GL.iNet GL-A1300 (Slate Plus) Wireless VPN Encrypted Travel Router Review
The GL.iNet GL-A1300 (Slate Plus) Wireless VPN Encrypted Travel Router is a compact and powerful networking device that offers a wide range of features and functionalities. With dual-band connectivity and fast wireless speeds, it ensures a smooth and stable internet connection. The router runs on the latest OpenWrt operating system, allowing users to customize and personalize their network settings. It also comes pre-installed with VPN clients and servers, providing enhanced security and privacy. Additionally, the network storage feature enables convenient file sharing and storage. Overall, the GL.iNet GL-A1300 is an excellent choice for both home and travel use.
Product Description
The GL.iNet GL-A1300 (Slate Plus) Wireless VPN Encrypted Travel Router is a powerful and versatile networking device that offers a wide range of features to enhance your internet connectivity. Whether you're at home or on the go, this router has got you covered.
With its dual-band AC wireless technology, the GL-A1300 provides fast and reliable internet speeds. The 2.4GHz band offers speeds of up to 400Mbps, while the 5GHz band delivers even faster speeds of up to 867Mbps. This means you can enjoy smooth streaming, lag-free gaming, and fast file transfers.
What sets this router apart from others is its open-source and programmable nature. Running on the latest OpenWrt 21.02 operating system, it allows users to customize and personalize their router experience. You have the freedom to install applications and tailor the router to your specific needs.
The GL-A1300 also comes with built-in VPN client and server capabilities. It is pre-installed with OpenVPN and WireGuard, making it compatible with over 30 VPN service providers. This means you can easily establish a secure and private internet connection, protecting your online activities from prying eyes.
Another standout feature of this router is its network storage capability. With support for SAMBA and WebDav protocols, you can connect an external USB hard drive to the router and create your own private network storage. This allows you to conveniently store and share your documents, making it an ideal solution for small offices or home networks.
Overall, the GL.iNet GL-A1300 (Slate Plus) Wireless VPN Encrypted Travel Router offers a powerful and reliable networking solution. Its dual-band AC wireless technology, open-source nature, VPN capabilities, and network storage feature make it a versatile and highly desirable option for both home and travel use.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Easy setup and connectivity: The GL.iNet GL-A1300 (Slate Plus) Wireless VPN Encrypted Travel Router is praised by users for its effortless setup process. You can quickly connect to hotel WiFi and captive portals without any hassle. Additionally, it supports phone tethering, making it convenient for users who rely on their mobile data for internet access.
Versatile functionality: One of the standout features of this router is its ability to function as a range extender, access point, and even a pocket-sized NAS (Network Attached Storage). This versatility allows you to customize your network setup according to your specific needs. Whether you want to extend the range of your existing WiFi or create a personal cloud storage solution, the GL-A1300 has you covered.
Open-source compatibility: Tech-savvy users will appreciate that this router operates on a Linux operating system, providing them with the freedom to customize and enhance their network settings. The GL.iNet GL-A1300 supports third-party, open-source OS installations, allowing you to tailor the device to your preferences.
Cons
Limited frequency band class: Although the GL.iNet GL-A1300 offers dual-band functionality, it lacks support for the latest WiFi 6 standard. While the 5 GHz frequency band ensures faster speeds and less interference, the absence of WiFi 6 may be a drawback for users seeking the highest performance available on the market.
Limited compatibility: This router is primarily designed to be compatible with phones, which may limit its usability for users who require connectivity with other devices such as laptops, gaming consoles, or smart home devices. While it can still function as a router for these devices, its optimal performance is geared towards phone usage.
Ethernet-only connectivity: The GL-A1300 relies solely on Ethernet connectivity, which may pose a limitation for users who prefer wireless connections. While this may not be an issue for those seeking a wired setup, individuals looking for a completely wireless experience may find this router's lack of wireless connectivity disappointing.
In conclusion, the GL.iNet GL-A1300 (Slate Plus) Wireless VPN Encrypted Travel Router offers easy setup, versatile functionality, and compatibility with open-source operating systems. However, it has limitations in terms of frequency band class, compatibility with devices other than phones, and reliance on Ethernet connectivity.
Customer Reviews
The GL.iNet GL-A1300 (Slate Plus) Wireless VPN Encrypted Travel Router has received a 4.5 out of 5-star rating from 384 customer reviews on Amazon. Let's take a closer look at what customers have to say about this product.
5.0 out of 5 stars - To be honest, the main motivation I had to buy a GL.iNet router was to make cell phone tethering easier. I just had a 5+ day internet outage at my hou... (5 stars)
4.0 out of 5 stars - The concept for this product is fantastic. The repeater function allows me to connect my various devices while at hotels instantaneously (especially t... (4 stars)
5.0 out of 5 stars - I got high-speed fiber service recently and needed a router. My existing one was an old incompatible cable modem. Since I'm in a townhouse I don't nee... (5 stars)
5.0 out of 5 stars - Got one of these after seeing some discussion on a Tech forum. I have played with 3rd party, Open Source OS's for years and believe in them. This uses... (5 stars)
GL.iNet never disappoints, a fast compact Wireguard VPN router - I already had a GL.iNet Mango router which I’d been using for a couple of years as a Wireguard VPN router but it typically maxed out at 18-20Mbps with... (5 stars)
The customer reviews for the GL.iNet GL-A1300 (Slate Plus) Wireless VPN Encrypted Travel Router are overwhelmingly positive. Customers appreciate the ease of use and the ability to connect their devices seamlessly while traveling or during internet outages. The router's repeater function and compatibility with various devices have also been praised.
One customer mentioned that they purchased the router specifically for cell phone tethering and found it to be a great solution. Another customer mentioned the fantastic concept of the product and highlighted its usefulness while staying at hotels. The router's compatibility with high-speed fiber service and its performance in a townhouse setting were also mentioned positively.
Furthermore, customers who are familiar with third-party, open-source operating systems have expressed their belief in the product and its utilization of these systems.
Overall, customers are highly satisfied with the GL.iNet GL-A1300 (Slate Plus) Wireless VPN Encrypted Travel Router, praising its performance, versatility, and reliability.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the GL.iNet GL-A1300 (Slate Plus) Wireless VPN Encrypted Travel Router is a versatile and powerful router that offers a range of features and capabilities. With its dual-band network, fast wireless speeds, and compatibility with tethering, this router is ideal for users looking for a reliable and stable internet connection while on the go.
One of the standout features of this router is its open-source and programmable nature. Running on the latest OpenWrt 21.02 operating system, users have the freedom to customize the router and install applications according to their preferences. This level of flexibility allows for advanced networking configurations and ensures reduced signal interference.
The built-in VPN client and server capabilities make the GL-A1300 even more appealing. With support for over 30 VPN service providers and maximum speeds of 28 Mbps with OpenVPN and 170 Mbps with WireGuard, users can enjoy secure and private internet connections wherever they are.
Additionally, the network storage feature is a convenient addition, allowing users to connect an external USB hard drive to the router and create a private network storage. This enables easy and secure document sharing and storage.
Overall, the GL.iNet GL-A1300 (Slate Plus) Wireless VPN Encrypted Travel Router is a reliable and feature-rich solution for travelers and users who require a portable and secure internet connection. With its fast speeds, open-source compatibility, and VPN capabilities, it offers excellent value for its price. We highly recommend this router for both personal and professional use.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use the GL.iNet GL-A1300 as a travel router?
Yes, the GL.iNet GL-A1300 is specifically designed as a travel router. Its compact and pocket-sized design makes it perfect for use on-the-go. Whether you're staying at a hotel, camping, or traveling abroad, this router allows you to easily connect to hotel Wi-Fi, captive portals, and even tether your phone for internet access.
2. How easy is it to set up the GL.iNet GL-A1300?
Setting up the GL.iNet GL-A1300 is incredibly easy. With its user-friendly interface and intuitive setup process, you can have your router up and running in no time. Simply connect the router to your modem or existing network, follow the step-by-step instructions, and you'll be ready to go.
3. Can I use the GL.iNet GL-A1300 as a range extender?
Yes, the GL.iNet GL-A1300 can be used as a range extender. Its powerful dual-band frequency and high-speed wireless communication standards (802.11n, 802.11b, 802.11a, 802.11ac, 802.11g) ensure a strong and stable connection throughout your home or office. Whether you need to extend your Wi-Fi coverage to a larger area or eliminate dead zones, this router has got you covered.
4. Does the GL.iNet GL-A1300 support NAS (Network Attached Storage)?
Yes, the GL.iNet GL-A1300 supports NAS functionality. This means you can connect external storage devices, such as USB drives or hard disks, to the router and access them wirelessly from any device on your network. Whether you want to stream media, share files, or backup important data, the NAS feature of this router provides a convenient and centralized solution.
5. Is the GL.iNet GL-A1300 compatible with my phone?
Yes, the GL.iNet GL-A1300 is compatible with phones. With its access point mode, you can easily connect your phone to the router and enjoy a fast and secure internet connection. Whether you're at home, in a hotel, or on the go, this router ensures that you can stay connected and productive from anywhere.
6. Can I use the GL.iNet GL-A1300 with Ethernet connectivity?
Yes, the GL.iNet GL-A1300 supports Ethernet connectivity. This means you can connect the router directly to your modem or wired network for a reliable and high-speed internet connection. Whether you prefer a wired or wireless connection, this router offers flexibility and versatility to meet your specific needs.
7. What operating system does the GL.iNet GL-A1300 use?
The GL.iNet GL-A1300 uses Linux as its operating system. This open-source system provides a stable and secure platform for your networking needs. Whether you're a tech enthusiast or a casual user, the Linux operating system ensures that you have access to a wide range of features and customization options.
In conclusion, the GL.iNet GL-A1300 is a versatile and powerful travel router that offers a wide range of features and functionality. Its easy setup process, range extender capabilities, NAS support, phone compatibility, Ethernet connectivity, and Linux operating system make it a standout choice in the market. Whether you're a frequent traveler, a tech-savvy user, or someone who simply wants a reliable and secure internet connection, this router has got you covered.
