Convert Huawei E3372h-153 from HiLink/router-mode to Stick/modem-mode [ UPDATED 2016-09-02 ]

This is updated version of my original post. I purchased additional modem that's externally identical to old one but had different serial port USB ID (USB\VID_12D1&PID_1442&MI_00) missing from earlier driver pack causing original instructions to fail. I have also included latest Stick-mode firmware 21.200.07.00.805 I've found and corrected some incorrect information on original post.

Modern Huawei USB LTE modems can be used in two very different modes. Default is HiLink mode where it functions as router doing NAT and other nastiness much like more traditional 4G routers connected over WLAN or Ethernet. Unsurprisingly default mode is HiLink, but luckily it can be changed to Stick mode getting rid at least one layer of NAT and related issues.

Actually there's also third mode which is subset of Stick, instead of native NCM interface it uses legacy PPP over emulated serial port. This can be sometimes useful with older routers with USB port but you won't be able to reach full speed in this mode.

Internet has plenty of information on how to do that. As it often is not all of that is true. Most interesting bits are also written in Russian. Despite huge improvements in translations from Google Translate it's still a bit of hit and miss.

Following these instructions will also resolve Error Code 19 and "brick" with Error Code 13 (rapidly flashing green led). Which is also why some steps may seem bit pointless at first. Feel free to skip them and then start again from beginning when Mr Error #19 and Mrs. Error #13 bite you. :)

You'll need Windows PC for this. I've used 64-bit Windows 7 and Windows 10 PCs myself.

If you've tried this before coming to here I'm sure you've seen those "open http://192.168.8.1/html/switchProjectMode.html" instructions. Those are for older models like E3372s and won't work with E3372h.

Hold tight!

• Visit either one of these sites to calculate device specific "Flash code" based on your IMEI and write it down. Depending on current firmware running on your device you may or may not need Flash code later. Better be safe and get one ready so you don't get stuck.
• Online calculator 1
• Online calculator 2
• Download and extract this ZIP that contains required tools, drivers and firmware images
• Install "[1] Mobile Broadband HL Service" by running mbbServiceSetup.exe
• Installs RNDIS driver
• Installs service to switch from CD emulation to RNDIS (like usb-modeswitch on Linux)
• Install "[2] Datacard Driver" by running Driver_Upgrade.vbs
• Installs serial port drivers (including FcSerial needed by some devices)
• Insert E3372h-153 with HiLink firmware to USB port
• Preferrably directly to PC, avoid cheap chinese USB extension cables.
• Open Device Manager and verify that RNDIS interface is present under Network adapters
• Open command prompt and "PING 192.168.8.1" to make sure HiLink firmware is running
• Run "sw_project_mode.cmd" from "[3] Switchmode E3372h" folder
• This will enable "PC UI" serial port required for firmware upgade
• Wait until you can see it under Ports in Device Manager
• "curl: (56) Recv failure: Connection was reset" error is expected and should be ignored
• Run "Update_WEBUI_17.100.06.00.03_Hilink_V7R2_9x25_CPIO.exe" from "[4] Huawei E3372h WebUI"
• This updates user interface but doesn't touch rest of the firmware.
• If you have Error Code 13 this will fix it. Code 13 ("Authentication failed") is caused by failed attempt to flash firmware resulting in Error Code 19 ("Download failed").
• See HUAWEI_Module_Firmware_Upgrade_Guide_on_Windows_V100R001_01(5).pdf for complete list of error codes.
• Wait until WebUI update is complete and you can ping 192.168.8.1 again.
• Run "sw_project_mode.cmd" from "[3] Switchmode E3372h" folder
• Run "E3372h-153_Update_22.180.05.00.00.exe" from "[5] Huawei E3372h-153 HiLink FW" folder.
• This upgrades (or downgrades) your HiLink firmware version. You may need Flash code from one of those calculators to do this.
• Wait until HiLink update is complete and you can ping 192.168.8.1 again.
• Run "sw_project_mode.cmd" from "[3] Switchmode E3372h" folder
• Run "E3372h-153Update_21.200.07.00.805_Universal.exe" from "[6] Huawei_E3372h-153 Stick FW" folder.
• This finally changes firmware from HiLink to Stick. You may need Flash code again.
• Wait until Stick update is complete. You can no longer ping 192.168.8.1 and RNDIS adapter has changed to "HUAWEI Mobile Connect - Network Card".
• Run "putty.exe" from "[7] Putty" folder
• Find serial port name from Device Manager, for example in case of "HUAWEI Mobile Connect - PC UI Interface (COM15)" port name is COM15
• Click Serial on right hand side of Putty screen and type COM15 or whatever your port is.
• Click Open on botton of Putty
• Type ' ATE1 ' without quotes, you won't see what you type and DO NOT try to use backspace. If you did it right you got ' OK ' as reply. Ignore ^RSSI etc. lines you might also see.
• Type following commands one per line to see info about your device and verify connection works. 
• ' ATI '
• ' AT^FHVER '
• ' AT^VERSION? '
• Get current SETPORT value by typing ' AT^SETPORT? '. You might want to write these down if you ever want to revert back to defaults. Mine was ' ^SETPORT:A1,A2;12,1,16,A1,A2 '.
• Set new SETPORT value by typing ' AT^SETPORT="FF;12,16" ', this is claimed to disable CD emulation and modeswitch requirement but actually it only disables unnecessary ports appearing after modeswitch. So you still need automated switch from CD emulation to WWAN with "Mobile Broadband HL Service" or "usb-modeswitch" in Linux.
• If you want to keep PPP support for example for older router with USB port use ' AT^SETPORT="FF;12,10,16" ' instead. Remember that you won't get full speed with PPP.
• Reset modem by typing ' AT^RESET '.
• Close Putty now.
• Done. 

Your E3372h is now in stick mode, presents itself as NCM device that's compatible with Windows Mobile Broadband feature and also with huawei_cdc_ncm under Linux. You don't need 3rd party mobile tools on Windows. This means to connect Internet use built in features of your operating system, stay away from "Mobile Partner" etc. 

If you prefer keeping HiLink why not root it? :) If you don't root it someone else probably will given Huawei track record on security... There's excellent writeup and step-by-step instructions in English from Ivan. Modeswitch tools are also from him. 

Rest of files were collected from links found on lteforum.at, 4pda.ru and 3Ginfo.ru.

P.S. You can get E3372h-153's from Ebay for 29€/each including shipping from Latvia. Downside on these cheap ones is broken locking tabs on top cover. This is because they're LMT branded and were superglued shut with LMT SIM card inside.