On Tue, Mar 17, 2026 at 10:34:59AM +0000, Alex Frolkin wrote: > > On Mon, Mar 16, 2026 at 10:53:52PM +0000, Alex Frolkin wrote: > > > Can anybody recommend a 4G USB dongle that works with OpenBSD, ideally > > > without any kernel fiddling (although I am open to this if necessary)? > > Do you actually need a _dongle_ for some specialised usage, or is the end > > goal > > to have access to cellular data services and SMS? > > Cellular data is all I need. > > > If it's the latter, you can avoid all of the difficulties that come with > > finding and using one of these devices, by buying a 4G, (or 5G), router that > > works in bridge mode. > > That's certainly an option, although I was hoping to avoid having to > have an extra device and extra power brick. > > > With a router you also usually get better antennas, (and the option to use > > external antennas). > > E3372 also has an option for external antennas.
This is true, but it's a bit messy from a practical point of view: Since the actual device is so small, the connecter is not a standard SMA or FME socket. So you either need a patch cable to connect a standard antenna, or possibly find a specific proprietary antenna kit for that dongle if such a thing exists. Since you might practically be using frequencies up to around 2.6 Ghz, it's better to have fewer joins that could cause reflections, impedence mis-matches and so-on. In contrast, 4G routers usually have standard SMA sockets or an equivalent. > My assumption is that I will get mediocre connectivity (in terms of IPv6 > or no IPv6, etc.) from a mobile provider, and I plan to get proper > connectivity with static IP4 and IPv6 by tunnelling across the cellular > link. Yes, you can do that, basically your own private VPN. We did a write up about specifically about that as well, by the way :-).
