Can't detect USB Broadband Modem in Linux Ubuntu?

Huawei Broadband Modem

[Tested on Ubuntu 10.04 and 10.10]

Most USB Broadband Modem designed for Windows. They have their own built-in installer ~ which will act as storage when the driver are not installed. It will automatically/assist the user to install the modem driver. These drivers are designed for Windows.

Linux/Ubuntu have lower level of driver initialization. The OS will try to communicate directly to the hardware interface (firmware) - really plug-n-play!

All USB devices can be detected by typing at the terminal (Application > Accessories > Terminal):

lsusb

The result might look like this:

(name)@(name)-desktop:~$ lsusb
Bus 005 Device 001: ID 1d6b:0001 Linux Foundation 1.1 root hub
Bus 004 Device 001: ID 1d6b:0001 Linux Foundation 1.1 root hub
Bus 003 Device 002: ID 12d1:1446 Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd. E620 USB Modem
Bus 003 Device 001: ID 1d6b:0001 Linux Foundation 1.1 root hub
Bus 002 Device 001: ID 1d6b:0001 Linux Foundation 1.1 root hub
Bus 001 Device 001: ID 1d6b:0002 Linux Foundation 2.0 root hub
(name)@(name)-desktop:~$

It will shows every devices connected to the USB port. Identify the USB Broadband modem. Current example, showing Huawei E1552 at this line:

Bus 003 Device 002: ID 12d1:1446 Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd. E620 USB Modem

Now, go to the editor to edit the configuration file, type in:

sudo gedit /etc/udev/rules.d/15-huawei-e1552.rules

on that file, type in:

SUBSYSTEM=="usb",SYSFS(idProduct)=="1446",SYSFS(idVendor)=="12d1",
RUN+="/lib/udev/modem-modeswitch --vendor 0x12d1 --product 0x1446 --type option-zerocd"

Type it in one line. Then, save it.

Restart. Plug in the USB Broadband Modem. If everything is right, it will automatically detect it as a modem. now, you can create the wireless network configuration if you don't have one.

What we've done is: telling Linux, if you found this product by this vendor, please threat it as a modem, not as storage(cd). Those product and vendor ID are written in Hexadecimal codes.

It works with any other USB Broadband Modem too (according to your vendor/product id). Usually, it will auto-detect but, if it doesn't, you may try the steps above.

Cheers!