have these addresses: computers, network cards, routers, adapters…
Typical story. A master comes to a person (let's call him Vasya) to connect the Internet, connects a computer, everything works, leaves.
After a while, guests come to Vasya.
- Vasya, can I use your Internet? asks one of the girls who has a tablet. - I need to check my email.
- Please.
Vasya unplugs the cable from the computer.
- Oh, but I don’t have such a connector, - the girl says in confusion, looking around the tablet. The tablet is thin, you can't install such a connector on it with all your desire.
- I would like WiFi, - the girl asks timidly. - Do you have WiFi?
Vasya blushes. He doesn't have wifi.
Modern housing without a WiFi hotspot is the same embarrassment as if there were no clean towels in the bathroom and toilet paper in the toilet.
But even if the tablet had the right connector, it is unlikely that the girl would be able to connect to the Internet. The reason is all in the same MAC address, which the tablet, of course, has its own.
Vasya decided to fix this problem, got on the Internet (perhaps he found this article) and realized that it is better to connect the provider's cable not directly to the computer, but to the router (router), which, among other things, has a WiFi module, that is it can also work as an access point. Such a router can distribute the Internet to both wired and wireless devices.
But the router again has its own MAC address! The connection will not work. There are two exits, as usual. You can call the provider's support service and ask to change the fixed MAC address. Moreover, the address does not even need to be clarified (it can be written, for example, on the label of the device), an experienced operator of the provider will easily determine it from the connected device. But this option is not good: if the router breaks down, the computer will not be connected directly again. Fortunately, router manufacturers have foreseen this problem and made it possible to replace the router's MAC address with any other. This is done in the control program, and we will make sure that our device can do this too (here it is called "MAC address cloning").
Well, enough about MAC addresses, we have another task. So, we have verified that the wired connection through the TP-LINK router is working. Now you need to enter the control program and make a number of important settings.
The router is accessed through a browser. I prefer Safari, but you can use Firefox or even Internet Explorer. Open the browser and type in the address bar the IP address of the router: 192.168.0.1 - it is standard. You can enter the program only with a username and password. They are also standard: admin and admin.

As you can see, the program is Russified. Therefore, it is better to learn how to set the required parameters now, because after flashing the language will change to English. The password must be changed first. For this you need to choose System Tools - Password and enter the required information. You can leave the old login, the password must be changed.

Then necessary check Internet access modes. Select Net. It specifies which Internet access can be used and in what order. For example, if you select "3G/4G only" and the modem does not work, then even if you have wired Internet access (WAN), you will not get access to the network. The "WAN Preferred" mode forces the router to connect a wired connection first and a modem second. This is a good option in terms of reliability if you need a constant connection. But if you want the modem to work in this mode, disconnect network cable.

Now it is useful to "look" at the router from the WiFi side - this requires a WiFi adapter in the computer (how to install it - at the end of the article). You need to open the adapter management program and see the list of available access points. Ours must be among them. For example:

Which router is ours? Apparently the one with the strongest signal (the device is next to the computer), but how to prove it? And what kind of name is this: TP-LINK_BC50A6? We go into the router management program, select Network - Wireless, we read the same name in the line "Wireless network name". So ours. But here's what's bad: the "Security" column - all neighbors have routers protected, we don't. This is because the factory settings do not offer security, so that it is easier for the user to connect to the router and the user does not think that the device is not working.
We are conducting a bold experiment: is it possible to connect without a password. In Windows 7, working with network devices is somewhat stupid, and a wireless connection can be created in several ways by going to the "Network and Sharing Center". It is necessary to look for links related to wireless adapters and commands for connecting to the network. But try the easiest way first. Click the icon on the taskbar that is responsible for connecting to the Internet (the icon in the form of a monitor or a WiFi signal strength graph). If the WiFi adapter is active, a list of access points that can be picked up will open, like the one we have already seen.

Windows also realized that the access point is not secure, and indicates this with an exclamation mark icon. Right-click and select "Connect". Then we will be warned in a separate window that the network (local) is not installed, so we need to select the link "Connect to the network without first installing it." Connection in progress. We disconnect the network cable from the computer and make sure that the Internet is still available. Yes, the hotspot works, but in the same way, anyone who is in range of WiFi can connect to it. We need to install a security system.
We restore the wired connection, disconnect from WiFi (using the same icon) with the right mouse button, the "Disconnect" command.
By the way, the ICQ program, which is not directly related to our problem, is also good because its flower icon on the taskbar changes color depending on the availability of the Internet, this is a good indicator.
We go into the browser, into the TP-LINK control program, select Wireless - Wireless Security. Here you can select different security standards: "WPA/WPA2 - Personal" or "WEP". The first option is recommended. Select it and enter the password, then click the button Save. Now select . Click the button Reload. Wait for the router to reboot.

Now try to connect to WiFi again. Now you can't connect without a password? So the connection is secure. Please note that in the TP-LINK router management program, the password is specified in clear text. On the one hand, this is convenient, on the other hand, anyone who connects to the control program as an administrator will see this password. Therefore, the administrator password must also be long enough, unique and unguessable. Take care of him!
What else is good about the TP-LINK control program?
Quick Setup- a good wizard who will ask you the necessary questions in order to configure the router. At the same time, you will find out what parameters are needed. It is not recommended to change all parameters at random. If you don't know, leave it as is.
Security - Local Management- by selecting this mode and pressing one button, you will make it so that you can access the control program only from your computer. This is a good security option.
System Tools - Time Setting- set the correct date and time. Practice shows that if the date / time is set incorrectly, problems arise when connecting to the network.
System Tools - Factory Settings- the ability to return the parameters to their original state. Convenient for those who are just learning.
See how much there is to know and do. But we haven't even touched the 3G modem. It's time to do it. Plug the modem into the router's USB port. Of course, I can tell about my case, with another modem something will go differently.
Select in control program State. This contains information about all the main components that provide a connection to the network. For example, you can see the familiar WiFi adapter data, marked with the connection name we already know (TP-LINK_BC50A6). But now we need a "3G / 4G" section. If it doesn't appear, check the section Net: If the wired connection is working, must be set to 3G/4G Only or 3G/4G Preferred. There is a rather tricky connection usage logic here, and I think that many users get screwed over with this. Although this logic is made wisely and ensures the optimal mode of using the Internet, for example, in order not to pay extra money to the provider wireless internet when wired is available.
Let's say in the section State we see this picture:

That is, the router program recognized the modem, but could not bring it into working condition. At the same time, the LED on the modem blinks periodically. If you search the Internet for the reason for this, you will find many versions, from the deformation of the Earth's magnetic field to the invasion of aliens. Indeed, there can be many reasons: the modem is faulty, there is no SIM card in it, the signal is too weak (look for a place for the device), the provider has problems, there is no money on the account (check the balance). But if the modem connected directly to the computer works, the most dire verdict becomes more likely: "the modem is not supported by the device." Pre-fainting state in an unprepared user (but not me).
To be honest, before buying a router, I, of course, read the reviews on the network and found out that you can connect the E3131 modem by updating the router firmware. This is what we will do now.
Using an available connection, we go to the website of the router manufacturer, follow the links to find our model and download section. On the bottom of the router, you need to look at the version. Let's say we have the second one (V2.2). Specifically, the address will be:
http://www.tp-linkru.com/support/download/?model=TL-MR3220&version=V2
There are many things you can download (for example, the manual), but here are the most important ones for us:

It is very helpful to read the warnings written in red font. Yes, to flash the device, you need to connect it to the computer only with a cable, the wireless connection in this case is unreliable. From myself I will add that ideally the computer and the router should be connected to an uninterruptible power supply (UPS). What happens if the electricity goes out during the flashing? I have never brought my equipment to such a state, and I can’t say for sure, but I suspect that the router will have to be carried to a service center. I prefer using UPS.
Please note that the latest version of the program is on English language. You need to download the latest version and the Russian version, so that there is something to return to, if anything. It is not indicated that the E3131 modem is supported, but the E3331 modem is indicated, this already inspires hope (in any case - you should try it?). Flashing programs must be unpacked in some folder on the computer.
We go into the router management program, select System Tools - Firmware Update. For order, you can write down the version of the existing firmware on a piece of paper. Then it remains to select the new firmware file - and let's go. Farewell, Russian-language interface!

Again you will have to enter your login and password, but again the standard one: admin / admin. We draw a disappointing conclusion: all settings are erased, they will have to be created again. The program immediately takes us to the section Quick Setup(Quick setting). You can try by pressing the button Next. What need to do? Select "3G/4G Preferred" mode. Skip a few steps where you do not need to change the parameters, clone the MAC address (if necessary, I already said why this is needed), button Clone MAC Address. Enter the password for the "WPA-Personal / WPA2-Personal" mode (string Password), we have already done this before, but in another section. You will tell this password to the one who should connect your gadget via WiFi. Push button Reboot and wait for the reboot.
And you will also have to restore other erased settings, but with the English interface.
Change administrator password: System Tools-Password
Check time settings: System Tools - Time Settings
Just in case: if something goes wrong, to restore the Russian firmware, use the section System Tools - Firmware Upgrade I hope you didn't forget to download it.
We connect the 3G modem if it is not connected, and observe what happens in the section Status. To get the result, you need to wait a few minutes (this, too, probably, many are pierced). Now the modem is working, there is no other way to get the necessary addresses from the mobile provider:

On the modem itself, a permanently lit LED is a sign of normal operation.
It remains to perform the last check: disconnect the network cable from the computer and make sure that the Internet is available via WiFi. So, we got a standalone device that will work wherever there is a 220 V power supply and a signal from a mobile provider. The time from power on to the moment when the 3G modem enters the operating mode is 1.5 - 2 minutes.
I haven’t checked, but I think that all of the above applies not only to the TP-LINK TL-MR3220, but also to the TP-LINK TL-MR3420 model. According to the description, they differ in some technical specifications, and their firmware must be the same.
Well, finally, a little about the WiFi adapter. If tablets and laptops mostly have built-in WiFi modules, then desktop computers may not have them. Then you need to connect to the port USB external adapter, like the one shown in the photo above. Then you need to install the driver and control program provided by the adapter manufacturer in the system. The bottom line is that management WiFi networks is built into Windows, so the control program only serves as a shell, an interface to the user. Therefore, if the program is running, and no WiFi sources are found (I don’t know how it is in villages, but there are plenty of them everywhere in cities), then the problem is in Windows. Here is an example of such a program (coincidentally, the adapter is also TP-LINK, although it could be ASUS, Acorp, etc.)

If access points are not caught, but they are, there may be a problem with Windows. You can, for example, open the "Services" section and make sure that the "WLAN AutoConfig Service" is running. But in general, to understand what exactly is wrong is not rational. A Windows update can help. This saves all programs and user settings. it good way in order to "refresh" the system. It's a pity that few people know about it. For this you need when running Windows 7 (for example, Windows 7 is described, in XP this is done a little differently) install the distribution disk into the drive and wait for the installation program to start. It is useful, of course, to make a backup of all important information before that, but this is a separate issue. First you need to click the "Install" button. Then - refuse updates via the Internet. Then - accept the terms of the license. In the next installer window, select this option.

The update is not fast - on an SSD drive, it takes about an hour. As a result, the system restores all important settings and starts to work noticeably better. After that, you have two ways to open the list of WiFi access points and connect, but I have already talked about this.
I didn't expect the article to be so long. It’s even scary to think how users who are not fans deal with these problems computer technology. But, as one artist said, “I like to talk about cases that have gone well.” Good luck to you too.