Huawei E1550 on Ubuntu 10.04 Lucid Lynx

I used to manually change the mode of the Huawei E1550 USB 3G Modem from Sun whenever I want to use it under Linux. Aside from the need to install the usb_modeswitch package, it also requires me to edit /etc/usb_modeswitch.conf to support that particular device. After that, I will have to run “sudo usb_modeswitch” every time I want to use the modem.

Today, I discovered a less tedious solution from here. His solution also requires creating a new configuration file but the end result enables your machine to automatically switch the mode of your 3G Modem from USB Storage to USB Modem. Anyway, here’s how to do it on Ubuntu Linux. I was able to test this on 10.04 Lucid Lynx and I believe this should also work on 9.10 Karmic Koala.

Create a new rule for udev:

$ sudo vi /etc/udev/rules.d/15-huawei-155x.rules

Type the following:

SUBSYSTEM=="usb",
ATTRS{idProduct}=="1446",
ATTRS{idVendor}=="12d1",
RUN+="/lib/udev/modem-modeswitch --vendor 0x$attr{idVendor} --product 0x$attr{idProduct} --type option-zerocd"

Then, save and exit. The next time you plug in your USB modem, your system should automatically switch it to USB Modem mode and you’re good to go.

Now, if you’re wondering where these weird numbers came from, run the following command and try to figure it out.

$ sudo lsusb -v

But wait, there’s more. Before you can finally use your USB modem to connect to the Internet, you still need to configure your network connections. Simply go to “System -> Preferences -> Network Connections” and you’ll see this dialog. Select the “Mobile Broadband” tab.

Click the “Add” button and the Mobile Broadband Connection wizard should be able to help you configure your Internet connection in no time.

For Sun Broadband Postpaid users, you should change the Access Point Name or APN value to “fbband” instead of “minternet”.