FAQ
TL;DR: Using an Alcatel Airbox 2 as a USB modem for a home router is unreliable; one expert called it "worth 0 PLN" and noted no antenna jacks. Choose a stationary LTE router with external antennas instead. [Elektroda, matek451, post #16753724]
Why it matters: This FAQ helps Airbox 2 owners who ask “how do I connect it to a normal router?” pick a stable, faster home setup.
Quick Facts
- Airbox 2 lacks external antenna connectors, limiting rural signal improvement. [Elektroda, matek451, post #16753724]
- Many home routers don’t support MiFi-over-USB when the device enumerates as a network card. [Elektroda, KSRhaziel, post #16753727]
- “Stationary LTE routers” have built‑in modems, LAN ports, and external antenna jacks. [Elektroda, bogiebog, post #16753807]
- TP‑LINK TL‑WR1043ND needs alternative firmware to use LTE USB modems; power via active USB hub may be required. [Elektroda, matek451, post #16753922]
- Budget option: ~PLN 150 for models like ZTE MF283+ (Orange). [Elektroda, matek451, post #16753922]
Can I plug an Alcatel Airbox 2 into a normal router’s USB and use it as the WAN?
Not reliably. On official firmware, USB routers generally don’t support this Alcatel MiFi. It has no antenna connectors and triggers compatibility issues. Some users report success only with alternative firmware (Gargoyle/LEDE/Tomato), which is an advanced path. The forum expert called further investment into this unit senseless. [Elektroda, matek451, post #16753724]
Does the Airbox 2 support external LTE antennas?
No. The device has no external antenna ports, so you cannot attach directional antennas to improve weak rural LTE. This design limits reception and speed compared with stationary LTE routers that ship with antenna jacks. [Elektroda, matek451, post #16753724]
What speeds did users see when the Airbox 2 fell back to 3G?
One user measured about 6.86 Mbps down and 3.65 Mbps up with 25 ms ping while stuck on 3G in the countryside. They also reported frequent disconnects, underscoring the MiFi’s instability for 24/7 home use. [Elektroda, ProXi22, post #16753949]
What’s the better upgrade path for home internet with an external antenna?
Choose a stationary LTE router. Suggested budget models include ZTE MF283+ from Orange and Huawei E5180As‑22 (Plus/CP versions have antenna jacks). This class integrates the modem, supports external antennas, and avoids USB‑compatibility pitfalls. [Elektroda, matek451, post #16753922]
Will TP‑LINK TL‑WR1043ND work with an LTE USB stick out of the box?
No. Its official firmware doesn’t support LTE modems. You must install alternative firmware and sometimes use an active USB hub to power popular sticks like Huawei E3372. This adds complexity versus a dedicated LTE router. [Elektroda, matek451, post #16753922]
How do stationary LTE routers differ from pocket MiFi hotspots?
Stationary LTE routers include a built‑in LTE modem, multiple LAN ports, and connectors for external antennas. They are designed for continuous, 24/7 operation at home. MiFi hotspots are mobile, battery‑powered, and not ideal for permanent installs. [Elektroda, bogiebog, post #16753807]
Are there budget devices recommended around PLN 150?
Yes. The thread recommends options around PLN 150, including Orange’s ZTE MF283+. These deliver a stable home setup without firmware hacks, and they support external antennas for rural coverage. [Elektroda, matek451, post #16753922]
Is a MiFi like Airbox 2 suitable for 24/7 home use?
No. An expert notes it’s a mobile MiFi, not dedicated to constant stationary operation, and calls it tragically weak for that role. Quote: “This is a MiFi mobile router not dedicated to working 24/7.” [Elektroda, matek451, post #16753823]
Can I get internet from the Airbox 2 over USB on a PC?
Yes. Disable your PC’s Wi‑Fi, connect the Airbox 2 over USB, and confirm connectivity with a traceroute (e.g., tracert -d 8.8.8.8). This tests USB networking directly from the hotspot. [Elektroda, bogiebog, post #16753725]
What is a MiFi router?
A MiFi router is a small, battery‑powered mobile hotspot that shares cellular data over Wi‑Fi and sometimes USB. It is optimized for portability, not continuous home routing, and lacks features like external antenna ports. [Elektroda, matek451, post #16753823]
Quick test: how do I check if USB networking works with the Airbox on a computer?
Try this 3‑step check:
- Turn off the computer’s Wi‑Fi.
- Connect Airbox 2 via USB.
- Run: tracert -d 8.8.8.8 to verify routing.
If hops appear, USB networking is active. [Elektroda, bogiebog, post #16753725]
Why won’t my router recognize the Airbox over USB?
Some MiFi units present themselves as a USB network card, not a cellular modem. Many consumer routers expect a supported USB modem profile and fail to use NIC‑mode devices as WAN. [Elektroda, KSRhaziel, post #16753727]
Any carrier‑specific pitfalls I should know (e.g., Orange)?
Yes. Orange can have issues with automatic PIN storage and verification on USB‑modem setups. Stationary routers supplied by the carrier include firmware functions to handle this reliably, avoiding failed connections. [Elektroda, matek451, post #16753922]
Can custom firmware make the Airbox 2 work as a WAN source on a router?
Possibly. Reports suggest some success with alternative router firmware such as Gargoyle, LEDE, or Tomato. However, compatibility is uncertain, and official firmware lists do not include Airbox 2 support. [Elektroda, matek451, post #16753724]
Bottom line: invest in the Airbox 2 or switch hardware?
Switch. The expert consensus was clear: “Any senseless investment in Alcatel… worth 0 PLN.” Move to a stationary LTE router with antenna ports for stable speeds. [Elektroda, matek451, post #16753724]
This is my weakness. I can't find information on this topic anywhere. The only thing I found is that the routers support USB modems.
