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Setting Up OpenWrt on Raspberry Pi 5 with a 4G LTE Module

Introduction​

The Raspberry Pi 5, paired with OpenWrt and a 4G LTE HAT , offers a powerful and flexible solution for creating a portable hotspot. This setup is ideal for providing internet access in remote locations, supporting IoT devices, or creating a personal wireless network on the go. OpenWrt’s customizability ensures seamless integration with 4G LTE modules, allowing users to harness the full potential of Raspberry Pi 5 as a reliable and high-performance wireless router. Whether for home, travel, or professional use, this guide will help you transform your Raspberry Pi 5 into a fully functional hotspot powered by OpenWrt and 4G LTE connectivity.

Prerequisites​

Hardware Requirements​

Raspberry Pi 5Raspberry Pi 4G LTE CAT4 HAT
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Build the OpenWrt Image​

Choose the OpenWrt Snapshot​

To work with a 4G LTE module, certain dependencies are required. The OpenWrt Firmware Selector provides the flexibility to include these dependencies during the image creation process, allowing you to compile a customized firmware. Without this approach, you would need an alternative internet source to install the dependencies on the Raspberry Pi after setup. Therefore, it is recommended to build a firmware image that already includes the necessary dependencies.

  • Go to the OpenWrt firmware selector and choose the snapshot version.

  • Snapshots are updated frequently and are ideal for advanced users.

  • Click the Customize installed packages and/or first boot script.

Ensure the following packages are included during the custom build process:

  • kmod-usb-net-cdc-ether
  • kmod-usb-serial-option
  • picocom
  • minicom

Steps to Build​

  • Add the required packages to your configuration file.
  • Compile the OpenWrt firmware.
  • Download the generated factory image after compilation.

Install OpenWrt on Raspberry Pi 5​

  • Burn the compiled image to an SD card using tools like Balena Etcher.
  • Insert the SD card into the Raspberry Pi 5.
  • Connect your Raspberry Pi to a 4G LTE modul

Check Device Connection​

Access the Raspberry Pi using SSH:

ssh [email protected]

Verify Device Details:​

  • Use dmesg to check for connected devices:
dmesg | grep usb
  • View USB details:
cat/sys/kernel/debug/usb/devices
note

This will display information about the manufacturer, product, and other device-specific details.Please ensure the module is powered on.

Configure the LTE Module​

Use Minicom to Adjust Settings​

Open Minicom

minicom -s

You will be find this kind of interface . Select Serial port setup by arrow keys

Configure settings:

  • Set the baud rate to match your 4G module (e.g., 9600).
  • Select the correct COM port (e.g., /dev/ttyUSB2).
  • And Save setup as default

Enable ECM / Dial-Up Mode:​

Send the following AT commands to configure the USB networking mode:

minicom -D /dev/ttyUSB2
AT+QCFG="usbnet"
AT+QCFG="usbnet",1

Add a New Network Interface​

  • Log in to the OpenWrt LuCI web interface via web browser 192.168.1.1.
  • Go to Network > Interfaces > Add New Interface.
  • Set up the interface:
    • Select the detected device (eth1 or usb0).
    • Use the DHCP Client protocol.
    • Name the interface (e.g., USB_Modem).
  • Configure firewall settings:
    • Assign the interface to the WAN zone.
  • Under DHCP Server, enable Ignore Interface.

Set Up a Wireless Access Point​

  • In the LuCI web interface, navigate to Network > Wireless > Add.
  • Configure the new wireless interface:
    • SSID: Keep the default or customize it.
    • Mode: Access Point.
    • Network: LAN.
  • For Wireless Security
    • Set encryption to WPA2.
    • Create a strong password.
  • Reboot the device.

Test the Wireless Network:​

  • Your wireless SSID should now be visible on nearby devices.
  • Connect using the configured password to access the 4G LTE internet.

Resources​

Tech Support & Product Discussion​

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