Configure APN settings (Connect Router to the Internet with a SIM)

This guide covers configuring the mobile (cellular) WAN connection on a Proroute router. It applies to all Proroute 4G and 5G models. For dual-SIM variants, the same settings apply to each SIM slot independently.

Overview

The router connects to the mobile network using a PDP context, which requires a correctly configured APN (Access Point Name). The APN identifies the packet data network the SIM should connect to and determines routing, IP assignment, and authentication.

• Standard consumer SIMs (e.g., EE, Vodafone, Three, O2) — the router may auto-detect the APN from the SIM. Manual configuration is not always required but is recommended for reliability.
• IoT / M2M SIMs with private APN — manual APN configuration is required. These SIMs often provide a fixed IP address and/or route traffic over a private network or VPN tunnel. The APN, authentication method, username, and password are provided by the SIM supplier.

If you do not have the APN details, contact your SIM provider. For standard consumer SIMs, the APN can also be found on the mobile network operator's support pages.

Prerequisites

• Router is on the latest firmware
• Router is at factory default settings (recommended for initial setup)
• SIM card is activated by the provider
• SIM is inserted into the router's SIM slot
• All cellular antennas are connected to the CELL connectors
• Router is positioned with adequate signal coverage for the SIM's network

Configuring the mobile connection

Location in WebUI: Network > Mobile

From factory defaults, most SIMs require only the APN and authentication fields to be set. Configure the following:

APN

Enter the APN string provided by your SIM supplier (e.g., internet, everywhere, m2minternet). The APN is case-sensitive on some networks — enter it exactly as provided.

Authentication Method

Select the method specified by your SIM provider. Common values:

When an authentication method other than None is selected, Username and Password fields will appear. Enter the credentials provided by your SIM supplier. If no credentials were provided, leave them blank.

Mobile Connection Mode

Leave set to DHCP (default) in almost all cases.

Important: If your SIM provides a static IP address — whether a private IoT/M2M IP or a fixed public IP — you still need to use DHCP. Mobile networks deliver static IP assignments via the DHCP protocol; the static address is assigned to your router by the network, not configured locally. Switching to static IP mode on the router will prevent the connection from establishing. Only change this setting if your SIM provider has explicitly instructed you to use a static IP configuration.

After making changes, click Save and Apply and allow 60–90 seconds for the connection to establish.

Verifying the connection

Location in WebUI: Status > Overview

The SIM status indicator shows:

• UP — connected to the mobile network and passing traffic
• DOWN — no active connection

For further detail including assigned IP address, signal strength, and active band, go to Status > Mobile.

Full settings reference

Connection timing

Most SIMs connect within 60–90 seconds. First-time connections on multi-network or roaming SIMs may take up to 15 minutes as the modem scans and registers to a network.

Troubleshooting