How to find out the exact model of your Wi-Fi modem: from the sticker to the command line

Are you trying to update your firmware, set up a bridge between routers, or just want to buy a compatible antenna - but don't know the exact model of your Wi-Fi modemThis problem is familiar to many: manufacturers hide markings under plastic covers, the stickers wear off over time, and device interfaces don't always display complete information. As a result, users spend hours searching for drivers "for a router with four antennas" or trying to contact technical support without key hardware information.

In this article we have collected All possible ways to identify a Wi-Fi modem model, including visual, software and even "secret" methods through Telnet or SSHYou will learn where to look for the factory sticker on your devices. ASUS, Huawei And MikroTik, how to retrieve the model via the web interface or mobile app, and what to do if the modem won't turn on at all. And for advanced users, instructions on analyzing the MAC address and decoding the serial number.

1. The easiest way: the factory sticker on the case

Most Wi-Fi modems have information sticker on the bottom or back panel of the case. It contains not only the model, but also other critical data: the serial number (S/N), MAC address, and login/password for the admin panel. However, finding these isn't always easy—manufacturers like to hide markings in unexpected places.

Here's where to look for the sticker on popular brands:

• 🔹 TP-Link, Tenda, Mercusys: usually on the bottom of the case, under the rubber feet (lift the device).
• 🔹 ASUS, Netgear: on the rear panel, next to the LAN/WAN ports.
• 🔹 Huawei, ZTE: under the removable battery compartment cover (for 3G/4G modems).
• 🔹 MikroTik, Ubiquiti: on the side panel or under a cover secured with screws.

If the sticker has worn off or is stained, try wiping it with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. Sometimes shining a flashlight at an angle helps—some models have UV ink. D-Link become visible.

⚠️ Attention: On devices from providers (for example, Rostelecom or Beeline) the sticker may contain modified model with a prefix like "RT" or "HG". To search for firmware, use original Manufacturer's model - it can be found in the web interface.

2. Web interface: where the modem will tell you about itself

If the modem is turned on and connected to the network, the most reliable way is to log into its administrative panelThe entry address is usually indicated on the same factory sticker (e.g. 192.168.1.1 or tplinklogin.net). The default login and password are also there - often it is admin/admin or admin/password.

After authorization, the device model is displayed in the following sections (depending on the firmware):

On some models (eg, MikroTik RouterBOARD) information is hidden in System → Resources or RouterBOARDIf the interface is in English, look for sections Status, Device Info or System Summary.

⚠️ Note: ISPs often block access to their modem admin panels. If the default IP address doesn't open, try connecting via Telnet (see section 5) or contact support and request model data.

Is the modem connected to power and turned on? Is there an Ethernet/Wi-Fi connection to the device? Is the IP address entered correctly (without http://)? Have you tried resetting the password using the Reset button (hold for 10 seconds)?

3. Mobile apps: convenient, but not always accurate

Manufacturers of modern modems produce official applications for managing devices from a smartphone. They often display the model in the main menu or "About" section. Here are the most popular utilities:

• 📱 TP-Link Tether (For TP-Link, Tenda) - the model is indicated in Device → Information.
• 📱 ASUS Router - chapter Settings → System Information.
• 📱 Huawei HiLink (for 4G modems) - tab Device at the bottom of the screen.
• 📱 Keenetic - chapter System → About device.

The advantage of this method is that you don't need to connect via cable or remember the IP address. However, provider applications (For example, "Rostelecom Personal Account" or "Dom.ru") often hide the actual model, replacing it with a "marketing" name like "Premium Wi-Fi Router." In this case, use other methods.

If you have a modem from a mobile operator (for example, Megaphone M150-2 or Yota Many), try the app Mobile Wi-Fi or MiFi — the model is usually indicated on the main screen under the network name.

4. Via the operating system: for Windows, macOS, and Linux

If the modem is connected to the computer via Ethernet or USB, the operating system can recognize its model. The methods vary depending on the OS.

🖥️ Windows 10/11

Open device Manager:

1. Click Win + X → select "Device Manager".
2. Expand the section Network adapters.
3. Find the device with the name Remote NDIS (for USB modems) or Realtek/Qualcomm (for Ethernet).
4. Right click → Properties → Details → Hardware ID.
5. On the list VEN_XXXX And DEV_XXXX Copy the values ​​and find the model in the database PCI Database.

🍎 macOS

For USB modems:

1. Open System information (Apple → About This Mac → System Report).
2. Go to USB → find your device.
3. The model will be indicated in the line Product name.

🐧 Linux (Ubuntu/Debian)

Run in terminal:

lsusb

or for Ethernet connection:

ip a

In the output, look for lines with Qualcomm, Huawei or ASIX — the model will be indicated next to it. For more information:

dmesg | grep -i usb

⚠️ Note: On Linux, the model may be displayed in a shortened form (for example, E3372 instead of Huawei E3372h-153). For precise determination, use the command usb-devices and check ID with base USB ID Repository.

5. Command Line and Telnet: For Advanced Users

If the web interface is blocked by the provider and there is no sticker, you can connect to the modem via consoleThis method requires knowledge of network protocols, but gives a 100% result.

First check if it is turned on Telnet or SSH on the modem:

1. Open Command line (Windows) or Terminal (macOS/Linux).
2. Perform a port scan:

   nmap -p 23,22 192.168.1.1

   (replace 192.168.1.1 to your modem's IP).

3. If the port 23 (Telnet) or 22 (SSH) is open, connect:

   telnet 192.168.1.1

   or

   ssh admin@192.168.1.1

   (login/password - as for the web interface).

Once connected, enter the commands:

• 🔧 For TP-Link/D-Link:

  cat /proc/cpuinfo

  or

  dm system

• 🔧 For Huawei:

  AT^NVIM=?

  or

  get productname

• 🔧 For MikroTik:

  /system routerboard print

If access by Telnet/SSH blocked, try emergency mode: hold the button Reset 30 seconds, then connect within the first 10 seconds after reboot - sometimes this opens the console.

What to do if the modem does not respond to Telnet/SSH?

If scanning nmap If it doesn't show any open ports and the web interface is blocked, radical methods remain:

1. Flashing firmware via TFTP: Connect the modem via Ethernet, assign a static IP to the PC (for example, 192.168.1.2), then send the firmware via tftp -i 192.168.1.1 PUT firmware.binThis will reset your provider settings.

2. Hard reset: On some models (eg, Zyxel) there is a hidden button Hidden Reset under the sticker - pressing it resets the modem to factory settings.

3. JTAG programming: For experienced users - solder to the contacts on the board and read the data through OpenOCD.

⚠️ These methods can brick your modem! Use only if other methods fail.

6. By MAC address: decoding the first 6 characters

Each network device has a unique MAC address, the first 6 characters of which are (OUI) indicate the manufacturer. They can be used to determine the brand, and sometimes the series, of the modem.

How to find out the MAC address:

• 📡 On the modem sticker (line MAC or WLAN MAC).
• 🖥️ In the web interface (section Status or Network).
• 🔧 Via the command line:

  arp -a 192.168.1.1

  (replace IP with your modem's address).

Then check OUI in the database MAC Vendors. For example:

• B0:48:7A — TP-Link (series Archer or TL-WR).
• 2C:54:91 — ASUS (models RT-AC or RT-AX).
• 64:16:F0 — Huawei (4G modems E3372, B525).

This method does not provide an exact model, but it narrows the search. For example, if OUI points to ZTE, and the modem is white with one antenna - most likely it is ZTE MF286R or a similar model.

7. By serial number: hidden information in S/N

Serial number (S/N) on the modem sticker often contains encoded information about the model, production date, and even the hardware revision. It can be deciphered using online decoders or manually.

Examples of transcription:

• 🔢 TP-Link: Serial number of the type 9A12345678 — the first 2 characters (9A) indicate the model (TL-WR940N).
• 🔢 Huawei: Format Q3JVL123456789 — Q3JVL corresponds B525s-23a.
• 🔢 ASUS: Serial numbers of the type C8N12345678 — C8N means RT-AC88U.

For automatic decryption, use the following services:

• 🌐 S/N Deep Info (supports TP-Link, ASUS, Netgear).
• 🌐 HWiNFO (for devices Huawei And ZTE).

⚠️ Please note: Some providers (eg. MTS or Tele2) recode the serial numbers of their modems. In this case, decoders may display incorrect information. Check the information against the sticker or web interface.

8. If the modem does not turn on: extreme measures

If the modem doesn't respond to the power button or only one indicator light is on, standard methods won't work. In this case:

1. Check the power supply: Make sure the voltage and polarity match the sticker (e.g. 12V 1A). Use a multimeter to check the output voltage.
2. Disassemble the case: The board usually has a model marking next to the main chip (look for markings like BCM4708 For Broadcom or AR9344 For Qualcomm Atheros).
3. Connect to another device: Some modems (eg. Huawei E3372) are defined as a USB storage device in the mode HiLinkConnect to PC - in Device Manager a model may appear.
4. Use JTAG: To restore firmware and read data from flash memory (a soldering iron and a programmer are required).

If the modem is completely "dead," but you need to know its model (for example, to buy a replacement), contact a service center with a photo of the board—specialists will be able to identify the device by its components.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about identifying your Wi-Fi modem model

❓ Modem from a provider (Rostelecom, Beeline) — how to find out the original model?

Providers often reflash modems, hiding the actual model. Try this:

1. Login to the web interface by IP 192.168.100.1 (For Rostelecom) or 192.168.0.1 (For Beeline).
2. Enter in the address bar of the browser http://192.168.1.1/js/status.js - Sometimes there is an original model there.
3. Call your provider's support team and request data from their database by MAC address.

❓ The sticker has worn off and the web interface is blocked – what should I do?

Use a combination of methods:

1. Check the MAC address (section 6) and serial number (section 7).
2. Connect the modem to another device (laptop, phone) - sometimes the model is detected automatically.
3. Take a photo of the board and upload it to the forums iXBT or 4PDA — experts will help identify.

❓ Is it possible to recognize the model by its appearance?

Yes, but with some reservations:

• 🔍 TP-Link: Models with blue antennas - series Archer; black with green indicators - TL-WR.
• 🔍 ASUS: Diamond-Shaped Ventilation Case - Series RT-AC; glossy plastic - RT-AX.
• 🔍 Huawei: White modems with a round display - series B525; black with USB port - E3372.

For accurate identification, please check with RouterChart — there are photos and comparisons of models.

❓ How can I find out the model of my 4G/5G modem without a sticker?

For mobile modems (Huawei, ZTE, Yota):

1. Connect to PC - in Device Manager check the title in the section Modems.
2. Install the program DC-Unlocker - it will show the model, IMEI and SIM card details.
3. Insert your SIM card and check the Wi-Fi network name - it often contains the model (e.g. Huawei-B525-1234).

❓ Where can I find the firmware if the model is identified?

Download firmware only from official sources:

• 🌐 TP-Link (select region Russia for Russified versions).
• 🌐 ASUS — enter the model in the search.
• 🌐 Huawei — section "Modems and routers".
• 🌐 Zyxel — select a series Keenetic or VMG.

For provider modems, look for firmware on forums (for example, Keenetic Community) or in Telegram channels like @router_pro.