Mode & Band Locking
Locking 4G/5G Router's Modes and Bands
While our 4G/5G routers automatically leverage available mobile networks on the default settings, selectively locking bands and modes is an alternative for some environments. Customizable low-level modem parameters empower tuning connectivity to unique scenarios similar to carrier-class gateways.
Our intuitive web UI simplifies modem configuration on all router models. One-click locking instantly unleashes the potential without coding work being necessary. It matches the router precisely to deployment needs, such as high-density urban performance, maximum rural reach, failover resilience, and everything in between.
Modem Modes and Bands
The modem modes refer to the different generations of cellular network technologies, such as 3G, 4G, and 5G. A modem is typically designed to operate on the most advanced network mode available while also providing backward compatibility to support lower-generation modes. These modem modes correspond to the "Access Tech" displayed on the router's front page.
The mobile modem can operate on various frequency bands for each network mode. Different band numbers represent the specific bands supported.
3G
utran
UMTS, WCDMA, CDMA2000
4G
eutran
LTE, LTE-A, WiMAX, HSPA+
5G
ngran
5GNR (5G New Radio), 5G-NR mmWave
Access Tech
After accessing the router admin, we can find the "Access Tech" on the front page under the modem section. You can refer to the above chart to find the network mode it connects to.
Mobile Interface
Navigate to "Network > Interfaces > Mobile: Edit > Tab of Advanced Settings" to check the router's mode and band settings.
Any - Means use any available modes or bands. Highlight - Light grey background. This means selected and activated settings.
Supported Modes - List the modes supported by the mobile modem. Preferred Mode - The selected mode will preferentially connect to.
Supported Bands - List the frequency bands supported by the mobile modem. utran is 3G, eutran is 4G, and ngran is 5G.
Before trying to lock the modes or bands, please check the guidance below. If you operate the modem incorrectly, it will malfunction.
Mode Locking
In most cases, there is no need to modify the default modem mode settings. A typical optimization is to exclude slower network modes, such as 3G. Additionally, the modem can be configured to operate on a single mode by setting both the supported and preferred modes to the same option.
5G Only
It is not recommended to use the 5G-only mode. Most 5G networks currently operate in 5G-NSA (Non-Standalone) mode, which means they rely on the existing 4G-LTE network infrastructure. Disabling the 4G mode will prevent the device from connecting to any network.
When a 5G modem connects to a 5G-NR network, it still utilizes 4G-LTE network bands to carry a significant portion of the bandwidth. You can use the AT+QCAINFO and AT+QENG commands to check the specific bands the modem is connected to. If the serving cell tower supports multiple 5G-SA (Standalone) bands, you may try the 5G-Only mode.
4G Only
As 5G network coverage is still in the deployment and expansion phase, the 5G cellular signals can be weak or unstable in many areas, particularly in remote or rural locations. Whenever the modem transitions from a 4G or lower network to a 5G network, the mobile device will need to reconnect, which can cause interruptions.
To prevent such connection disruptions, the modem can temporarily be set to 4G-Only by selecting both the supported and preferred modes as 4G, as illustrated in the image below.
Band Locking
Before locking the modem's bands, we must collect the frequency bands supported by your mobile carrier and the serving cell towers. Locking to non-supported or unavailable bands will cause malfunction.
You can use the AT+QCAINFO and AT+QENG commands to check the specific bands the cell towers broadcast.
RAN – Short for Radio Access Network.
[3G] UTRAN means UMTS Terrestrial RAN. All the Utran bands are the 3G network bands. [4G] E-UTRAN means Evolved UTRAN. All the E-Utran bands are 4G LTE-based bands. [5G] NG-RAN means Next Generation RAN. These are the 5G New Radio bands.
After choosing your preferred modes or bands, click the “Save & Apply” button in the bottom right corner. The router will save the updated settings, automatically redirect back to the interface overview page, and reinitialize the mobile connection using the freshly selected options.
If the settings are inefficient, perform a full power cycle by unplugging and reconnecting the power supply. It will clear cached holdovers from old configurations and compel the router to use the current defined settings.
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