Product Overview: GL 4G-LTE Smart Routers by GL.iNet (Mobile Hotspot & Router)

GL.iNet is a Hong Kong-based tech company that builds open-source routers with off-the-shelf components, including some with modular 4G LTE modems. Although primarily aimed at the IOT market (Internet Of Things), they can be used by nomads as a robust and inexpensive connectivity option.

GL.iNet's product line changes frequently and when the available modular modem options are included, the potential number of models and variations is large.

The routers use open-source firmware (A customizable version of OpenWrt comes pre-installed)

Some are simple routers, others come with various cellular modem options, typically either a category 4 or 6 module modem with various carrier/band support options. The LTE-capable routers utilize a mini-PCIe slot for the cellular modem, allowing for a wide range of configurations, as almost any mini-PCIe modem can be used.

Be sure you understand what LTE modem you will get before purchasing.

The two most common modems used for the North American market are:

Quectel EC-25AF - Category 4 modem that supports bands 2, 4, 5, 12, 13, 14, 66, and 71
Quectel EP06-A - Category 6 LTE-A modem that supports bands 2, 4, 5, 7, 12, 13, 25, 26, 29, 30, 66

The full GL.iNet product list is long, but some models that may appeal to nomads are listed below.

GL-MIFI: A basic modem that creates a 2.4GHz-only local WiFi network and comes with a mini-PCIe slot with a cat 4/6 modem. It is available with or without a battery installed.
GL-X750 Spitz: A more advanced modem that comes with mini-PCIe cat 4/6 modem. It includes external cellular antennas and 5GHz WiFi support.
GL-E750 Mudi: Portable router with dual-band 2.4/5GHz Wi-Fi support and a cat 4/6 mini-PCIe cellular modem.
GL-X1200 Amarok: A dual-modem enterprise-level router with dual configurable mini-PCIe cellular modems, 4x external 4G antennas (2 for each modem), dual-band 2.4/5GHz Wi-Fi support, optional eSIM support, and 5x Gigabit Ethernet ports.
GL-AR750S "Slate": Travel router with 2.4GHz and 5GHz Wi-Fi-as-WAN, USB cellular tethering, and 3x gigabit Ethernet ports. Does NOT include a mini PCIe slot for an internal cellular modem.
GL-MT300N-V2 "Mango": Mini-router with 2.4GHz Wi-FI-as-WAN, USB cellular tethering, and 2x fast ethernet ports. Does not include a mini PCIe slot for an internal cellular modem.

Customers will need to ensure they order the product with the 4G modem that supports the correct region or carrier for complete compatibility as there are several choices.

Specifications

Model: GL-MIFI
Router Specs:
- # of Connected Devices: Unknown
- Wi-Fi Router:
  - 2.4GHz Wi-Fi: 802.11 b/g/n
  - 5GHz WiFi: No
  - Wi-Fi Antenna: No
  - Wi-Fi as WAN: Yes
  - Claimed Wi-Fi Range: Unknown
  - Guest Wi-Fi Network: Not specified
- Control Panel and Default Password:
  Control Panel: http://192.168.8.1
  Default Password: none - set your own when you login
- USB Tethering Support: Yes
- Ethernet Ports: 2x (1x LAN, 1x WAN)
Cellular Modem Specs: Can slot any compatible mini-PCIe modem module. North America typically comes with a Cat 4 or Cat 6 option
- Supported Networks and Bands:
  - Cat 4 Quectel EC-25AF (North America):
    - LTE Bands: 2, 4, 5, 12, 13, 14, 66, and 71
    - 3G: WCDMA Bands 2, 4, 5
  - Cat 6 Quectel EP06-A (North America)
    - LTE Bands: 2, 4, 5, 7, 12, 13, 25, 26, 29, 30, and 66
    - 3G: WCDMA Bands 2, 4, 5
- LTE-Advanced Carrier Aggregation: Yes (Cat 6 modems only)
- MIMO Support: 2X2
- LTE Performance Category: Cat 4 or 6
- Cellular Antenna Ports: None
- SIM Slots: Micro
Dimensions: 4.1'' x 2.8'' x 1'' / 2.5oz
Other Ports:
Power Source: 5V/2A
Outdoor Rated: No
Special Features:
Retail Price: $119

Model: GL-X750 Spitz
Router Specs:
- # of Connected Devices: Unknown
- Wi-Fi Router:
  - 2.4GHz Wi-Fi: 802.11 b/g/n
  - 5GHz WiFi: 802.11 n/ac
  - Wi-Fi Antenna: Yes
  - Wi-Fi as WAN: Yes
  - Claimed Wi-Fi Range: Unknown
  - Guest Wi-Fi Network: Not specified
- Control Panel and Default Password:
  Control Panel: http://192.168.8.1
  Default Password: none - set your own when you login
- USB Tethering Support: Yes
- Ethernet Ports: 2x (1x LAN, 1x WAN)
Cellular Modem Specs: Can slot any compatible mini-PCIe modem module. North America typically comes with a Cat 4 or Cat 6 option
- Supported Networks and Bands:
  - Cat 4 Quectel EC-25AF (North America):
    - LTE Bands: 2, 4, 5, 12, 13, 14, 66, and 71
    - 3G: WCDMA Bands 2, 4, 5
  - Cat 6 Quectel EP06-A (North America)
    - LTE Bands: 2, 4, 5, 7, 12, 13, 25, 26, 29, 30, and 66
    - 3G: WCDMA Bands 2, 4, 5
- LTE-Advanced Carrier Aggregation: Yes (Cat 6 modems only)
- MIMO Support: 2X2
- LTE Performance Category: Cat 4 or 6
- Cellular Antenna Ports: 2X SMA ports for LTE modem
- SIM Slots: Micro
Dimensions: 4.5'' x 2.9'' x .9'' / 3oz
Other Ports:
Power Source: 12V/1.5A
Outdoor Rated: No
Special Features:
Retail Price: $129

Model: GL-E750 Mudi
Router Specs:
- # of Connected Devices: Unknown
- Wi-Fi Router:
  - 2.4GHz Wi-Fi: 802.11 b/g/n
  - 5GHz WiFi: 802.11 a/n/ac
  - Wi-Fi Antenna: No
  - Wi-Fi as WAN:
  - Claimed Wi-Fi Range: Unknown
  - Guest Wi-Fi Network: Not specified
- Control Panel and Default Password:
  Control Panel: http://192.168.8.1
  Default Password: none - set your own when you login
- USB Tethering Support: Yes
- Ethernet Ports: 1 x FE Port (supported with the docking station)
Cellular Modem Specs: Can slot any compatible mini-PCIe modem module. North America typically comes with a Cat 4 or Cat 6 option
- Supported Networks and Bands:
  - Cat 4 Quectel EC-25AF (North America):
    - LTE Bands: 2, 4, 5, 12, 13, 14, 66, and 71
    - 3G: WCDMA Bands 2, 4, 5
  - Cat 6 Quectel EP06-A (North America)
    - LTE Bands: 2, 4, 5, 7, 12, 13, 25, 26, 29, 30, and 66
    - 3G: WCDMA Bands 2, 4, 5
- LTE-Advanced Carrier Aggregation: Yes (Cat 6 modems only)
- MIMO Support: 2X2
- LTE Performance Category: Cat 4 or 6
- Cellular Antenna Ports: None
- SIM Slots: Nano
Dimensions: 5.7" x 3" x 1"
Other Ports:
Power Source: 1 x Type-C, 5V/2A + Rechargeable 7000mAh Battery
Outdoor Rated: No
Special Features:
Retail Price: $199

Model: GL-X1200 Amarok
Router Specs:
- # of Connected Devices: Not specified
- Wi-Fi Router:
  - 2.4GHz Wi-Fi: 802.11 b/g/n
  - 5GHz WiFi: 802.11 n/ac
  - Wi-Fi Antenna: 2 x External (5dBi)
  - Wi-Fi as WAN: Yes
  - Claimed Wi-Fi Range: Unknown
  - Guest Wi-Fi Network: Not specified
- Control Panel and Default Password:
  Control Panel: http://192.168.8.1
  Default Password: none - set your own when you login
- USB Tethering Support: Yes
- Ethernet Ports: 5x Gigabit (1x WAN and 4x LAN)
Cellular Modem Specs:
- Dual mini-PCIe slots to support two configurable modems North America typically comes with a Cat 4 or Cat 6 option
- Supported Networks and Bands:
  - Cat 4 Quectel EC-25AF (North America):
    - LTE Bands: 2, 4, 5, 12, 13, 14, 66, and 71
    - 3G: WCDMA Bands 2, 4, 5
  - Cat 6 Quectel EP06-A (North America)
    - LTE Bands: 2, 4, 5, 7, 12, 13, 25, 26, 29, 30, and 66
    - 3G: WCDMA Bands 2, 4, 5
- LTE-Advanced Carrier Aggregation: Yes (Cat 6 modems only)
- MIMO Support: 2X2
- LTE Performance Category: Cat 4 or 6
- Cellular Antenna Ports: 4x SMA ports (2x for each modem)
- SIM Slots: Micro
Dimensions: 9.5" x 5.7" x 1.5"
Other Ports:
Power Source: 12V or 48V DC power supply or PoE
Outdoor Rated: No
Special Features:
Retail Price: $399

Model: GL-AR750S Slate
Router Specs:
- # of Connected Devices: Unknown
- Wi-Fi Router:
  - 2.4GHz Wi-Fi: 802.11 b/g/n
  - 5GHz Wi-Fi: 802.11 a/ac
  - Wi-Fi Antenna: No
  - Wi-Fi as WAN: Yes
  - Claimed Wi-Fi Range: Unknown
  - Guest Wi-Fi Network: No
- Control Panel and Default Password:
  Control Panel Access: http://192.168.8.1
  Default Password: none - set your own when you login
- USB Tethering Support: Yes, but not tested
- Ethernet Ports: 3x Gigabit (2x LAN, 1x WAN/LAN)
Cellular Embedded Modem: None
Wi-Fi Extending Specs:
- Wi-Fi Technology / Frequencies: Simultaneous 2.4GHz and 5GHz 802.11 b/g/n/ac
Dimensions: 3.9 x 2.7 x 095 inches
Other Ports: Micro USB (power only), TF Card Slot (128GB Max)
Power Source: Micro USB 5V/2A
Outdoor Rated: No
Special Features: Integrated VPN support
Retail Price: $69.99

Review & Testing Status

We purchased the X750 Spitz and will share our hands-on notes with members below once we have had some time with it. During testing, members can follow our testing activity in our forum, where we'll post updates and our latest insights and information.

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