GL.iNet Slate 7: A Portable Wi-Fi 7 Router for Travelers
For those on the move, finding a travel router that’s both reliable and affordable can be a challenge. However, the GL.iNet Slate 7 is an exception, offering a robust Wi-Fi 7 solution that’s hard to beat at any price.
However, it has two caveats: it doesn’t support 6GHz and 320MHz channel width, meaning it isn’t the full Wi-Fi 7 deal. The second is that it can’t be part of a Mesh network. Those points aside, this is a brilliant piece of gear.
Pros
- Dual 2.5GbE ports
- Fast WireGuard VPN
- Useful touchscreen for quick controls
- OpenWRT-based with 5,000+ plugins
- Power bank-friendly 8W power draw
Cons
- No 6GHz band
- Lacks Mesh implementation
- USB is performance-limited
- Cannot be flashed with vanilla OpenWRT
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GL.iNet Slate 7: 30-second Review
GL.iNet has a good reputation for router technology, and its mainstream home-office products, like the Flint 3, are widely revered. Alongside the Flint 3, GL.iNet has the Slate 7, a travel router that takes the best aspects of its larger brother and condenses them into an easy-to-carry portable access point.
With two 2.5 GbE LAN ports, you can connect this device to a hotel’s wired network and then get up to 2.1 Gbps of wireless bandwidth on the 5 GHz band to connect phones and laptops. If that seems like a security nightmare, the Slate 7 offers options for WireGuard VPN or OpenVPN, protecting your systems from local intrusions.
The firmware on the Slate 7 is OpenWRT 23.05 (customised), which supports up to 5,000 plugins, allowing you to tweak the router for specific purposes. Where most travel routers aren’t suitable for wider applications, the Slate 7, with its dual 2.5GbE LAN ports, could be a quick fix for a small office that needs WiFi, as it can easily connect to a cable router and the internal network without compromising the speed of either.
GL.iNet Slate 7: Price and Availability
How much does it cost? $170/£151/€174. When is it out? Available now. Where can you get it? You can get it directly from GL.iNet, and it is also available from Amazon and other online retailers.
GL.iNet Slate 7: Specs
Feature
Specification
Model GL-BE3600
(Slate 7) CPU Qualcomm
Quad-core @1.1GHz RAM 1GB
DDR4 Storage 512MB
NAND Flash WiFi
Bands 688
Mbps (2.4GHz)
2882
Mbps (5GHz) WiFi
Standard IEEE
802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax/be (Wi-Fi 7) Ethernet
Ports 1x
WAN 2.5GbE 1x WAN/LAN 2.5GbE USB
Port 1x
USB 3.0 Antennas 2x
Foldable External Antennas Operating
System OpenWRT
23.05 (customised) VPN
Support WireGuard
(490 Mbps) & OpenVPN-DCO (395 Mbps) Modes Routing, AP, Wireless Bridge, Wired Bridge Power
Input 5V/3A,
9V/3A, 12V/2.5A over USB-C Power
Consumption Less than 8W
(without USB demands) Dimensions 130
x 91 x 34 mm
Weight 295g
GL.iNet Slate 7: Design
Simple but elegant, the GL.iNet Slate 7 is a highly portable router that’s designed for travel. With a small 130 x 91 x 34 mm footprint and a weight of just 295g, it’s easy to slip into a backpack or pocket. The front of the router features a small touchscreen that allows you to navigate a basic menu and view the router’s status.
The rear of the Slate 7 is where you’ll find the two 2.5GbE LAN ports, as well as a USB 3.0 port. The USB port is useful for adding a 5G or 4G dongle, expanding the capability to include distributing a mobile comms connection to multiple devices. When you consider how expensive some dedicated 5G routers are, and how inexpensive a 5G dongle can be, this might be the optimal combination.
Conclusion
The GL.iNet Slate 7 is a portable Wi-Fi 7 router that’s perfect for travelers. With its dual 2.5GbE LAN ports, fast WireGuard VPN, and useful touchscreen, it’s a robust solution that’s hard to beat at any price. While it may not support 6GHz and 320MHz channel width, and it can’t be part of a Mesh network, these limitations are minor compared to its many benefits.
Overall, the GL.iNet Slate 7 is a great choice for anyone looking for a reliable and affordable travel router. With its compact design, fast performance, and useful features, it’s a must-have for anyone who’s always on the move.
FAQs
Q: What is the GL.iNet Slate 7?
A: The GL.iNet Slate 7 is a portable Wi-Fi 7 router designed for travel.
Q: What are the key features of the GL.iNet Slate 7?
A: The key features of the GL.iNet Slate 7 include dual 2.5GbE LAN ports, fast WireGuard VPN, a useful touchscreen, and OpenWRT-based firmware with 5,000+ plugins.
Q: Is the GL.iNet Slate 7 compatible with Mesh networks?
A: No, the GL.iNet Slate 7 is not compatible with Mesh networks.
Q: Can the GL.iNet Slate 7 be flashed with vanilla OpenWRT?
A: No, the GL.iNet Slate 7 cannot be flashed with vanilla OpenWRT.
