PHHere's another look at the Evoluzn FX-ID4 from a different perspective.
It's easy to see the reason why this model is not getting the attention it deserves. Apart from the mediocre software package that came with the unit, there's also the eSIM design that prevents easy SIM replacing or switching, which is a big disadvantage for a number of reasons like expired or damaged SIMs for example (hardware modifications exist to remedy this, but it is not for the average Joe).
The unit doesn't even come with the PUK codes for the eSIM, which is odd because every other LTE device (those that use regular SIMs that is) from ISPs come with the SIM bed where those codes are typically found. So if one manages to PIN-blocked the eSIM on this unit then it will require assistance from the ISP to get it unblocked.
Given these, what makes the Evoluzn FX-ID4 still an interesting device?
* It's small and compact!
It is the smallest LTE-A Cat.6 device I have seen from all the offerings of the ISPs in the country. It has a minimalist, quiet white design.
Even though it may be simplistic, it offers ample LEDs and LED colors for display. There's an LED for LAN, and two for each wireless bands (which is desirable than the single LED for wireless). You can have either a blue or red connect LED for data indication. There are four signal LEDs for signal strength indication and can either be green for 3G or blue for 4G signal reception. They can also blink red simultaneously for no signal.
It has a power switch, and two buttons for WPS and reset. There's plenty of ventilation for heat dissipation, and there's and added bonus of provision for wall mounting at the back.
* It has FOUR antenna and a USB 3.0 SuperSpeed port connectors!
Now this is something you won't find from other LTE wireless modem routers currently in the market. There's two pairs of SMA antenna connectors, one High and Low frequency, each with connectors for Main and DIV antenna. Also there's a USB 3.0 port, which opens up a lot of possibilities for this device (file/print/media server, torrent box, you name it).
Of course, given the mediocre software package from the manufacturer these wouldn't be realized to their full potential. It just needs to be set free.
* It runs OpenWrt!
Yep, it's running alright. And look, it's even connected to the mobile network via LTE. 
I would have wanted it to have more RAM than its predecessor FX-ID3, but running the same SoC as the R281 and S12 Pro and at 128MB RAM and 32MB flash, its already a s†éál at its current price point, with a USB 3.0 port to boot. With OpenWrt, the sky and your imagination are the limits (or RAM and flash in this case).
It doesn't have PCI locking in the Webui (this can be done in the terminal), but you can band lock and send and read SMS, USSD codes.
* It has a LOT of bands out of the box that aren't available in the stock Webui!
Yep, out of the box it comes band-locked to 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41. I haven't been able to check the other bands apart from the stock 1, 3, 5, 28, 40, 41 due to band unavailability in my area.
Now having OpenWrt running on this unit is not all bells and whistles. There's the missing LED control for the signal and data (although there is some control to indicate transmit and receive activity on this) LEDs. They have to be manually written, which I don't have time ATM. The same goes to indicate internet connectivity or loss for the data/connect LED.
Given all other else that functions as intended on this unit under OpenWrt, I consider this LED situation an unfortunate cosmetic annoyance that shouldn't deter device performance.
With this, it should give the Evoluzn FX-ID4 its deserved second chance to perform as a viable wireless router or LTE CPE for the home or office. Now I wonder if the eSIM chip is programmable...
It's easy to see the reason why this model is not getting the attention it deserves. Apart from the mediocre software package that came with the unit, there's also the eSIM design that prevents easy SIM replacing or switching, which is a big disadvantage for a number of reasons like expired or damaged SIMs for example (hardware modifications exist to remedy this, but it is not for the average Joe).
The unit doesn't even come with the PUK codes for the eSIM, which is odd because every other LTE device (those that use regular SIMs that is) from ISPs come with the SIM bed where those codes are typically found. So if one manages to PIN-blocked the eSIM on this unit then it will require assistance from the ISP to get it unblocked.
Given these, what makes the Evoluzn FX-ID4 still an interesting device?
* It's small and compact!
It is the smallest LTE-A Cat.6 device I have seen from all the offerings of the ISPs in the country. It has a minimalist, quiet white design.
Even though it may be simplistic, it offers ample LEDs and LED colors for display. There's an LED for LAN, and two for each wireless bands (which is desirable than the single LED for wireless). You can have either a blue or red connect LED for data indication. There are four signal LEDs for signal strength indication and can either be green for 3G or blue for 4G signal reception. They can also blink red simultaneously for no signal.
It has a power switch, and two buttons for WPS and reset. There's plenty of ventilation for heat dissipation, and there's and added bonus of provision for wall mounting at the back.
* It has FOUR antenna and a USB 3.0 SuperSpeed port connectors!
Now this is something you won't find from other LTE wireless modem routers currently in the market. There's two pairs of SMA antenna connectors, one High and Low frequency, each with connectors for Main and DIV antenna. Also there's a USB 3.0 port, which opens up a lot of possibilities for this device (file/print/media server, torrent box, you name it).
Of course, given the mediocre software package from the manufacturer these wouldn't be realized to their full potential. It just needs to be set free.
* It runs OpenWrt!
Spoiler contents are visible only to Established Members.
I would have wanted it to have more RAM than its predecessor FX-ID3, but running the same SoC as the R281 and S12 Pro and at 128MB RAM and 32MB flash, its already a s†éál at its current price point, with a USB 3.0 port to boot. With OpenWrt, the sky and your imagination are the limits (or RAM and flash in this case).
Spoiler contents are visible only to Established Members.
* It has a LOT of bands out of the box that aren't available in the stock Webui!
Yep, out of the box it comes band-locked to 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41. I haven't been able to check the other bands apart from the stock 1, 3, 5, 28, 40, 41 due to band unavailability in my area.
Now having OpenWrt running on this unit is not all bells and whistles. There's the missing LED control for the signal and data (although there is some control to indicate transmit and receive activity on this) LEDs. They have to be manually written, which I don't have time ATM. The same goes to indicate internet connectivity or loss for the data/connect LED.
Given all other else that functions as intended on this unit under OpenWrt, I consider this LED situation an unfortunate cosmetic annoyance that shouldn't deter device performance.
With this, it should give the Evoluzn FX-ID4 its deserved second chance to perform as a viable wireless router or LTE CPE for the home or office. Now I wonder if the eSIM chip is programmable...