I have tried several USB extension cables, including some actively boosted ones, to try to place my 5g cellular module somewhere with better reception, but my Beryl router is never able to connect to the module, though it can when I connect it using the short, manufacturer supplied cable. I have checked and the extension cables work with other devices. I suspect it might be due to the fact that the cellular module is using a different transmission protocol: M.2. Has anyone managed to use an M.2 cellular module connected via an extension cable to their router?
I think any data cable which it contains data transmission (non-only charging) should work.
Tips: M.2 5G board needs to be connected to a separate DC power supply.
You can use your mobile phone + laptop to test whether the data cable is normal, for example, the laptop can recognize the phone and transfer files.
I’ve done this. I used a 5m non-boosted cable, and a 10m boosted cable, both of which were able to transfer data from my phone to my laptop. Neither of them worked with the 5g module, though I can see that the module gets enough power to connect to the network, based on its LED lights.
My third party M.2 board can be powered through the USB cable. I have it working this way with the short, supplied cable, and as mentioned above, I can see that it’s getting sufficient power with the extension cables too.
Are the m.2 board you are using to is third-party brand but not GL.iNet?
Please confirm whether the m.2 board needs additional DC power supply.
Please connect the m.2 board to Beryl AX and check in GL GUI > System > Log (or SSH: logread -f) whether the router has recognized the USB device and loaded it.
In addition, the router supports tethering to the mobile phone. You can also use your phone to connect to Beryl AX to test whether the long data cable is normal.