MF286D - Install and Unlock

Could not find an instruction anywhere for installing Openwrt via Framework. Would any one have an instruction or link?

I have all the links I used and I am not sure exactly which one was, but this looks like the possible one: Post in thread 'ZTE Framework that converts a Three UK branded MF286d to Nordic B11' https://www.ispreview.co.uk/talk/threads/zte-framework-that-converts-a-three-uk-branded-mf286d-to-nordic-b11.38732/post-358529

I converted it over one year ago.

The Three UK Openwrt ZTE framework was built from the Play PL Openwrt build. Both carriers use the same base build.

I found Mega links before, what I was looking for is an instruction or a link to an instruction with steps 1, 2, 3, etc

Another good idea is probably to check which firmware I've currently got :slight_smile:

I just got this router, it came with nordic_b12 but it automatically upgraded to nordic_b14.
I'd like to backup the stock firmware before flashing openwrt, the wiki says that it's explained in the MF286R page, however

  1. after tftbooting openwrt the partitions are obviously different than those of the mf286r so I'm not sure which ones I have to backup (edit: I backed up them all, I hope it's enough)
  2. if I boot the stock firmware, it asks for a login that I don't know (though I suppose it will show the same partitions)

B14 is backed up here:

Thank you, I backed up all the mtd partitions just in case, I have no intention to go back to the original firmware.
Unfortunately I cannot find a way to establish a cellular connection with openwrt 24.10.0 :cry:

Which provider are you trying to use? Did you check the modem version after installing openwrt? Make sure that is B12. I am no running latest version but happy with it and tested with Wind and Ho. in Italy.

Thank you, yes, the problem was firmware B14, I reverted to B12 (a slow a painful process) and everything is working as expected (see the other thread).

I had to perform incremental upgrades of modem firmware myself, so understand the pain but it was well worth it, It's working for over one year without issues now.

Sure, but the usual recommendation is to upgrade to the latest stock firmware before installing openwrt and I stupidly did it.
The incremental update of the modem firmware is a pain but it can easily be done using openwrt, but to downgrade from B14 you need the zte update framework (hence a windows machine) and for it to work you have to flash the stock firmware (again, not overly difficult but still...)
Now in the wiki there is a note not to upgrade to B14 :wink:

Hello, I've got my hands on a used Mf286d from Tim It which is running CR_TIMITMF286DV1.0.0B11.

I've tried some of the various ZTE Framework packages available to convert from the Tim branded firmware to Nordic (B11, B12, B14) as a first step to install openwrt and I couldn't get it to work. When I press play button status changes to "update initializing" and it just stays there, after some time it show 2:39 in time status and never proceeds from that, even waiting for 1 hour.

Does ZTE Framework work in a fully updated Windows 10 or needs an older Windows?

Does I need a specific package for the specific B11 firmware version I have installed or should I be able to install any that says "Tim to Nordic BXX"

Did you try Internal LTE/4G modem for ZTE MF286D "gone"? - #13 by AndrewZ (and on).

Any should work