USB Modem Tips
USB Modem Tips
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USB Modem Tips
Wi-REACH Classic supports many USB 3G modems, and the updated list of modems
known to be supported can be found on
www.connectone.com
.
Wi-REACH Classic supports modems that adhere to the USB CDC (Communication
Device Class) specification and standard AT Commands.
Note
: if a modem is not supported by Wi-REACH Classic, when it is inserted into Wi-
REACH Classic, the NET LED will eventually flash (fast) RED.
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Types of USB Modems
There are usually two types of USB modems:
1.
Standard modems (usually older modems)
2.
Composite modems (usually newer modems)
Composite modems are modems that contain the modem drivers on the modem
itself with no need for a driver CD. These modems when plugged into a USB port,
identify themselves initially as a Mass Storage Device like a CD-ROM or Flash Disk
for the purpose of loading the modem drivers from the internal modem memory.
After the driver is loaded, it sends a command to the modem to switch it from Mass
Storage mode to Modem mode. At that point the modem is identified as a standard
modem and AT Commands can be sent to it.
Wi-REACH Classic contains a long list of supported modems and methodologies for
switching composite modems from Mass Storage mode to Modem mode.
Unfortunately, this switching mechanism is not standard among modem
manufacturers, and therefore support may be added to Wi-REACH Classic for newer
modems over time.
If you have a fairly new modem, there is a high probability that it is a composite
modem, so please make sure it is on the updated list of modems supported by Wi-
REACH Classic.
Modems that are not on the list may still be supported by Wi-REACH Classic if they
adhere to one of the switch methodologies already supported by Wi-REACH Classic,
and you may contact Connect One support at
WiReach@connectone.com
with the
modem details to find out if they may be supported.
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CDMA Modems vs. GSM Modems
CDMA modems, unlike GSM modems, do not use a SIM, and do not need an APN
configured.
The common dial string for GSM modems is *99#, and for CDMA modems #777.
If you have a CDMA modem, you should enter "CDMA" (without the quotes) into the
APN field in the Wi-REACH Classic Cellular configuration page. The Wi-REACH Classic
then understands to build the modem initialization strings accordingly.