WG1608D-M 5G Ready Cellular Gigabit Router with Dual Band (2.4GHz-5.8GHz) WiFi

SKU: ROWG1608D-M
About this Item

Gigabit 5G LTE Router with M.2 Key B slot
Ready for any M.2 5G or 4G LTE-A modem

$255.00

Description

WG1608D-M 5G Ready Cellular Gigabit Router with Dual Band (2.4GHz-5.8GHz) WiFi and Dual Modem Slots

The WG1608D-M 5G is customized to include both M.2 (Key B) and Mini PCI-E interface slots for modems, unlike other versions, to accommodate most all modem form factors without the need of adapters or extra equipment.

The Wireless Haven has also added metal screw bosses to securely mount a Mini PCI-E modem without the task of removing the router PCBA.  Thus, it eliminates having to use the otherwise bulky white plastic spacers and round nuts.  A screw and plastic ferrule kit is additionally included in the router package for use when installing a standard sized 4G/LTE M.2 modem.

We also upgraded the 12 volt power supply from a 1 Amp to a 2.5 Amp adapter.

 

WG1608D-M Dual Modem Slots
WG1608D-M Dual Modem Slots

 

NOTE:  The WG1608D-M is only a router which requires a modem for cellular internet.  See below for different modem options.  While the WG1608D-M 5G is equipped with dual modem slots, only a single M.2 or Mini PCI-E modem may be used at any one time.

NOTE: Cellular service providers may require activating a specific data plan to use on a cellular internet device.   The carriers are constantly updating and/or modifying existing cellular plans.   It is the customer’s sole responsibility to assure a compatible cellular plan is available prior to purchasing cellular related components. Due to the nature of our products we do not offer refunds or returns on any of our products. We do always offer support and like for like exchange on any product that does not function as the manufacturer intended. Please see our official return policy.

DISCLAIMER: The new mmWave 5G modems have varying power requirements.  They are very new to the market and are not widely supported in the US.   Check your mmWave 5G modem module design specifications.

 

OVERVIEW:

The WG1608D-M 5G Ready Cellular Router is a Gigabit Gateway Router with Dual Band (2.4GHz-5.8GHz) AC WiFi that is the absolute latest in cellular gateway internet routers.

The WG1608D-M is equipped with the MT7621, a powerful MediaTek processor. The MT7621,  MIPS® 1004Kc™, Dual-core, CPU boasts a powerful clock frequency up to 880 MHz.
The new SoC includes proven hardware support for Network Address Translation (NAT), Quality of Service (QoS), SAMBA, Virtual Private Network (VPN) and others routing and tunneling applications. It is ideal for high performance 802.11ac, 5G and 4G LTE-A modems, hotspots, VPN routers, NAS, AC (Access Point Controller) and smart routers. Moreover, the MT7621A applies low-power technology and fits into the WG1608D-M’s design with good power dissipation.

The router is equipped with five (5) Gigabit Auto MDI/MDIX Ethernet ports, one M.2 (NGFF Key B) modem slot (4G/LTE/5G), one Mini PCI-E modem slot, a SIM card tray, a USB 3.0 port, and a Micro SD card slot.

The SIM card tray on the front of the router uses a Standard sized SIM card, and a SIM Card Adapter Kit  may be required when using a Nano or Micro sized SIM card (i.e., from a phone or hotspot device) .

 

MODEM OPTIONS:

The most popular Sierra Wireless M.2 modems to use with the WG1608D-M are the Sierra Wireless Cat7 EM7411, the Sierra Wireless CAT12 EM7565, and the Sierra Wireless CAT12 EM7511 (which has the AT&T FirstNet Band 14).  These are 2×2 MIMO modems and will not use all 4 antennas on the router.  Simply tape off the ends of the 2 extra pigtail connectors for later use.

4×4 MIMO 5G Sierra Modems are very very new to the market and will be available in the future.

The most popular Quectel M.2 modems to use the WG1608D-M are the Quectel CAT12 EM12-G (2×2 MIMO) and the Quectel CAT16 EM160R-GL (4×4 MIMO).

Note: The Quectel CAT20 EM20G has been removed from production by Quectel and we are going to take on their new module, the EM160R-GL, as a replacement for it. In tests we have really enjoyed the performance of the EM160R-GL and will be offering it to our customers as soon as it is available in quantity.

 

The Quectel EM12G, EM20G, EM06-A, EM160R-GL, EM120R-GL, RM500Q, RM510Q, and the Sierra Wireless EM7455 , EM7421, EM7511, EM7411, EM7565, EM9190, EM9191, and EM7690 are all M.2 form factor modems and will fit in the WG1608D-M router. This also includes the SIMCOM SIM8200G, FiboCOM FM150NA, and many others.

The newest 5G modems from all modem manufacturers are using a form factor that is 10mm longer than the 4G LTE modems. The WG1608D-M Router has a screw pillar in place for 5G modems already.

 

NOTE: If installing a 4G LTE-A M.2 modem into the WG1608V2 you will need to use the factory supplied screw and ferrule hardware in order to secure the module in place.

Check the Modem Installation tab for more information on installing 4G modems into the WG1608V2 and WG1608D-M

___________________________

 

CELLULAR ANTENNA UPGRADE OPTIONS:

The WG1608D-M stock cellular antennas may be upgraded to any of the following cellular antennas:

 

Customers are upgrading many of our routers with the Cisco LTE Omni Antenna Kit. The WG1608D-M is no exception to this benefit.

The Cisco antennas use TNC connectors (as opposed to SMA). The WG1608D-M’s antenna pigtails must be upgraded to match both the modems MHF4 antenna connectors as well as the Cisco antennas TNC connectors. The TNC bulkheads are larger in diameter than the stock SMA bulkhead connectors and so the routers connector holes will need to be modified to be larger.

* Note: The existing SMA connector cutouts in the WG1608D-M router case must be enlarged/drilled to 15/32″ to accommodate the larger TNC bulkhead connectors.

We recommend the following four antenna pigtails when changing from SMA to TNC connectors on your router:
Qty 2: 10″ TNC Female Bulkhead to MHF4 Antenna Pigtails

Qty 2: 8″ TNC Female Bulkhead to MHF4 Antenna Pigtails

The 2×2 MIMO M.2 modems (i.e., EM7455, EM7565, EM12-G) require only one 5″ and one 10″ MHF4 to TNC Female Bulkhead connector pigtail cables.

Alternatively if you would rather use an adapter, we have TNC to SMA Adapters

Adapters can introduce signal losses as you add more and more connection points, so we don’t recommend them unless it is simpler and more feasible for you to install than replacing the pigtails.

 

SOFTWARE/FIRMWARE OVERVIEW:

Original SDK, OpenWRT, eCos, LEDE/ROOter Compatible

Factory Installed version: OpenWRT Chaos Calmer 15.05.1 (mtk-apsoc-demo)

ROOter firmware version builds: Rooter / Goldenorb Router Firmware

WiFiX Firmware (updated Sept-2021): https://thewirelesshaven.com/wifix-router-firmware/

INCLUDES:

WG1608D-M routers include:

  • OpenWRT OEM Firmware
  • 4 x MHF4 to SMA Bulkhead Antenna Connector Pigtails (pre-installed)
  • 2 x Dual Band (2.4Ghz and 5Ghz) WiFi Antennas
  • 4 x 5dbi high-gain 5G Cellular Antennas
  • 12 Volt 2.5 Amp Power Adapter
  • 1 x Screw, Spacer/Nut Ferrule to mount 4G LTE M.2 Key B form factor modems
  • 1 x pillar block (installed) for mounting the longer M.2 Key B form factor 5G modems
  • 2 x pillar block (installed) for mounting mini PCI-E form factor 4G LTE modems
  • Rack/Wall Mounts and associated screws
  • Cat5e Ethernet Cable

NOTE: The WG1608D-M is not PoE powered.  For outdoor or remote installations in an enclosure, try our 72W 48V Gigabit PoE Injector paired with our 48V to 12V DC PoE Splitter provide power for Power over Ethernet (PoE) applications.

 

WG1608D-M 5G Tutorials:

Look to the “Modem Installation” Tab for a step by step on how to install a modem into the WG1608D-M router.

If you are having trouble with the SIM tray, look to our SIM Insertion tutorial, here: https://thewirelesshaven.com/lte-fix-tutorial-proper-sim-tray-use-with-the-wg1608d-m-router/

 

HARDWARE SPECS:

Router Enclosure Size: 240mm x 136mm x 25mm

At a glance:

* MTK7621 chipset, 880MHz main frequency
* 16MB Flash+256MB RAM
* Dual band wireless rate, up to 1200Mbps
* 5 Gigabit ports, 1 WAN port + 4 LAN ports
* 1 USB 3.0 port + 1 TF / SD card slot +1 SIM Slot/Tray
* 1 M.2 Slot for 5G cellular modules (4G LTE-A modules will also work with included screw kit)
* 1 mini PCI-E Slot for 4G LTE cellular modules

Working Environment Specs:

Operating Temperature:0℃ ~ 40℃;
Storage Temperature:-40℃~ 70℃;

Operating Humidity:10%~90% non-condensing
Storage Humidity:10%~90% non-condensing

 

Wireless (Wi-Fi) Overview:

Dual band wireless rate, up to 1200Mbps

The WiFi supports IEEE 802.11n/g/b/ac/a protocols with a maximum wireless rate of 1200 Mbps.
It is equipped with Two (2) removable 5dBi high gain Dual Band Wi-Fi antennas for better coverage and performance in  large areas.

5.8G WiFi band with MU-MIMO support

2.4G Chipset: MT7603EN

5.8G Chipset: MT7613AEN

 

 

Specifications

Main Chipset MTK7621 / Dual-core / 880MHz
RAM DDR3 256MB
FLASH SPI Flash 16MB
Protocols IEEE 802.11n, IEEE 802.11g, IEEE802.11b, IEEE802.11ac, IEEE802.11a, IEEE 802.3, IEEE 802.3u, IEEE 802.3ab
Wi-Fi Rate 5GHz: 900Mbps, 2.4Ghz: 300Mbps
Antennas 2 x 5dBi Dual Band (Wi-Fi) RP-SMA detachable

4 x 5dBi 5G 700-960MHz & 1710-4900MHz SMA detachable

Interfaces 1 x 10/100M/1000M WAN Port, Auto MDI/MDIX

4 x 10/100M/1000M LAN Port, Auto MDI/MDIX

1 x USB 3.0 port

1 x NGFF M.2 Key B slot

1 x mini PCI-E slot

1 x Micro TF / SD card slot

1 x Removable SIM card Tray

LED PWR, 2.4G, 5.8G, WWAN, External Network

LAN 1/2/3/4, WAN

Button 1 x RESET
Power DC 12V 2.5A Adapter
Power Consumption < 20W (without m.2 modem card)
Dimensions(L*W*H) Router: 240MM (9.5”) x 136MM (5.25”) x 25MM (1”) (Does not include antenna bulkheads)
PCB: 190MM x 114MM x 16MM
Management IP: 192.168.1.1
User Name: adminPassword: admin
Uses AP, Router, WiFi Hotspot, 5G / LTE Cellular Router
WAN Type PPPoE, Dynamic IP, Static IP, 3G/4G/LTE / 5G
DHCP Server,  Client, DHCP Client List, Address Reservation
Port Forwarding Server, Client, DHCP Client List, Address Reservation
Operating System Original SDK, OpenWRT, eCos, LEDE/ROOter Compatible
Firewall Security Client filterMAC Address Filter

URL Filter

Long-distance WEB management

DNNS Supported
Bandwidth Control Supported
Static Router Supported
System Logging Supported
Web UI Themes Supported
Other Functions Mac cloneNTP Synchronize

Web UI firmware upgrade

Work Environment Operating Temperature: 0℃ ~ 40℃

Storage Temperature: -40℃~ 70℃

Operating Humidity: 10%~90% non-condensing

Storage Humidity: 10%~90% non-condensing

Certifications CE, FCC, RoHS
Included Accessories 2 x 5dBi Dual band 2.4Ghz, 5.8Ghz RP-SMA detachable Wi-Fi antennas

4 x 5dBi 700-960MHz & 1710-4900MHz SMA detachable LTE antennas

1 x LAN Cable

1 x Power Adapter 12V 2.5A DC

1 x Screw & Spacers for M.2 4G LTE modem card installation

4 x Screws for 5G Module and/or Brackets

1 x Rack/Wall Mounting Brackets

Dimensions(L*W*H) Router: 240MM (9.5”) x 133MM (5.25”) x 25MM (1”) (Does not include antenna bulkheads)

PCB: 190MM x 114MM x 16MM

Packaging: 330mm (13.25”) x 230mm (6.5”) x 60mm (2.25”)

Weight Router: 0.756 KG (1.66 LBS)

Packaged: 1.228 KG (2.701 LBS)

 

Modem Installation Instructions

If installing a 4G LTE-A M.2 modem into the WG1608V2 you will need to use the factory supplied screw and ferrule hardware in order to secure the module in place.

LTEFix Modem Installation Screw and Ferrules
LTEFix Modem Installation Screw and Ferrules

 

This will require the removal of the router board from the metal enclosure for installation, then reinstalling the router board into its metal enclosure.

WG1608 4G Modem Ferrule Install Kit
WG1608 4G Modem Ferrule Install Kit

SIM Card Insertion

LTEFIX-WG1608D-M-SIMTray-Tutorial
LTEFIX-WG1608D-M-SIMTray-Tutorial

Firmware

WiFiX Router Firmware

4 reviews for WG1608D-M 5G Ready Cellular Gigabit Router with Dual Band (2.4GHz-5.8GHz) WiFi

  1. JACOB BROWN (verified owner)

    I’ve had this for a few months now and I feel comfortable now saying this thing is a piece of junk and a good waste of money. There hasn’t been a single day where I’ve been able to hold a wifi connection for more than 2, maybe 3 hours. I’ve attempted various different firmware versions and none of them have worked at all to improve wifi stability. I’m using it in a motorhome, so it’s not as if I can get more than 20 feet away from the router either.

  2. Jennifer Reider

    Not ready for prime time.
    I love the hardware side, the fact that this router is smaller than the wg3526, but when paired with an RM500Q-GL, I experienced constant issues. All was well, then I would reboot it via POE and no connection. Sometimes I’d be able to get it to come back online after a factory reset, but finally gave up on it and switched back to a WG3526 and WE826 both with Sierra EM7565 modems.

    This one will sit on a shelf until more stable Router and Modem firmware is available.

  3. Markham Thomas (verified owner)

    Update on the review I did early on the WG1608D-M + RM500Q-AE. I have discovered that even with the updated 2.5a power supply the modem will “brownout” due to insufficient power (runs for around 12hours before you have to reboot it). I hooked up a constant voltage power-supply and discovered the combo pulled 4.7a during boot and 4a continuous. Gonna need a bigger power-supply….

  4. Markham Thomas (verified owner)

    I got this router and added a RM500Q-AE to it to work on Tmobile. Using the latest firmware (ROOter + GoldenOrb) I have connected to Tmobile and achieved over 150mbps down and 80mbps up with initial testing. There are some downsides to this router:
    1) Ant 0 cable is too short and easy to break when disassembling.
    2) under load dmesg gets spammed with: xhci-mtk 1e1c0000.xhci: ERROR unknown event type 37 (but doesn’t appear to adversely effect the modem
    3) Certain gigabit switches (my 24-port D-Link for example) only connect to Lan ports at 100BaseT. Switching to another switch and you can get 1000BaseT.

    == The positives outweigh the negatives above however
    1) easy to setup and flash
    2) supports 5g (I’m connected 5g & 4g now)
    3) Small form factor and metal case will allow me to use this outside
    Overall I really like this router and modem combo. I did not get my RM500Q-AE from LTEFIX since they only sell the GL mode.

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  • Comment (4)
  • I got this router and added a RM500Q-AE to it to work on Tmobile. Using the latest firmware (ROOter + GoldenOrb) I have connected to Tmobile and achieved over 150mbps down and 80mbps up with initial testing. There are some downsides to this router:
    1) Ant 0 cable is too short and easy to break when disassembling.
    2) under load dmesg gets spammed with: xhci-mtk 1e1c0000.xhci: ERROR unknown event type 37 (but doesn’t appear to adversely effect the modem
    3) Certain gigabit switches (my 24-port D-Link for example) only connect to Lan ports at 100BaseT. Switching to another switch and you can get 1000BaseT.

    == The positives outweigh the negatives above however
    1) easy to setup and flash
    2) supports 5g (I’m connected 5g & 4g now)
    3) Small form factor and metal case will allow me to use this outside
    Overall I really like this router and modem combo. I did not get my RM500Q-AE from LTEFIX since they only sell the GL mode.

  • Update on the review I did early on the WG1608D-M + RM500Q-AE. I have discovered that even with the updated 2.5a power supply the modem will “brownout” due to insufficient power (runs for around 12hours before you have to reboot it). I hooked up a constant voltage power-supply and discovered the combo pulled 4.7a during boot and 4a continuous. Gonna need a bigger power-supply….

  • Not ready for prime time.
    I love the hardware side, the fact that this router is smaller than the wg3526, but when paired with an RM500Q-GL, I experienced constant issues. All was well, then I would reboot it via POE and no connection. Sometimes I’d be able to get it to come back online after a factory reset, but finally gave up on it and switched back to a WG3526 and WE826 both with Sierra EM7565 modems.

    This one will sit on a shelf until more stable Router and Modem firmware is available.

  • I’ve had this for a few months now and I feel comfortable now saying this thing is a piece of junk and a good waste of money. There hasn’t been a single day where I’ve been able to hold a wifi connection for more than 2, maybe 3 hours. I’ve attempted various different firmware versions and none of them have worked at all to improve wifi stability. I’m using it in a motorhome, so it’s not as if I can get more than 20 feet away from the router either.

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