TL-MR3420 & Huawei E173. 3G Disconnecting / Webpages Hanging etc

[andyp1]

Hi,

I am new to this forum, and I would really appreciate some help.

I own a TP-LINK TL-MR3420 (v1.2) & Huawei E173 (listed as compatible), and I have tried all the firmware listed below:

TL-MR3420_V1_110418
TL-MR3420_V1_110125
TL-MR3420_v1_110112
TL-MR3420_v1_111121_AU
mr3420v1_en_3_12_19_up_111128_pppWINS
TL-MR3420 3.12.19 Build 110617 Rel.39329n

Most frustratingly of all... On all of the above firmware I am having problems with web pages "hanging" intermittently. I will have a strong 3G signal, the internet will be working fine, with web pages loading fast and instantly, then suddenly, for a minute or so, I am unable to load any web pages. If I try to load one, it will just hang there. Finally after a minute or so (and maybe a page refresh), the page will load. This is happening frequently throughout the day. There seems to be no reason for this.

In addition to the problem stated above, I am also finding with these firmware versions, that the internet will be working fine for a while (I have the router set to "on demand", with a max idle time of 15 minutes), and then maybe later on in the day, suddenly, the modem will lose the 3G connection, and the router will redial to connect the 3G again. This can happen a couple of times in succession, and when I have a good 3G signal. Also, it seems that after this has happened, the router will no longer disconnect the E173 after 15 minutes idle, so the E173 just stays connected constantly. I then wake up in the morning to find that the router has lost the 3G connection a couple of times throughout the night. When the firmware goes wrong, I also notice sometimes that the log file shows the wrong date and time temporarily. Even though the internet often reconnects after a disconnect, it is very frustrating when you are in the middle of something.

Will TP-Link ever provide stable firmware for this router?

I am currently using the mr3420v1_en_3_12_19_up_111128_pppWINS (beta) firmware (I have only been testing it for less than a day, but so far the router has not lost 3G connection, but quite frequently, as mentioned above, the web pages will hang for a minute or so. I am expecting this firmware to start playing up in other ways too, like the other firmware did. It seems that the firmware will work not too badly for a day or even two, and then start to cause problems. If this current firmware is anything like firmware (3.12.19 Build 111121), then I am not holding out much hope (see logs below).

With some firmware (for example TL-MR3420_V1_110418), when I reboot the router, sometimes it will have BIG problems recognising the E173 and connecting to the 3G, and will have many attempts, take absolutely ages, and will bring up many errors, disconnects etc. Usually, with any firmware issued after the date of this one, when rebooting, the problem doesn't seem to occur as much, but problems sometimes do still occur.

When the E173 is connected to the laptop, it works perfectly, no web pages hanging, and no disconnects.

These issues only occur when the E173 is connected to the MR3420.

Below are some of the previous system logs. I don't have many logs (if any) for some of the firmware versions, but you can guess the pattern, router works fine for a while, and then starts to play up, disconnects etc.


SYSTEM LOG:


H-Ver = MR3420 v1 00000000 : S-Ver = 3.12.19 Build 110617 Rel.39329n

[3G Link Failed. 3G Link Down]

Feb 23 00:08:47 3G WARNING Detect 3G link failed, 3G link is down
Feb 23 00:08:47 PPP ERROR User request
Feb 23 00:08:47 PPP ERROR LCP down
Feb 23 00:08:47 PPP WARNING LCP down
Feb 23 00:08:47 PPP INFO sent [LCP TermReq]
Feb 23 00:08:47 PPP INFO rcvd [LCP TermAck]
Feb 23 00:09:14 PPP NOTICE Standard authentication.
Feb 23 00:09:14 3G INFO Run 3G dial cmd: pppd /dev/ttyUSB0 115200 connect "chat -s -v -f /etc/ppp/conn-s

[3G Link Failed. 3G Link Down]

Feb 23 00:11:58 DHCP NOTICE DHCPS:Recv REQUEST from 10:D9:01:06:E1:82
Feb 23 00:11:58 DHCP NOTICE DHCPS:Send ACK to 192.168.1.101
Feb 23 00:12:15 3G WARNING Detect 3G link failed, 3G link is down
Feb 23 00:12:15 PPP ERROR User request
Feb 23 00:12:15 PPP ERROR LCP down

[3G Link Failed. 3G Link Down]

Feb 23 00:09:35 3G NOTICE 3G connected
Feb 23 00:11:58 DHCP NOTICE DHCPS:Recv REQUEST from 10:D9:01:06:E1:82
Feb 23 00:11:58 DHCP NOTICE DHCPS:Send ACK to 192.168.1.101
Feb 23 00:12:15 3G WARNING Detect 3G link failed, 3G link is down

[Modem Connecting Error / Modem Switching Failed / Etc.. ]

Feb 23 00:20:36 3G NOTICE 3G Modem connecting error, please check the dial number and APN.
Feb 23 00:20:36 3G INFO mobileCmdReq 288 mobileFormatCmd error
Feb 23 00:20:59 PPP NOTICE Standard authentication.
Feb 23 00:20:59 3G INFO Run 3G dial cmd: pppd /dev/ttyUSB0 115200 connect "chat -s -v -f /etc/ppp/conn-s
Feb 23 00:21:03 PPP NOTICE Standard authentication.
Feb 23 00:21:03 3G INFO Run 3G dial cmd: pppd /dev/ttyUSB2 115200 connect "chat -s -v -f /etc/ppp/conn-s
Feb 23 00:21:20 3G NOTICE Modem switchs failed, reset the 3G modem, please wait.
Feb 23 00:21:22 3G INFO mobileCmdReq 288 mobileFormatCmd error
Feb 23 00:21:31 3G INFO 3G Modem vendorID: 0x12d1; productID: 0x1c0b
Feb 23 00:21:31 3G INFO 3G Modem vendorID: 0x12d1; productID: 0x1c0b
Feb 23 00:21:31 3G INFO 3G Modem vendorID: 0x12d1; productID: 0x1c0b
Feb 23 00:21:32 3G INFO 3G Modem vendorID: 0x12d1; productID: 0x1c0b
Feb 23 00:21:36 3G INFO Switch modem mode with the 0 command in the file usb_modeswitch.conf

[3G Disconnected]

Feb 22 15:52:07 3G NOTICE 3G connected
Feb 22 15:53:35 PPP ERROR User request
Feb 22 15:53:35 PPP ERROR LCP down
Feb 22 15:53:35 PPP WARNING LCP down
Feb 22 15:53:35 PPP INFO sent [LCP TermReq]
Feb 22 15:53:35 PPP INFO rcvd [LCP TermAck]
Feb 22 15:53:39 PPP WARNING 3G disconnected
Feb 22 15:53:41 3G NOTICE 3G start connecting...
Feb 22 15:53:41 PPP NOTICE Standard authentication.
Feb 22 15:53:41 3G INFO Run 3G dial cmd: pppd /dev/ttyUSB0 115200 connect "chat -s -v -f /etc/ppp/conn-s

H-Ver = MR3420 v1 00000000 : S-Ver = 3.12.19 Build 111121 Rel.99399n

[3G Link Failed. 3G Link Down]

1st day 14:02:06 DHCP NOTICE DHCPS:Send ACK to 192.168.1.101
1st day 14:39:32 3G WARNING Detect 3G link failed, 3G link is down
1st day 14:39:32 PPP ERROR User request
1st day 14:39:32 PPP ERROR LCP down

[Repeated DHCPS Recv / Send Requests]

1st day 01:20:19 DHCP NOTICE DHCPS:Recv REQUEST from 10:D9:01:06:E1:82
1st day 01:20:19 DHCP NOTICE DHCPS:Send ACK to 192.168.1.101
1st day 02:20:19 DHCP NOTICE DHCPS:Recv REQUEST from 10:D9:01:06:E1:82
1st day 02:20:19 DHCP NOTICE DHCPS:Send ACK to 192.168.1.101
1st day 02:21:14 DHCP NOTICE DHCPS:Recv REQUEST from 10:D9:01:06:E1:82
1st day 02:21:14 DHCP NOTICE DHCPS:Send ACK to 192.168.1.101
1st day 02:23:39 DHCP NOTICE DHCPS:Recv REQUEST from 10:D9:01:06:E1:82
1st day 02:23:39 DHCP NOTICE DHCPS:Send ACK to 192.168.1.101
1st day 03:23:39 DHCP NOTICE DHCPS:Recv REQUEST from 10:D9:01:06:E1:82
1st day 03:23:39 DHCP NOTICE DHCPS:Send ACK to 192.168.1.101
1st day 04:23:39 DHCP NOTICE DHCPS:Recv REQUEST from 10:D9:01:06:E1:82

[Multiple DHCPS / 3G Link Failed]

1st day 13:25:28 DHCP NOTICE DHCPS:Recv INFORM from 10:D9:01:06:E1:82
1st day 13:26:31 DHCP NOTICE DHCPS:Recv INFORM from 10:D9:01:06:E1:82
1st day 13:28:08 DHCP NOTICE DHCPS:Recv INFORM from 10:D9:01:06:E1:82
1st day 13:33:08 DHCP NOTICE DHCPS:Recv INFORM from 10:D9:01:06:E1:82
1st day 13:34:44 DHCP NOTICE DHCPS:Recv INFORM from 10:D9:01:06:E1:82
1st day 14:02:06 DHCP NOTICE DHCPS:Recv REQUEST from 10:D5:28:09:C1:12
1st day 14:02:06 DHCP NOTICE DHCPS:Send ACK to 192.168.1.101
1st day 14:39:32 3G WARNING Detect 3G link failed, 3G link is down

H-Ver = MR3420 v1 00000000 : S-Ver = 3.12.8 Build 110418 Rel.43954n

[Get SIM PIN status failed]

Feb 18 10:40:33 3G INFO Get SIM PIN status failed, reset usb deviece.
Feb 18 10:40:34 PPP ERROR User request
Feb 18 10:40:34 PPP ERROR LCP down
Feb 18 10:40:34 PPP WARNING LCP down
Feb 18 10:40:34 PPP INFO sent [LCP TermReq]
Feb 18 10:40:34 3G NOTICE 3G connected
Feb 18 10:40:37 PPP INFO sent [LCP TermReq]
Feb 18 10:40:44 3G INFO 3G Modem vendorID: 0x12d1; productID: 0x1c0b
Feb 18 10:40:44 3G INFO 3G Modem vendorID: 0x12d1; productID: 0x1c0b
Feb 18 10:40:45 3G INFO 3G Modem vendorID: 0x12d1; productID: 0x1c0b
Feb 18 10:40:49 3G INFO 3G Modem vendorID: 0x12d1; productID: 0x1c0b
Feb 18 10:40:50 3G INFO 3G Modem vendorID: 0x12d1; productID: 0x1c0b
Feb 18 10:40:52 3G INFO Line 257: Switch 3G modem mode failed

This particular firmware (110418) had quite a few issues, but unfortunately, I do not have the logs, and can't remember specifically what they were, but they were frustrating enough to force me to try to upgrade the router firmware again.

*MAC addresses above edited.

[andyp1]

does anyone know when there will be another firmware update for the MR3420? the internet "hanging" quite frequently is so annoying. The web pages will be loading instantly, then all of a sudden they won't load for a short period.. google chrome will be stuck on "sending request...", or safari will say "contacting...".

Also.. so far, my current firmware (mr3420v1_en_3_12_19_up_111128_pppWINS) hasn't lost the 3G link completely, as was happening with the other firmware, but only time will tell to see if that happens at some point.

I am using Google DNS which does help pages loading faster, but nothing seems to stop this random freezing/hanging.

[andyp1]

I spoke too soon! the router just lost connection with the 3G! I was in the middle of doing some stuff, and then..... disconnected.

The router log was showing the correct time until a few minutes ago, but is now showing it incorrectly.

I am running: mr3420v1_en_3_12_19_up_111128_pppWINS

Here is an extract from the latest system log.

122 1st day 00:50:21 PPP WARNING LCP down
121 1st day 00:50:21 PPP ERROR LCP down
120 1st day 00:50:21 PPP ERROR User request
119 1st day 00:50:21 3G WARNING Detect 3G link failed, 3G link is down

Took a little while to reconnect to the internet afterwards. 3G signal was stable at 87%

This is so frustrating when I have paid the money to purchase this router, and before I paid, I checked to make sure my 3G dongle was on the compatibility list. It seems that it is not only me with problems.

*update: I have noticed that since the 3G link went down earlier, the router no longer disconnects the E173 after the 15 minutes idle time, which means the E173 will now be on permanently which is something I didn't want.

[Base122]

Lots of discussion around the MR3420 in other threads in this section. *cough*
"MR3420 needs restart..." comes to mind....

Have you tried the "connect automatically" setting to force the E173 to remain connected all the time?
Unless you have a reason for not doing so?

I have installed an MR3220 for someone, who is using an E173 ("connect automatically") with no complaints so far.

Maybe try a different 3G service provider and see if you still get all those LCP Down errors?

I have seen many failures on the MR3420's (various firmware versions), with various 3G modems, where after an LCP Down error, the router simply refuses to reconnect and usually the modem sits with a flashing indicator, showing it is apparently connected to the 3G network, but the PPP session is disconnected.

There is also the DDNS related web management console/router lock-up problem that has not yet been resolved....

[andyp1]

Thanks for the reply. Yeh, I read through that particular thread you mentioned. It's where I found a link to the beta firmware.

I am not 100% sure that the router is not disconnecting the dongle when idle (after it lost the 3G link earlier), as someone else may have been connected to the network for a second. Will check again on that one.

I haven't tried the connect automatically setting, because I assumed that if I left the dongle on 24 hours that there may be a chance of it overheating? I don't know how correct this is?

Unfortunately, I'm only setting this router up for someone else, while on holiday, and they are tied to one particular 3G provider, so I am unable to find out if it could be the 3G provider who is at fault.

I do have another dongle here (E156) I can test with, which I have literally just put into the router to test out, using firmware (110418). If I get any disconnects with this particular dongle, I will put the E173 back in and try the "connect automatically" option, to see if that makes any difference.

Does the MR3220 has the same hardware and firmware as the MR3420? because if so, and your client has no issues using his E173 connected to his MR3220, I guess the E173 should also work fine with the MR3420? (considering the E173 works flawlessly when connected to any of our laptops, no disconnects, hangs or anything).

When I do a google search with some of these error messages from the system log, it does bring up quite a few results. It seems a lot of other people are having similar problems and these are yet to be resolved.

*Update: Have just had my first internet hang using the E156. Internet locks up, and no webpages open for about a minute. Nothing in the system log to suggest internet has disconnected.

Which firmware was your client using with his router?

[Base122]

I haven't tried the connect automatically setting, because I assumed that if I left the dongle on 24 hours that there may be a chance of it overheating? I don't know how correct this is?

Most of the 3G modems generally do run a bit hot, but I guess if there is adequate ventilation, it should not be a problem. I have many different modems running 24/7
The MR3220 E173 combo I mentioned, has been running 24/7 for over 3 months now.

Does the MR3220 has the same hardware and firmware as the MR3420?

They appear to be essentially the same, the MR3220 is simply the 150Mbps model.

Which firmware was your client using with his router?

110418

[andyp1]

ok, so I have set the router to "connect automatically", and I am back using the E173..

within a very short time, internet has gone down again.

110 Feb 24 20:31:55 PPP ERROR User request
109 Feb 24 20:31:55 3G WARNING Detect 3G link failed, 3G link is down

this is a real mystery. I might have no choice but to give up on this option, and for people to just use this E173 here connected to their laptops instead.

I was tempted to give openwrt a try, but I'm kinda worried of bricking the MR3420, especially as it's not mine!

[Base122]

http://mybroadband.co.za/vb/showthre...=1#post7548261

This.

[andyp1]

Yeh, it definitely is more of an enthusiasts approach, but I am feeling that I have little choice at the same time!

The problem is, it is difficult to find clear instructions (in english) for configuring openwrt correctly, so it will work with the MR3420 but also the E173. It does appear that some users also had issues with the E173 and openwrt.

If I could find clear instructions, I would probably give it a go.

In addition to my last post. I had the MR3420 on firmware 110418, and the router took over 10 mins to connect to the 3G.

[andyp1]

have been thinking maybe the router is overheating?

I'm in Brazil at the moment, and it is hot here. some of the rooms in the house do also get quite warm.

I have got the fan on the router at the moment to see if that could make any difference. would have to try that for a full couple of days though to be sure overheating is what's causing the problems. this wouldn't be very practical as this fan is particularly noisy lol.

my only other guess would be: could it be the vivo (3G provider) firmware on these dongles?

would I benefit at all from somehow having the dongles unlocked? with all vivo stuff removed?

[andyp1]

the fan didn't seem to make any difference.

what I notice is, when I plug the E173 into the laptop (just tried this again), there is no delay between any pages trying to load. as soon as I type in the web adress and press return, the page begins to load.

however, when I connect the E173 to the router, whenever I try to open a web page there is a few seconds delay, and sometimes the webpage times out before it loads. I have tried connecting the laptops to the router by an ethernet cable, but the same problem occurs.

at least this confirms that it's not the E173 with the issues, because I have tested it multiple times in different laptops, all with the same results.

any ideas? could this be something to do with the "vivo" firmware/software on the usb stick not working with the router?

[Base122]

In addition to my last post. I had the MR3420 on firmware 110418, and the router took over 10 mins to connect to the 3G.

I remember when testing a Huawei E367, the MR3420 took quite a few minutes to actually recognize the modem plugged in and then only identified it as "3G Modem" and not the specific model. It did eventually work and seemed to be ok.

[sajunky]

however, when I connect the E173 to the router, whenever I try to open a web page there is a few seconds delay, and sometimes the webpage times out before it loads. I have tried connecting the laptops to the router by an ethernet cable, but the same problem occurs.

Consider you might have power issues (not sufficient power supplied to the modem). You can use power splitter and supply external power to the modem. Ginggs posted picture of such device in the thread "power issues", search google. I use in-cable filter with a choke and couple capacitors.

[Base122]

Consider you might have power issues (not sufficient power supplied to the modem). You can use power splitter and supply external power to the modem. Ginggs posted picture of such device in the thread "power issues", search google. I use in-cable filter with a choke and couple capacitors.

Good point here.
andyp1, you're not perhaps using a long USB extension cable between the MR3420 and E173 are you?

[andyp1]

thanks for the replies.

I am not using any extension cable, but am plugging the E173 directly into the router. There is a small cable attaching the E173 to the router, but it is only 10-20cm long or something like that. I have also tried plugging the E173 into the router with this cable removed.

hmm, interesting comment about the power issues. I hadn't thought about that one. I know that I received the MR3420 and it came with a brazilian plug. The only thing is, I am not sure if the power that the router receives through a plug socket here in Brazil is adequate for the router to work correctly and stable? Interestingly... I think the router might have rebooted this morning which was unusual too. There was nothing in the log when I checked later on, as the log only seems to show the actions that happen "after" any reboot.

I will try to search for that "power issues" thread. I will then need to look to find this power splitter or something similar in Brazil.