Netcomm Mobile 4G/LTE/5G Configuration

This article covers how to configure LTE/5G on a Netcomm router, either as your primary connection, or as a backup/failover service.

Before You Start

• Make sure there's good LTE/5G signal where the router is placed. External antennas can be added to boost signal reception if needed.

• Make sure your SIM is activated and provisioned correctly, this is especially important for Optus SIM cards.

• If you're using a Telstra SIM, it's worth testing signal and data connectivity in a mobile phone first, to confirm the SIM itself is working before configuring the router.

Part I: Configuring Cellular as Your Primary Service

1. Insert the SIM card into the Netcomm router.

2. Login to the router's setup page. Default address is http://192.168.20.1.

3. On the Device Info page, you should see:

   • Link: Not Connected

   • SIM Info: SIM Inserted

   • Signal Strength: showing signal bars

   This confirms the SIM is inserted and receiving signal, it just hasn't been configured to connect yet.

4. Go to Basic Setup > Mobile Network. [Screenshot: Basic Setup, Mobile Network menu]

5. Enter the configuration: For Optus SIM cards (4G):

   • APN: SPLNS357

   • Username: your assigned mobile number (e.g. 61466003511)

   • Password: password (this is the standard default for all our LTE SIM cards)

   • Dial: *99#

   For Telstra SIM cards:

   • APN: telstra.internet or telstra.net or mdata.net.au

   • Username: leave empty

   • Password: leave empty

   • Dial: *99#

   Note: the dial number isn't shown on the Basic Setup page, as it's usually the default. You can find and adjust it under Advanced Setup if needed.

6. For further settings, go to Advanced Setup > Mobile Broadband and edit the lte0 interface. Note: generally, only the APN and dial number need changing here, everything else can be left on default. After clicking Apply/Save, make sure to also click Connect.

Part II: Configuring Cellular as a Backup Service

1. Login to the router's setup page at http://192.168.20.1.

2. Confirm the SIM is inserted via Device Info > Summary. Three or more green signal bars indicates good coverage.

3. Go to Basic Setup, and select ADSL, VDSL, or Ethernet WAN depending on your connection type. For IPoE/DHCP services, select Ethernet WAN.

4. This next part is the most important step, tick "Enable Mobile Broadband Backup", then configure the mobile service: For Optus SIM cards:

   • APN: SPLNS357

   • Username: your assigned mobile number

   • Password: password

   For Telstra SIM cards (usually 5G):

   • APN: telstra.internet or telstra.net or mdata.net.au

   • Username: leave empty

   • Password: leave empty

5. Once configured, check the status under WAN Info and Device Info:

   • ETH WAN: connected

   • lte0: disconnected

   The LTE light will stay off, and the cellular connection remains disconnected until needed. It only activates automatically if the primary connection goes down, at which point the LTE light and Internet light will both illuminate.

6. To test failover, disconnect the primary connection. The LTE status should switch to connected, and the LTE LED will light up:

   • ETH WAN: disconnected

   • lte0: connected