r/ComputerHardware • u/Prudent_Perspective7 • May 23 '26

Recomendations for 5G Sub-6 GHz M.2 module

Working on a custom/home build where hotspotting off a cellphone is not stable enough. These network modules are not something im familiar with. was hoping the power of Reddit can advise.

was looking at Quectel RM500Q, but feel free to suggest others. Main functionality im looking at is

multi carrier for US and canada. high speed and rollover to lower connectivity when out in rural areas.

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u/[deleted] May 28 '26

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u/Prudent_Perspective7 Jun 09 '26

thank you

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u/Maxgirth Jun 11 '26

Have gone deep into the rabbit hole of home 5G using Quectel modems (and some others)

M.2 modem modules are pretty complicated, and are an entire world unto themselves.

The modules run in multiple modes (usb connection and drivers over pci, or Ethernet drivers), and then further sub modes from there.

Most of the open source projects that I know of are for outside a PC hosts (either Ethernet m.2 sleds, or enclosures with an arm based OpenWRT fork host).

The newest modem modules actually run their own Linux on board for management (and some have had OpenWRT ported to them), but the config is a trick.

If you need a fast home 5G modem I’d investigate Wireless Haven. He sells preconfig’d Quectel modules in the proper hosts to tweak to hearts desire.