New router, need help, I am confused!

[raindarkforest]

Hello guys.
I want to ask something, maybe it will seem dumb, but I dont know much about this -- I am learning and willing to learn, though!

So, I want to buy a new router, since my ISP-provided one is starting to act weird (have it for about 5 years now).
The problem is, they didnt also give me a modem, only the router -- maybe it has a modem incorporated in it? I dont know. Maybe a modem its not even needed? Altough I dont think so. I saw the router has a small card inside it, tough -- behind the battery, with "4G" written on one side.
So, once I buy a new router -- not provided from them -- what do I do? Since I dont have a modem. How do I connect it to my ISP?

Please help guys, and again: dont laugh!

--
Forgot to say, the device my ISP originally gave me - the router - is a Huawei LTE CPE E5172.

 

[das_stig]

The Huawei LTE CPE E5172 is indeed a 4G mobile internet router.

From a quick Google, you need to unlock it to put it in to bridge mode aka modem mode, so that you can connect a 3rd party router.

I found this which may be of use, or your ISP may have to assist you.

https://routerunlock.com/unlock-stc-e5172-saudi-telecom-company-lte-cpe-e5172s-920-huawei-wifi-router-gateway-free-instructions/

 

[raindarkforest]

The Huawei LTE CPE E5172 is indeed a 4G mobile internet router.

From a quick Google, you need to unlock it to put it in to bridge mode aka modem mode, so that you can connect a 3rd party router.

I found this which may be of use, or your ISP may have to assist you.

https://routerunlock.com/unlock-stc-e5172-saudi-telecom-company-lte-cpe-e5172s-920-huawei-wifi-router-gateway-free-instructions/

I found that article too, but I dont quite get what "unlocking" is.

--
So, my router acts indeed as a modem too?
And I can make it work only as a modem, and use the new router as a router?

Also,
is it really necessary to do that "unlocking"? Cant I just connect them (the two routers)

 

[raindarkforest]

Please help 🙁