Linux Setup Guide - WCDMA Devices

Note: This document is provided for information purpose only. Novatel Wireless cannot accept any
responsibility for the use of information provided in this document.
The information contained in this document is subject to change without notice and should not
be construed as a commitment by Novatel Wireless Inc. unless such commitment is expressly
given in a covering document.
This document guides Linux users to be able to use Novatel Wireless cards on any graphical
Linux distribution. The setup instructions in this document has been tested with Ubuntu Linux
8.04. For setup on other Linux distributions, you should still be able to follow the instructions
after you download and install the necessary software packages outlined below.
Introduction
This document describes
1. how to set up your equipment and
2. configure dialer to connect to the Internet
using a Novatel Wireless Modem on the Linux platform using open source software packages.
Requirements
Before you can connect to the wireless network service provider with a Novatel Wireless modem, you will
need the following:
An active SIM card with a service provider and the network settings (APN and username/password
if applicable).
Linux OS based on kernel 2.6.13 or later for best results with minimal effort (examples Ubuntu 6.06
or later, openSuSE 10.0 or later). Basic functionality is available on all kernels from 2.4 onward with
minimal effort. See the installation guide for details
KPPP or other Modem Configuration and Dialing software application.Virtually all linux distributions
come with such an application preloaded, but there is a lot of variation in ease of use and even
functionality. If you don't like your default dialer app, it is ususally very easy to install others.
Known Limitations
Most dialer software does not support display of network information (signal strengths, network
service type, and connectivity status).
No firmware update or other tools available on Linux.
Setting Up Your Equipment
Your computer must have drivers to recognize and use the device.
Choose automatic system configuration package for:
Debian-
based
distributions
use the
dpkg
software
manager
Ubuntu and derivatives
- EduBuntu
- Kubuntu
- Ubuntu Chritian
Edition
Xandros
(note - Exceptions)
Knoppix
LinuxMint
Download
Debian Modem Driver Config_1.1_6
Debian installation instructions
Exceptions:
ASUS EEE PC Article with package
Xandros Desktop Professional 4 (kernel 2.6.18.1)
Debian Modem Driver Binary_2.6.18.1_1.1_1
RPM-
based
distributions
use the rpm
software
manager
Red Hat
- Fedora
- Enterprise Linux
SuSE
- openSuSE (used by
Novell)
- Enterprise Server
- Enterprise Desktop
- Enterprise RealTime
Mandriva
- previously Mandrake
Download
RPM Driver Config- v1.1-6.noarch
RPM installation instructions

Exceptions:
Acer Aspire One Article with package
PC-LinOS 2007 (kernel 2.6.18.8)
RPM Driver Binary_2.6.18.8-1.1-1.noarch
Slax
Zenwalk
Zenwalk Notes
others
Gentoo
...
Other linux systems do not use the dpkg or rpm software
management system (or use either). Most of those are for
advanced users. Some will able to use either dpkg or rpm (may
need to install first), for others a manual installation will be
required, using either of the packages as a guideline.
Manual Compile Guidelines.
Note: The automatic system packages do NOT require source code changes since it uses the
existing drivers. The best driver will be configured for kernels 2.4.x and 2.6.x using devfs or
udev. For 2.4.x kernels there is a performance penalty (~500Kbps througput due to "usbserial"
module).
Driver Configuration Package Readme
Configure Dialer
The pppd daemon controls the connection to the network in Linux. You may configure the daemon directly
and control the connection through command-line commands. However, many front-ends exist to make the
configuration and use of the pppd easier.Virtually all of these front-ends are generic (support wiri, wired,
modem, DSL,...) From the list below, only umtsmon is specific to UMTS wireless modems.
kppp: KDE-based GUI front-end for pppd
gnome-ppp: GNOME-based GUI front-end for wvdial
gkdial: GNOME-based GUI front-end for pppd
connect.app: GNUstep-based GUI front-end for pppd
wvdial: Smart front-end for ppd, but still command-line
umtsmon: standalone wireless modem dashboard
Basic Dialer Setup
1. Create a Profile/Account
1. Name
2. Phone number: *99#
3. Authentication:
2. Configure Modem
1. Modem device: /dev/ttyUSB0
2. Flow Control: Hardware
3. Line termination: CR
4. Modem Initialization String: AT+CGDCONT=1,"IP","APNstring"
NOTE: APNstring is the APN required by your service provider.
For example: "isp.cingular", "internet.com".
IF your do not know your APN, please check with your service provider.
5. Use
1. Connect - From dialer application
1. Using Profile setup above
2. Using Modem setup above
3. If applicable - using username and password
2. Disconnect - From dialer application
Detailed example: KPPP Dialer on Ubuntu.
Troubleshooting
The network indication available is by the LED on the wireless card.

Other Troubleshooting Information