Yes, but the modem firmware might be trying to use the same APN for network registration, without credentials. Which would explain why the registration fails.
Tried AT+CGDCONT=1,"IPV4V6","internet.dito.ph", doesn't help. Cannot get past this:
[root@hp-laptop ~]# mbimcli -d /dev/cdc-wdm0 --query-radio-state
[/dev/cdc-wdm0] Radio state retrieved:
Hardware radio state: 'on'
Software radio state: 'on'
[root@hp-laptop ~]# mbimcli -d /dev/cdc-wdm0 --query-registration-state
[/dev/cdc-wdm0] Registration status:
Network error: 'none'
Register state: 'deregistered'
Register mode: 'automatic'
Available data classes: 'lte'
Current cellular class: 'gsm'
Provider ID: '51566'
Provider name: '51566'
Roaming text: 'unknown'
Registration flags: 'none'
Anyway, because the modem does not work in Windows 11 either ("No Service") and there were no drivers to download, I assume it is either defective or blacklisted by all operators here.
What do get from:
AT+CGDCONT=?
AT+CGDCONT?
You could try to activate some URCs
AT+CGREG=2
AT+CEREG=2
AT+CGEREP=2,1
and then flight mode on/off
AT+CFUN=0
AT+CFUN=1
Maybe you get a hint on what PDPcontext id that is used for the initial registration.
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I will try this tomorrow before returning the device. The seller has already provided the RMA form.
In a place outdoors with a much better signal, it registered. Well, this makes a negative recommendation: not sensitive enough for my home, or the base station cannot hear it.
EDIT: as a proof that it "works" (for a very stretched definition of "works"), I made this edit through a mobile connection provided by this modem.
Just for the record: the fact that AT ports are disabled by default is actually deliberate. If the option driver grabs the modem, the CDC endpoint does not result in creation of the wwan0 interface, and there is no way to connect using AT commands (AT+CGDCONT=... + ATD*99***1# + ppp). The modem in the AT mode does not support the ATD command. Still, here is the result of running AT commands:
AT
OK
AT+CMEE=2
OK
AT+CGDCONT=?
+CGDCONT: (0-49),"IP",,,(0),(0),(0-1),(0-3),(0-2),(0-1),(0-1)
+CGDCONT: (0-49),"IPV6",,,(0),(0),(0-1),(0-3),(0-2),(0-1),(0-1)
+CGDCONT: (0-49),"IPV4V6",,,(0),(0),(0-1),(0-3),(0-2),(0-1),(0-1)
OK
AT+CGDCONT?
OK
AT+CGREG=2
OK
+CGREG: 0
AT+CEREG=2
OK
+CEREG: 0
AT+CGEREP=2,1
OK
AT+CFUN=0
OK
+ESIMS: 0,0
AT+CFUN=1
OK
+ESIMS: 1,29
+CIREPI: 0
+CNEMIU: 0
+CEREG: 1,"BF7E","02230D6F",13
+CEREG: 1,"BF7E","0224086C",13
+CEREG: 1,"BF7E","02230D6F",13
AT+CGDCONT=1,"IP","internet"
OK
ATD*99***1#
+CME ERROR: operation not supported
See the "13" at the end of "+CEREG" unsolicited notifications? It stands for "E-UTRA-NR dual connectivity", i.e. a form of 5G connection.
In MBIM mode, it "works" with ModemManager when connected to a Linux laptop.
cdc_mbim needs to be loaded first, it will grab only the right interface(s) leaving the serials untouched.
You can use AT commands to specify your APN profile, PDPcontext.
Since +CGDCONT=0 is available, I would guess this is the default PDPcontext profile.
Configure both +CGDCONT=0 and +CGDCONT=1 with the same PDPcontext and then let MBIM control you modem.
This is not necessary. luci-proto-mbim can set the APN itself through MBIM, and trying to do so using AT commands only complicates things.
Anyway, right now I am waiting for Alfa Network specialists to troubleshoot the modem remotely. They promised to schedule a meeting. If they don't fix the issue with bad sensitivity, I am returning it as it is not fit for the purpose of providing a backup connection at my home.
The APN was never a problem, the bad signal was.
Final summary before I return the Alfa Network AUCM5G-T700 modem:
Very bad sensitivity, do not buy.EDIT: the unit was confirmed to be defective, please disregard.- It does not work (crashes) when connected to a USB2 port directly. Use USB3, or add a powered hub in between.
- It works on snapshot with
umbimandluci-proto-mbimusing the following config (note: the required optionsdhcpanddhcpv6are not settable via Luci):
config interface 'lteb'
option proto 'mbim'
option device '/dev/cdc-wdm0'
option apn 'internet.dito.ph'
option auth 'none'
option pdptype 'ipv4v6'
option dhcp '0'
option dhcpv6 '1'
- It does not work with
umbimon 22.03.5, becauseumbimdoes not supportoption dhcp. This is relevant, because this modem does not supply the IPv4 address to the router via DHCP and only provides it via MBIM commands. - It works on 22.03.5 with ModemManager and the following config:
config interface 'lteb'
option proto 'modemmanager'
option device '/sys/devices/platform/1a0c0000.usb/usb1/1-1/1-1.1/1-1.1.1'
option apn 'internet.dito.ph'
option auth 'none'
option iptype 'ipv4v6'
umbimresults in thelteb_4andlteb_6interfaces, whilemodemmanageryieldsltebandlteb_6. In both cases, the IPv4 and IPv6 logical interfaces are separate, and therefore the problem mentioned in this post does not occur.
Regarding the modem issue, I was in contact with Alfa Network R&D team. They advised me to return it to the seller and escalated the issue to the chipset vendor.
The Alfa AUCM5G-T700 modem has been returned to the seller successfully. They confirmed the RMA case. Please disregard the negative review.
Did you ever get a chance to test the throughput of this thing ?
I'm considering getting one of those, or the Acer Connect D5 / Acer Predator Connect D5.
I think I should not publish the throughput test results from a confirmed-faulty device to avoid giving unnecessary negative publicity to the manufacturer. I have already asked for a replacement unit.
That's fair, I was just hoping you had already received it ... 
I have just received the replacement unit, and it is the same junk as the original: it does not connect at all indoors. Works outdoors. Returning. 200 USD wasted on FedEx service.
Wow, that sucks 
I have one on the way, from local Amazon, we'll see if mine performs better.
Perhaps you could have a go at the Acer one I mentioned earlier, only drawback is it's got a fan in it,
According to the product images that I found online, this thing only has internal antennas and no external antenna connectors. So I won't be able to boost the reception. So - no, I won't risk my money on that.
Well, after waiting a few hours, the replacement modem connected. Here is the speedtest result on LTE:
The same SIM in the same location in the old Huawei E3372h modem reflashed to stick mode gives this:
Note that the signal level is indeed marginal, and this connection caused some challenges for the cake-autorate project.
The screenshot above is from luci-app-3ginfo-lite using the Huawei modem.
Ouch, that's really bad.
And if you'd tether a cell phone ?
See if you can better results on B28 (using your new modem, not 3372).
The Poco X4 Pro 5G phone gets this (note: speedtest ran in a browser directly on the phone, OpenWrt is not involved at all):
