ModemManager vs qmi-network — When to Use Which

[felix]

ModemManager vs qmi-network — When to Use Which

There are two main approaches to manage the LTE modem on your OpenStick device.

ModemManager (mmcli) — Recommended for Most Users
ModemManager is a system service that automatically detects and manages the modem.

• Easy to use with

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  mmcli

  command-line tool
• Handles connection, disconnection, and SIM management
• Integrates with NetworkManager for automatic reconnection
• Best for: everyday use, set-and-forget LTE connections

Basic usage:

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mmcli -m 0 --simple-connect="apn=internet"
mmcli -m 0    # check status
mmcli -m 0 --simple-disconnect

qmi-network + qmicli — For Advanced Users
Direct QMI protocol interface for low-level modem control.

• More control over connection parameters
• Useful for debugging modem issues
• Does not conflict with ModemManager (stop MM first)
• Best for: troubleshooting, custom setups, scripting

Basic usage:

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sudo systemctl stop ModemManager
qmicli -d /dev/cdc-wdm0 --dms-get-operating-mode
qmi-network /dev/cdc-wdm0 start

Auto-Reconnect with systemd
To make your LTE connection persistent across reboots, create a systemd service or use NetworkManager:

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# Using NetworkManager
nmcli connection add type gsm con-name "LTE" apn "internet"
nmcli connection up "LTE"

This will automatically reconnect to LTE on every boot.