- In use
- AI-assisted
5G router with OpenWrt and Quectel RM520N
My own 5G router – GL-MT6000 running OpenWrt, a 5G modem connected via Gigabit Ethernet, an automated installer and a custom LuCI app for modem management.
My idea, my hardware, my testing – code implemented with AI assistance, reviewed and improved.
The problem
A 5G modem (Quectel RM520NGL) on a Waveshare carrier board delivers data to the router via Gigabit Ethernet. OpenWrt sees it as a plain WAN port – the modem itself stays invisible: no signal, no bands, no diagnostics.
The solution
- Installer: a single command sets up everything on fresh OpenWrt 25.12 – packages, modem configuration via AT commands, WAN interface, firewall and a final check.
- LuCI app: manages the modem over its USB AT port right inside the router’s web interface – signal values (RSRP, SINR, RSRQ), carrier aggregation, temperatures, band locking, APN, reboot.
- Watchdog: monitors connectivity and restores it step by step after failures.
Hardware
GL.iNet GL-MT6000 (Flint 2) · Quectel RM520NGL · Waveshare 5G M.2 → Gigabit Ethernet
My part
The idea, choosing and buying the hardware, the build, testing and debugging on the real device and the further development are mine. I implemented the code with AI assistance, reviewed and improved it. I use this setup every day.
What I learned
Mobile network basics in practice: what signal values such as RSRP and SINR mean, how bands and carrier aggregation affect speed, and how to control a modem with AT commands. Plus OpenWrt network configuration (UCI, firewall, services with procd) – and troubleshooting on real hardware instead of in theory.