Firmware/drivers for ZTE MF821D LTE USB Modem

[C J]

The ZTE MF821D LTE USB Modem is recommended for the rv320 router but it won't recognize it. I have had some success before with another modem by updating the firmware/drivers. I have been searching the Internet for firmware/drivers including the ZTE website without luck so I was hoping someone could tell me where I might download some. Thanks in advance.

Chris

[wycalero]

Good Afternnon,

Here is the supported list of dongles for the RV320, the ZTE MF821D LTE USB Modem is not listed here so technically is not support however you can send an email at dongle_support@cisco.com. Resource permitting, Cisco will try to support the dongle in future firmware releases.

Supported 3G and 4G USB Dongles

Manufacturer	USB Model	Technology
NETGEAR (Sierra Wireless)	AirCard 340U (AT&T Beam)	4G LTE
NETGEAR (Sierra Wireless)	AirCard 320U (Telstra)	4G LTE
Novatel	U620L (Verizon)	4G LTE
Huawei	E3372	4G LTE
Huawei	E3276 *	4G LTE
Huawei	E3276s-151 *	4G LTE
Huawei	E3272	4G LTE
ZTE	MF825A	4G LTE
ZTE	MF821D	4G LTE
DLink	DWM-157	4G
Huawei	E1550	3G
Huawei	E1553	3G
Huawei	E156G	3G
Huawei	E161	3G
Huawei	E169	3G
Huawei	E169u	3G
Huawei	E172	3G
Huawei	E173	3G
Huawei	E1731	3G
Huawei	E173s	3G
Huawei	E1750	3G
Huawei	E176	3G
Huawei	E180	3G
Huawei	E353s	3G
Huawei	EC122	3G
Huawei	EC1260	3G
Huawei	EC156	3G
ZTE	AC2746	3G
ZTE	K3770-Z	3G
ZTE	MF190 (Variant)	3G
ZTE	MF628	3G
ZTE	MF651	3G

[C J]

Hi wycalero, thanks for getting back to me. Are we looking at the same list? I'm suprised that you should say that the ZTE MF821D 4G LTE USB Modem is not on the list of supported modems. If you look down at the 9th item there it is in all its glory a "ZTE MF821D 4G LTE Modem". So perhaps you should provide the necessary firmware and drivers as it's definitely recommended for the rv320 router. Having spent over $600 on 2nd hand USB modems and still no access to the internet I have to admit to feeling somewhat frustrated.

Regards

Christopher Jensen

[wycalero]

Good Morning,

I apologize you are absolutely right, the next step will be for you to call to Cisco Small Business to create a ticket number and we can escalate this case. Here is the number 1-866-606-1866.

Regards.

[C J]

Thanks wycalero, I appreciate that you are doing your best and I will call the number you have provided, but could I give some feedback?

First I would like to stress that I think the rv320 is a good idea which is why I bought it. But for me some things could be improved such as:

It would be better if I could just go to your site and download the required firmware/drivers for recommended modems. Sure the customer should login I understand that, but this is my third modem and if it dies soon I would try another brand in the hope of finding a modem that lasts. So call me cynical but I fully expect to need another download of firmware/drivers soon and it would be much easier to just download what I need rather than calling for a ticket number each time.

My second point is I need an unlocked modem and so far I've only found used modems that come unlocked. Problem with used modems is they don't last. Wouldn't it be better to sell a brand new 4G USB Modem which is unlocked so the customer can use vendor of choice. Being new it would hopefully last more than several months (or even two weeks for the second modem). Plus you could guarantee that it would work out of the box. Cisco gets to make more money and the customer has less hassle and less expense it's a win win situation.

Regards

Chris