Networking

Alcatel HH71 + Asus: DHCP & IP Reservation Setup Guide

Connect Alcatel HH71 as a 4G modem to an Asus router: LAN->WAN cable, enable Asus DHCP and IP reservations so devices retain the same IP after reboot.

1 answer• 1 view

How should I connect and configure an Alcatel hh71 4G router (used as a modem) and an Asus WiFi router so that the Asus runs the DHCP server and IP address reservation (binding IPs to device MAC addresses), ensuring devices keep the same IP after reboot? Current setup: the Alcatel hh71 passes the 4G connection via cable to the Asus, and other devices connect to the Asus. The Asus supports IP reservation, but switching it to “Wireless Router” mode results in no internet. Both routers are connected by cable. Which router mode, port connections (LAN→WAN vs LAN→LAN), and DHCP/bridge settings should I use on each device so DHCP and IP reservations are on the Asus while maintaining internet access?

Set the Alcatel HH71 4G modem to bridge/modem mode or disable its DHCP, then run an Ethernet cable from the Alcatel’s LAN port to the Asus router’s WAN port (LAN→WAN). Put the Asus router into Wireless Router mode with WAN set to obtain an IP automatically, enable the Asus DHCP server and add static IP reservations (MAC→IP) on the Asus — clients will keep the same IP after reboots. If the HH71 firmware lacks a true bridge option, disable its DHCP or use DMZ/IP‑pass‑through (and, if needed, MAC cloning) so the Asus still receives an Internet-facing address; troubleshooting steps below.

Contents

How to wire and choose router modes (alcatel hh71 + asus router)

Short answer in hardware terms: cable the Alcatel HH71 LAN port to the Asus WAN port (that’s LAN→WAN), put the Alcatel into bridge/modem mode or turn off its DHCP, and make the Asus your main router (Wireless Router mode) so it runs NAT and the DHCP server with IP reservations. That gives the Asus full control of the LAN addressing and lets you bind MAC → IP there. The manufacturer manuals show the HH71 can be set to act as a modem (bridge/IP pass‑through) or have DHCP disabled — which is exactly what you want for the Asus to be the DHCP authority https://www.manualslib.com/manual/2744366/Alcatel-Linkhub-Hh71vm.html, https://home.megafon.ru/uploads/manuals/Alcatel%20hh71.pdf.

Set alcatel hh71 as a 4G modem (bridge or DHCP off)

  1. Log in to the HH71 web UI (follow the manual if you’re unsure).
  2. Look for an operation mode or network settings screen where you can select Bridge/Modem or disable the DHCP server. One manual describes disabling DHCP under Settings → Wi‑Fi → DHCP (uncheck “Enable DHCP Server”). If your unit supports a named “Bridge mode” or “IP pass‑through,” enable that to hand the public IP to the downstream router https://www.manualslib.com/manual/2744366/Alcatel-Linkhub-Hh71vm.html, https://www.manua.ls/alcatel/linkhub-hh71/manual.
  3. Save settings and reboot the HH71.

Why bridge/DHCP‑off? Bridge or DHCP‑off prevents the HH71 from handing out addresses or doing NAT for your LAN — that’s the role you want the Asus to take. The general behavior of LTE modems in bridge vs router modes is described in vendor KBs as well (bridge = NAT disabled, public IP passed through) https://kb.netgear.com/31163/How-to-change-4G-LTE-Modem-from-router-mode-to-bridge-mode.

Note: Some HH71 firmware builds or carrier‑branded units don’t expose a true bridge option; see the community discussion if you can’t find it — there are unit/firmware differences https://www.elektroda.com/rtvforum/topic3822797.html.

Configure the asus router for DHCP and IP reservation (Wireless Router mode)

  1. Physically connect: Alcatel LAN → Asus WAN (move the cable to the Asus WAN port if it was plugged into a LAN port).
  2. On the Asus web UI (http://router.asus.com or 192.168.1.1 by default), set Operation Mode → Wireless Router (standard router mode). This enables routing/NAT/DHCP on the Asus side.
  3. WAN settings: set WAN/Internet connection type to “Automatic IP” (DHCP) so the Asus requests an IP from the HH71 (or receives the bridged/public IP).
  4. LAN / DHCP server on Asus: enable DHCP and choose a clear DHCP pool. Example recommended scheme (safe and simple):
  • Asus LAN IP: 192.168.1.1/24
  • DHCP pool: 192.168.1.100 – 192.168.1.199
  • Reserve lower addresses for static/reserved devices (192.168.1.2–99)
  1. Create IP reservations (static DHCP): in AsusWRT go to Advanced Settings → LAN → DHCP Server → Manually Assigned IP around the DHCP list (or Network Map → Clients → click device → “Assign”). Enter the device MAC and the desired IP. Save.
  2. Reboot the client device (or renew its DHCP lease) and confirm it receives the reserved IP. Reboot the client and the router to prove the address persists.

Two quick tips: use easily remembered reserved IPs (printer 192.168.1.10, NAS 192.168.1.20) and document MAC addresses. If the Asus shows a WAN IP that looks public (or at least not 192.168.x.x/10.x.x.x/private that you expected), the HH71 is in bridge/pass‑through and the Asus now has the public address — ideal for one‑router setups.

Ports: LAN→WAN vs LAN→LAN — which to use and why

  • LAN→WAN (correct for your goal): Alcatel (modem) → Asus WAN. Asus is the router/DHCP server. Use this when you want the Asus to control DHCP, IP reservations, firewall and NAT.
  • LAN→LAN (wrong for your goal): plugging Alcatel LAN → Asus LAN effectively makes the Asus act like a switch/AP (unless you disable its DHCP). If you then switch the Asus to Wireless Router mode without moving the cable to WAN, the Asus’s WAN interface is disconnected — that’s why people see “No Internet” when they change mode but don’t move the cable.
    So: if you want Asus DHCP and reservations, make sure the cable is in the Asus WAN port.

If alcatel hh71 lacks bridge mode — workarounds (DMZ, DHCP off, MAC clone)

If the HH71 firmware doesn’t offer a true bridge, you still have options:

  • Disable the HH71 DHCP server (if available). Then set Asus WAN to DHCP and continue as above. The HH71 will act largely as a modem/switch. Manuals mention DHCP can be disabled in UI settings https://home.megafon.ru/uploads/manuals/Alcatel%20hh71.pdf.
  • If disabling DHCP isn’t possible, put the Asus behind the HH71 (LAN→WAN) and on the HH71 enable DMZ or IP‑pass‑through and point it at the Asus WAN IP. That effectively forwards all inbound ports to the Asus so you avoid double‑NAT problems for incoming services.
  • If the HH71 hands an IP only to the first MAC it sees (some carrier units do), reboot the HH71, then plug in the Asus WAN and power it on so the HH71 gives the Asus the IP. If required, use MAC clone on the Asus to mimic the MAC address that previously worked.
  • Accept double NAT: leave both routers doing NAT (HH71 on 192.168.1.x, Asus on 192.168.2.x), but keep Asus as DHCP server for your LAN by connecting HH71 LAN → Asus WAN and setting the Asus LAN subnet to a different range (e.g., 192.168.2.1) to avoid collisions. For most home use double NAT works fine; port forwarding needs DMZ or two levels of forwarding.

Community notes confirm many retail HH71 units behave differently by firmware/carrier, so you may need one of the workarounds above https://www.elektroda.com/rtvforum/topic3822797.html.

Troubleshooting: Asus in Wireless Router mode shows “No Internet”

Why did the internet disappear the moment you switched the Asus to Wireless Router? Common causes and quick fixes:

  • Cable in the wrong port. Solution: move the Ethernet cable from Asus LAN → Asus WAN. If you had LAN→LAN working, Router mode needs WAN connected.
  • Asus WAN set to Fixed/PPPoE but HH71 expects DHCP. Solution: set Asus WAN to Automatic/DHCP.
  • HH71 still running DHCP and using the same subnet as Asus LAN (IP conflict). Solution: change Asus LAN subnet (e.g., to 192.168.2.1) or disable HH71 DHCP.
  • HH71 requires a reboot to hand a new IP to a downstream device. Solution: power‑cycle HH71, then power‑cycle Asus so the modem hands the address to the router.
  • HH71 blocks the Asus MAC or expects the first device’s MAC: try MAC cloning on Asus or reboot sequence described above.
  • If Asus gets a WAN IP but no DNS or no routing: verify gateway and DNS reported in Asus WAN status; try setting public DNS (8.8.8.8) temporarily for testing.
  • To avoid port issues when HH71 still NATs, set HH71 DMZ to the Asus WAN IP or forward necessary ports.

If you want manufacturer‑specific UI steps for the HH71 and confirmation of DHCP/bridge behavior, see the HH71 manual and vendor notes https://home.megafon.ru/uploads/manuals/Alcatel%20hh71.pdf, and general modem bridge behavior explained here https://kb.netgear.com/31163/How-to-change-4G-LTE-Modem-from-router-mode-to-bridge-mode.

Quick checklist and recommended IP scheme

  • Physical port: Alcatel LAN → Asus WAN.
  • Alcatel: bridge mode if available; otherwise disable HH71 DHCP or set DMZ to Asus WAN.
  • Asus: Operation Mode = Wireless Router; WAN = Automatic/DHCP.
  • Asus LAN sample settings:
  • Router IP: 192.168.1.1 /24
  • DHCP pool: 192.168.1.100–192.168.1.199
  • Reserve static DHCP: 192.168.1.2–99 (for servers, printers, NAS)
  • Verify: Asus WAN shows an IP (public or private), clients get addresses from Asus, reserved IPs persist after client and router reboots.
  • If something fails: check cable port, reboot HH71 then Asus, try MAC clone, or use DMZ.

Security and final checks

  • Change admin passwords on both devices; don’t leave defaults.
  • Disable remote web management on the HH71 once it’s in bridge or DHCP‑off mode.
  • Keep firmware updated on the Asus and HH71 (vendor pages / your ISP).
  • If HH71 remains in front and still NATs, consider disabling UPnP on one device to avoid unexpected port mappings.
  • Document reserved IPs and MACs so you can restore them if you factory‑reset the Asus.

Sources

Conclusion

Use the alcatel hh71 as a modem (bridge or DHCP disabled), wire Alcatel LAN → Asus WAN, set the Asus router to Wireless Router mode with WAN=DHCP, and create static IP reservations on the Asus DHCP server. That arrangement gives the Asus full control of LAN addressing so devices keep the same IP after reboots; if the HH71 firmware lacks bridge mode, disable its DHCP or use DMZ/IP‑pass‑through and follow the troubleshooting tips above.

Authors
NeuroAnswers
Author
Verified by moderation
NeuroAnswers
Moderation
Alcatel HH71 + Asus: DHCP & IP Reservation Setup Guide