ZTE MF627 - the easy way

By Liam Green-Hughes, 27 April, 2009
Tags/Keywords
ubuntu
mobile
3
mtech
three.co.uk
3g
package
broadband
zte
mf627
zte_mf627_switch

*** Please note this is not required for Ubuntu 10.04 onwards - extra software is only needed for versions of Ubuntu before this ***

Recently a good friend of mine, Georgina Parsons, was lucky enough to win a brand new mobile internet dongle courtesy of 3 UK. Like myself she is an Ubuntu user but sadly found that the unit she won, a ZTE MF627, isn't currently supported out of the box on Ubuntu, unlike the Huawei models. She did find a method to make it work though on the Ubuntu Forums at: http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?p=6509188. The problem the unit had was similar to the Huawei E169G, when first plugged in it functions as a USB memory stick containing the driver software (for Windows) and has to be told to switch mode to being a modem. Using the workaround she got her modem working perfectly, but challenged me to make a package to install the files needed automatically.

So I had a go, and managed to get it to work! I don't own one of these devices, so was unable to test, but Georgina has tested it and has advised that it worked successfully on Ubuntu (Easy Peasy is based on Ubuntu so it will work in that too). I don't know if this will work on a Xandros powered EEE PC, so if you try it leave a comment to let me know how you get on. The package is similar to the one I developed for the Huawei E169G (which is now no longer needed under Ubuntu). There is one difference though, it does not contain a copy of usb_modeswitch, the actual program that causes the modem to change mode, it just contains the configuration files described in the above forum post, and a configuration file for usb_modeswitch. You'll need to install a package containing usb_modeswitch before installing this package, there are various ways of getting this, but one way you could use is to install the e169g-switch package from my earlier blog post Huawei E169G – the easy way. [UPDATE: If you install from my personal package archive you will also get usb-modeswitch, see the note below dated 10th May 2009].

To install the zte-mf627-switch package just click on the name of the file attachment at the end of this post and this should start the GDebi package installer. [UPDATE: The package is now only available from my personal package archive, see the note below dated 10th May 2009] After the two packages are installed, plug in your unit, wait a few seconds, and you should then be able to use the Network Manager applet to make your internet connection via your MF627. Hopefully this will simplify getting your modem working with Ubuntu until bug no. 310025 is solved and it is officially supported in Ubuntu.

*** UPDATE 10th May 2009 ***

I've set up a personal package archive and have made the zte-mf627-switch package in it, along with a version of usb-modeswitch. This version of the package should be the same, but hasn't been tested, so if it works for you please let me know.

To add the ppa follow the instructions at:
http://www.greenhughes.com/ppa

To install the zte-mf627-switch package use a package manger like Synaptic or type:
sudo apt-get install zte-mf627-switch

*** UPDATE 29th October 2009  ***

I've updated the package to version 0.2. It now supports Ubuntu 8.10, Easy Peasy 1.0 and Ubuntu 9.10. To grab a copy go to my PPA.

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Don (not verified)

15 years 5 months ago

Thanks for posting this - I recently signed up for O2 "mobile broadband" with the E169 and have had a cursory look at how I can use udev rules to stop UBUNTU mounting the useless CD-ROM device. I'm sure I can pick out some helpful info from scripts/cfgs you've referenced.

Neon (not verified)

15 years 5 months ago

Dude, I've just tried this out. Admittedly I've had to upgrade to Xubuntu Jaunty but DAMN! It works! It was harder setting up my squid proxy than getting this to function.

Nice job! I'm using my new USB Broadband to post this comment.

Collette (not verified)

15 years 4 months ago

I tried on my Xandros Ee pc - and it doesn't work. If the modem is plugged in before reboot I can see ZTF options in Lan option but not HSDPA. If modem is plugged in after reboot it repeatedly opens up found USB until it crashes :(

Further to Liam Green-Hughes reply about upgrading to Ubuntu (or Easy Peasy) - if you do not that you want to overwrite your existing Xandros on your EEEPC, can suggest you take a look at www.murraysonlinestore.com

He has Easy Peasy (Ubuntu 8.10 remixed specifically for the Asus EEEPC so that everything works out of the box) installed to a SDHC card. Put the card into the SD card slot, boot the EEEPC, when the grey EEE PC splash screen comes up, press on hold down the key - now you'll have an option to boot from SD card. Select this and off you go (full instructions are included with the SDHC card). Now you have an "installed" version of Easy Peasy - but you Xandros is left untouched.

Note - ships from the US, but I received in the UK within 5 working days after ordering.

I use the Xandros for quick stuff (checking email while at a wi-fi hot spot etc) and Easy Peasy for more involved stuff - running my Slingbox under WINE, games, anti-virus, backup etc. I leave the Xandros pretty much unmodified as it does seem prone to breaking if you try to get too cute with it.

Hope this is of use - cheers.

sy (not verified)

15 years 4 months ago

please can you help me to load a ZTE MF627 on to my acer one.. with ubuntu 8.10
i am new to linux and need someone to show me step by step the way to get this modem to work,... i have read many pages on the net about this topic but having been in windows all my life have no idea what people are on about, so please can you help with baby steps as i would like to keep linux on my acer and not give in and put windows xp on it instead.
thanks sy

gareth (not verified)

15 years 4 months ago

This is the second time i have used linux ,this time jaunty, no one seem to want to help a newbie. the easiest things on windows seem to be the hardest stuff on linux!
I have had no luck with my web cam and now no luck with this usb broadband.
I followed all instructions carefully, i DONT want to give up..... any help out there?

TA.

Now steady on there Gareth! Lots of people in the Linux community spend a lot of time helping newbies, after all we were all once newbies ourselves. First things to check, how did you install the package? Manually or from my repository (PPA)? If manually did you install usb_modeswitch first?

Bob H (not verified)

15 years 4 months ago

Downloaded the two deb files usb stick working in seconds, thanks to this website.

Thank You

Bob

Gordon Barclay (not verified)

15 years 3 months ago

Liam, what a star. That's the only prob with forums, getting to where you need to be! Came to your page thro' Ubuntu forums after no success(I am a newbie and struggling!) I have an unlocked ZTE MF627 with an o2 PAYG SIM. Downloaded your E169g (for the modeswitch), installed and then the ZTE MF627 switch, then did the terminal install thingy and if I'm not being too previous, it all appears to be working! I, like others appear to have to entries in network manager but that is a very small price to pay. Thank you so much!

Anonymous (not verified)

15 years 3 months ago

You're an absolute legend! This should be the first result in google when searching, after days of messing around with usb switching and vendor id's you stuff just works! diamond!
I will put a link to this on my website.

Cheers

Nigel (not verified)

15 years 3 months ago

Fantastic! I've got an eeepc with ubuntu netbook remix installed, and installing your extra packages worked brilliantly, now I can use my ZTE MF627 with my eeepc wherever I want - many thanks for putting in the work, and publishing it for the rest of us!

Paul (not verified)

15 years 3 months ago

Apologies in advance for a dumb question from a frustrated linux/ubuntu newbie, but where do I find the Network Manager applet?

I know its going to be blindingly obvious, but having installed the two packages, checking with lsusb, I still can't get connected. The closest I can see for Network Manager is where I connect for a wireless or the 3connect folder in file browser.

Hi Paul, no such thing as a dumb question! You'll find the Network Manager applet on the top right of the screen by the clock, it is the icon with the upwards blue bars on it. If you click on it you should see a list of wireless connections, and a entry for mobile broadband.

Hi Liam
You are a STAR!!! Got there at last after struggling for the last week!

To answer your question - using Easy Peasy. The solution was running insmod, although had to change to pathname slightly to:

insmod /lib/modules/2.6.27-8-eeepc/kernel/drivers/usb/serial/usbserial.ko vendor=0x19d2 product=0x0031

Thanks for your help - much appreciated.

Hope this is also help to others who are struggling.

Anonymous (not verified)

15 years 3 months ago

I've installed the debs and have got the green light, if i go to the network connection tab the system doesn't see anything, Im currently running EEEbunutu base 9.04.

I grabbed the kernel from uname -r (2.6.29-1-netbook) and then did an ls on /lib/modules/2.6.27-9-generic/kernel/drivers/usb/serial/ ... usb serial wasnt in there so I followed this guide to attempt to update:

http://wiki.eeeuser.com/howto:usbserial

once it was installed i attempted your command (modified for my needs)

insmod /lib/modules/2.6.29-1-netbook/kernel/drivers/usb/serial/usbserial.ko vendor=0x19d2 product=0x0031

this is the error message i was given:

insmod: error inserting '/lib/modules/2.6.29-1-netbook/kernel/drivers/usb/serial/usbserial.ko': -1 Operation not permitted

and the following if i used sudo on the command:

insmod: error inserting '/lib/modules/2.6.29-1-netbook/kernel/drivers/usb/serial/usbserial.ko': -1 Invalid module format

Please help, I feel like im so very close to a solution...

Regards

Anonymous

Anonymous (not verified)

15 years 3 months ago

Hi
I plug in my modem and nothing happens. this is before and after following this tutorial. =S

John (not verified)

15 years 2 months ago

Liam

Frantastic!

It took me no longer than 5 minutes from downloading the two files you refer to, to being connected (via 3).

The slowest part was taking the deep breath and going for it. So glad that I did.

I'm using an Acer Aspire One (AOA150), running Ubuntu Netbook Remix, which I also installed today (a vast improvment on Linux Linpus the machine came installed with).

When I connect the dongle, initially it is recognised as a USB stick, but, given a few seconds I can then connect using the Network Manager tool.

Many thanks
John

Hi,
I followed these instructions and my stick is recognised - thanks! The question Ihave now is how do I find out what my username and password are for my connection to the "3" network. Does anyone know how to find this?
Thanks
Simon

Can someone please help with step by step instructions on how to do this. I am not a programmer so need a real idiots guide. When I click on the links for the downloads , what do I do to install them. All the resources are obviously here and they work but I am lacking a few steps to make them work ( I am used to Windows) . Am happy to edit code where necessary but I need a blow by blow guide.

Hi Chris, sorry for the delay in replying. No need to apologise for your question, it is perfectly reasonable. Linux is effectively a family of operating systems. Technically the term Linux only refers to the inner core of the operating system (called the Kernel) around which other programs are arranged, like windowing systems and other tools that make the system usable. Lots of people have ideas about what their perfect operating system would include and how it would work. Linux, the core of the operating system is open source, and a lot of the tools people might chose to include are also open source, so what has happened in the Linux world is that groups have formed to put together their perfect operating systems. Of course people have different ideas and priorities so this has lead to different versions of the "Linux Operating System" as such, and these are referred to as distributions. For example different groups have different attitudes to the balance between stability and having the latest features. One of these distributions is Ubuntu. It is a bonus of having such freedom that different distributions can be developed with different priorities and that means Linux operating systems are developing rapidly. The downside is that different distributions are not always compatible with each other.

I don't know much about the Elonex onet, but unfortunately it uses a different distribution to Ubuntu (and not one I am familiar with), so it probably wouldn't work with the solution in this post. It might be possible for someone with a lot of knowledge of that system to adapt the solution to work with that device, but I don't know how to do that. If anybody reading this can help then please comment. Sorry I can't be of more help, but hope this explains things a little.

Mafel (not verified)

15 years 2 months ago

Thanks Liam! I've tried the PPA it works! Just like Collette, my eeepc used to be in Xandros. Finally after a hard time trying for it and failed, I have changed to Ubuntu and it does really work!

Anonymous (not verified)

15 years 2 months ago

can u give me the ZTE HSDPA USB stick MF627 software of the modem of installer..coz i cnat lunch the installer...thank u

Luca (not verified)

15 years 2 months ago

Hello!
Thanks. I followed your instructions and it worked like a charm.

Another possibility is to gain access to the modem (either by using XP or by using the above procedure) and then send some AT commands that switch off the autorun thing.

The AT commands are:
AT+ZCDRUN=8
to disable the autorun feature
AT+ZCDRUN=9
to re-enable the autorun feature

With XP one can use the hyperterminal (connecting to the correct comX port). With linux (after following the procedure above) one can do the following in a shell:
$ cat /dev/ttyUSB2 | grep autorun &
$ echo AT+ZCDRUN=8 > /dev/ttyUSB2
Close autorun state result(0:FAIL 1:SUCCESS):1
$ kill %1

Best,
Luca

gaz (not verified)

15 years 2 months ago

help......help......please

is there a way of getting the ZTE MFE627 working on a cnm lifestyle netbook.
It i think runs a cut down version of debian with a custom front end.

It has a package installer, but only seems to alow instalation of .inf files

thanks..

grouchomarx (not verified)

15 years 2 months ago

Hi!

I've managed to get it working on a eeepc 900 with easypeasy 1.1 !!!

It was hard, as I'm a linux newbie, but it's working.

Many, many thanks.

If you ever come to Oporto, Portugal send me an email and I'm glad to offer you dinner!

Regards,

grouchomarx

naruhiko (not verified)

15 years 1 month ago

Hi..anyone here can tell me how to make MF627 to auto reconnected? sometimes it disconnect from the network and i want it to re-connect automatically beside use cursor or push on connect button..it is posibble?thanks for your help...

rich (not verified)

15 years 1 month ago

I installed both deb packages but have had no luck with this - the MF627 doesn't seem to be picked up at all (it did show up as a USB flash drive before I installed the debs) and doesn't show in the network applet thingumibob in the top toolbar. There is a blue light showing on the MF627 itself and it does work perfectly in Windows. Any ideas as to how I can troubleshoot and get this working? My laptop is an Acer Aspire 5000 running Ubuntu 8.04.1.

The package only works on Jaunty (9.04) so far, but you might be able to get it working on earlier versions by typing this when you plug it in:

insmod /lib/modules/`uname -r`/kernel/drivers/usb/serial/usbserial.ko \
vendor=0x19d2 product=0x0031

In the command above be careful to enter a backtick (`) character, what this does is evaluate the command within it (uname -r) and return the result to build the command we are trying to execute. In this case we are using uname -r to find the version of the kernel running on the machine (on my machine `uname -r` returns '2.6.28-15-generic' so the command actually executed is insmod /lib/modules/2.6.28-15-generic/kernel/drivers/usb/serial/usbserial.ko
vendor=0x19d2 product=0x0031.) The backslash (\) characters tells the machine our command is a bit long, so it needs to be split over two lines, it treats backslash as a line continuation character.

I also tried this, and other suggestions with no luck. Installed from your PPA, plug in the modem, the 'CD' drive window opens in Nautilus. Tried selecting the connection in Network Manager, and while tailing /var/log{dmesg,syslog,messages} I get mesages about it receiving DNS details through DHCP, and then I get pppd_timed_out or similar and the connection reverts to my normal Wifi connection. Ripping my hair out here. Using EEE PC 1000 with Ubuntu 9.04 Netbook Remix.

gareth (not verified)

15 years 1 month ago

I've just tried this on my DELL min(Just fior this) so it's a fresh install. Installed from a live USB, then applied all the updates for Jaunty. Then added the ppa and installed the switch package.

Network manager asked for the service provider and then it connected straight away.

Note I've not got the netbook remix installed - seemed to mess badly with things - I had to reinstall jaunty to get the classic desktop back. More investigation required there I think. Now going to mess with getting the netbook to be an hotspot! Though I thought ad-hoc networks were only one connection at a time.

Tim (not verified)

15 years ago

I made the silly mistake of both (1) applying your package (2) installing the LinuxUI software that was on the dongle. Bad move. Nothing worked until I removed the supplied software, leaving only yours.

That supplied software is a real PoS - doesn't recognize its networks, the functions are either trivial or don't work, and everything is spelled wrong on the GUI and in the Help page.

Everything fine now on my HP 6910p with Jaunty.

philip (not verified)

15 years ago

Hi can anyone help me i need a step by step guide of how to install the ZTE MF 627 USB MODEM im using a aser inspire one ...help thanks

Jaassk (not verified)

14 years 11 months ago

Hi sorry but why it told me that this deb is impossible to instal after trying to install it tolds me that an error ocuerd in the time of instaling

Ellie (not verified)

14 years 11 months ago

Hi, I have installed the package and have tried it with my network 3 uk ZTE MF627 modem and the modem is recognised and the 3 icon loads on the desktop and the set up wizard for the connection manager etc and i've followed the setup etc....but the modem doesnt establish a connection. I'm using Ubuntu 9.04.
Any suggestions? Something I'm doing wrong? Please keep it simple as I'm new to Ubuntu but loving it too!

Thanks
E

Ellie (not verified)

14 years 11 months ago

Hi

My 3 modem is working now! ... thank you to this website! It just took a few goes and a few restarts and it seems to be working and establishing a connection.

Thanks

E

anoop (not verified)

14 years 11 months ago

Hi,

I have easypeasy 1.5 running acer aspire one. I followed the instructions and tried to make it easy way by installing e169g-switch followed by zte-mf627-switch_0.1_all.deb

They both go installed but the modem remains on blue light. I tried to enter the insmod command but it returns error saying that usbserial.ko file already exists. Did I do something wrong by installing the e169g-switch package...should i try to remove it? Please advice...i am a newbie....

Thanks
Anoop

Anoop (not verified)

14 years 11 months ago

Hi,

Minutes after i raised the question below I decided to try the first command "$ sudo aptitude install udev-extras"...it warned me sayign it cant find any component with name udev-extras...and warned that 2 files will be removed "grub" something...i was in a mood to accept anything...so said yes...everythign completed and nothing happend. So i removed the dongle, plugge back it...guess what - it WORKS....he he hei....I dont know what I have done being a total newbie...but it worked and your packages helped me...thanks a million - Liam Green-Hughes!!!