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GL.inet GL-MT300N-V2 (Mango) Mini Travel Router $26.99 + Delivery ($0 with Prime/ $39 Spend) via GL.iNet Amazon AU

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One of the best travel router / VPN gateway, and when you apply the 10% "discount coupon", it brings the price down to $26.99. Not the cheapest, https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/572288, but a good price especially if you have Prime.

Looks like Amazon is providing some "discount coupons" to selected items. The discount coupon is a check box below the price of the item and will apply during checkout.

A list of other items that amazon is providing coupon discount on https://www.amazon.com.au/Coupons/b/ref=vp_c_A2YY25EOBZIVN2_….

Price History at C CamelCamelCamel.

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closed Comments

  • +75

    Thought this was the new Commbank Router

  • +1

    Does this need a phone? Smartphones already have a hotspot feature, so I'm just trying to see how this would be useful beyond that

    • +1

      No, it doesn't.

      It runs LEDE, so you can use it for a lot of different things, including having a VPN always running on it so anything connected to it goes over the VPN.

      Useful for devices without VPN support. Other than that, it depends on your use case.

    • +4

      Doesn't need a phone. You plug it in or connect to wifi in a hotel and it is all setup like normal router so if you have phones, printer, google tv, etc, they will all just connect to their normal SSID instead of the hotel's. It's basically bridging the hotel connection.

    • +69

      I've used the Mango to connect to my work camp's LAN port and rebroadcast it as a local WiFi network for me and my donga neighbours. I can periodically change the MAC address to renew our network's 10GB monthly limit.

      I've used the Mango to connect to my work camp's 2.4GHz WiFi network (when the LAN wasn't available) and rebroadcast it as a local WiFi network for me and my donga neighbours.

      I've used the Slate (Mango's big brother) to connect to our workplace's weak WiFi, rebroadcast it into the lunch room as a subnetwork, strip the password, and setup an automatic seamless VPN so that people could do whatever without the company snooping on them. It was a remote site with no phone signal, but the company had a fibreoptic connection for their office WiFi network. That ran for 6mo without issue. I was even able to allow specific URLs to bypass the VPN so that we could stream Amazon Prime. I never figured out all of the URL exceptions needed to avoid Netflix's VPN detection.

      I've used the Mango/Slate in various hotels to rebroadcast the network in the room. This is especially helpful when the signal is spotty. Or if you want to use a Chromecast (I haven't done this myself tho). On most phones you can't be both the WAN hotspot AND be part of the WiFi network, so you can't act as the Chromecast's internet hotspot and also use the same phone to control/cast to the Chromecast. You also usually can't use the Chromecast through a hotel network's splash page. So, creating a personal network can be handy there.

      I've tethered my phone to the Mango to use its 4G connection and plugged my computer into its LAN port.

      I've used the 4G version with internal battery (GL-MiFi) which I was gifted by a generous OzB'er (sup, Limbot?) who didn't need it any more, modified it with external antennas, and used it to great success in remote Australia on a work site. It was able to pick up both B28 (slow, long range 4G) and B7 (fast, short range 4G) and give me seamless internet, including WiFi calling, for my devices. It had notable better, though not massively so, reception than my phone. I haven't had the opportunity to test it much though. I need to drive through some more regional Australia where there's normally no coverage and see how it goes.

      I intend to try the GL-MiFi on an overseas trip (Singapore?) when borders re-open as a mobile WiFi hotspot instead of paying $10/day like normal. I'll VPN to Australia and see if I can get Telstra's WiFi calling working over there.

      These little devices are handy. The Mango is a great start, and to be honest, it's all I've really needed for personal use. The Slate is better specced (5Ghz Wifi), but I haven't maxed out the 2.4GHz bandwidth on the Mango yet. I'd really only be keen on the Slate if the 2.4GHz channels in my location were totally congested or if I was running into limitations.

      The Mango is my favourite of the devices I've tried. The price, size, and versatility: winner winner.

      • +5

        Winner 🏆 comment here. +1ed

        • +7

          Nice one.

          I've used the AR-150 extenal antenna version to beam internet's 4kms down to camp from a ridge that had mobile coverage.

          https://drive.google.com/file/d/1LYV-Johq8xI4i0OiIT6If_-3gDy…

          • +1

            @fatty: I am totally impressed. That's ridiculous.

            Are we looking at an AR-150 with a 4G modem dongle and jerry-rigged RF shielding, broadcasting 2.4GHz WiFi through two directional yagi antennas, and the whole thing powered by a 12V battery?

            I'm stunned.

      • I'm buying one purely for how much effort you just put into that comment! One question, how is it powered?

        • +3

          Micro-USB.

          There are other GL.inet devices that use PoE if you have a switch that supports it..

        • +1

          Micro USB. From memory, it is 5v 2a

          • @BluBoy: 5V/1A :)

        • There is also PoE version of the AR-150

      • Can this be used to connect airlines WiFi and then rebroadcast to multiple devices while flying?

        I bought WiFi access on Thai airways long haul but it only allowed 1 device connection at a time. So if this device can be used to rebroadcast to multiple devices that would be awesome.

  • +3

    I want one, but not travelling anytime soon so I'll wait until rock bottom price.

  • -2

    other than all conspiracy theories whats the advantage of running through a dedicated VPN? Honestly I’d like to know because I want one haha.

    • +12

      What conspiracy theories?

    • +5

      Securing you connection when using an open wifi network like a hotel?

    • -3

      the advantage for the government is they always know it's you when you use your vpn account , and all your traffic goes via a server they have access to

  • +3

    Had one of these for years, brilliant for splitting a hotel Ethernet or WiFi signal across multiple devices without having to login on each, especially if you only have limited simultaneous devices.

    Also super useful combined with my Voda TV on the road, which I could never get to work on its own with captive portal logins.

  • This is also my backup home router when the NBN is down with a 4g USB dongle runs my entire LAN.

    Yes my normal router can also take a 4g dongle however it's hidden under the stairs where 4g reception isn't the best

  • +5

    Tip: If the hotel TV has wired Ethernet connection, connect that to the WAN port to bypass any WiFi/Internet restrictions at the hotel. (You can then connect the LAN port to the TV or alternatively use a splitter/hub)

    This has worked in most places I have tried. My travel kit has this and a Chromecast and a few ethernet cables.

  • +2

    what is this for? I bought one off ozbargain 6 months ago and I don't even know why

  • Can I connect to hotel wifi using this and then also share it via wifi?

    • Yes

  • +1

    I’m a bit confused. Does this have the full version of Nord, SurfShark VPN etc or is it only compatible with these VPN’s?

    • +6

      It's compatible with every VPN that uses OpenVPN protocol (almost every VPN) or WireGuard (not many support this yet).

      To be clear, you need a VPN account with one of those services to use it like that. I think there's a way to roll your own VPN (with multiple Mango/Gl.inet devices), but I don't know anything about it.

    • +1

      Works great with PIA for me.

  • +3

    Have one of these, use the built in VPN with Windscribe. Very handy!

  • +3

    most wifi hotspots require you to "login" via a browser page. How does it work via a device like this? Again, never really needed one

    • +6

      You login once with your phone or laptop or whatever. The hotel network basically only sees your travel router doing the logging in. So then all your other devices will just work when connected to the router.

    • I think his question is How does one login with the router.

      • -1

        See the answer directly above your post - you don't "login with the router" 👍

  • Would love a networking guru here to give me some pointers. (I've just ordered to play with regardless)

    My work has no cell reception where we have breaks :( but great wifi coverage although very locked down (won't let me check my shares). In order to make an AP with unrestricted access would I need to VPN from work wifi to my home network?
    Give me some things to google to point me in the right direction please!!!

    • Your shares are probably via https so when you say very restricted wifi is that they are blocking websites?

      • To clarify i can access things like ozbargain, YouTube, news and Google but no Gmail, reddit, Facebook, carsales…etc..
        Any ideas?

        • Can you not use a VPN service through your phone over the company WiFi?

          I use NordVPN and PureVPN. Both of those services have frequent heavy discounting.

          NordVPN has an no questions asked 30 day refund policy, so buy one month and give it a shot. If it's no good, then cancel and refund it. It'd be faster than trying to VPN to your home network and using that as an internet gateway.

          edit: nordvpn.com might be blocked, but their numerous VPN servers probably won't be: so sign up at home, install the app on your phone, make sure it works, etc. Then go to work and try it.

    • If your work have not restricted you to VPN home, then I'd say yes. See description for this post, https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/554018, for what you can do with the router and things to google.

    • To clarify i can access things like ozbargain, YouTube, news and Google but no Gmail, reddit, Facebook, carsales…etc..
      Any ideas?

      • My guess is that the web filter they've implemented is blocking certain categories. One of this is mostikely VPNs too. Your best bet would probably be to set up a VPN server at your home (assuming you have a static IP) and connect to that directly via IP address.
        If you've got a dynamic ip then a little more work involved but you should get the same result.

  • Anyone know a good tutorial on how to use these?

  • Are these likely to have better Wi-Fi coverage than an Alcatel MW41CL? Tempted to USB tether the alcatel to the mongo but unsure if there will be any real difference between them

  • Could this be used with felix mobile and tether a 4g phone and connect to my existing LAN?

  • Can I put a sim card into this and use it like a router for wireless connection to home devices. I want to set it up for my parents and get rid of home internet for them since they just use only ipad to stream youtube and stuff.

    • No, you can't put a sim in it. It is a mini router. It allow you to convert a public network(wired/wireless) to a private Wi-Fi for secure surfing. Tethering a 3G/4G Compatible USB Modem, and from the looks of one of the photo, usb tether to your phone as well.

    • +1

      Not directly.

      1) You could use tethering: Plug an unused mobile phone into it (via the Mango's USB port) and use that phone's SIM card to connect to the internet. I've done that before.

      2) You could plug a USB modem dongle into the Mango. You need one that operated by itself and doesn't need Windows drivers.

      3) Consider the Spitz https://www.gl-inet.com/products/gl-x750/ - it does exactly what you want. Just make sure that you order one with an Australian modem card in it (Cat 4 EC25-AU).

      Be aware that the Mango's WiFi signal strength might not be strong enough to broadcast through the house by itself. The Mango will go through one dense wall okay, but multiple walls or long distances and it'll be too weak unless you mod it with an external antenna or mesh multiple Mango's together. I'd consider something stronger if you want to cover a whole house.

      • +3

        As far as I know, the Telstra Smart Router has EC25 in-built so it might be the cheapest way to get cheap second-hand gen 1 router from eBay!

    • +1

      Most reliable way would be to take out the middleman device and get them a 4G iPad.

  • Do I need another? Yeah… Nah… Yeah. Bought. Kids keep on borrowing my toys. :-(

    • 12 hours from order to delivery. Impressive.

  • FYI - appears to be an issue when tethering to an iPhone running iOS 14 as the internet source
    https://forum.gl-inet.com/t/ios14-tethering-on-mt300n-v2/122…

    • Thanks, Gebb. This deserves more attention.

      If you're using an old iPhone to tether, then avoid the iPhone 6S, the first-generation iPhone SE, and everything after those. Earlier iPhones won't update to iOS 14, so they should be okay.

      If you have a newer iPhone that's been unused for the past 4mo, then don't update it if you want to use it as a tether.

    • +1

      Apple did a good job and stuffed tethering with a whole swag of devices. :)

      Firmware 3.105 for all Gl.iNet devices should fix any issues with tethering iOs 14.x

  • +1

    Do I need one? Probably not. Did I order one? Yep!

  • Interesting..
    setup one of these with a permanent VPN on a separate wireless network..

    Even more interesting.. https://openwrt.org/toh/gl.inet/gl.inet_gl-mt300n_v2

    • Be aware that the Gl.iNet firmware uses Mediatek drivers for the wireless. OpenWRT uses open source and there may be some performance implications.

  • Damn it, missed out!

    • In-stock right now $29.99 if you need one 👍

  • Any network guru can help me with my case here?
    Say if I want to travel and stay in a hotel. I dont have laptop with me. How do I set up this travel router without a laptop connected to it? I assume you must have a laptop connect to the travel router to set up wifi channels and everything (access point) etc.
    What if I dont have my laptop with me during my trip and how do I set up the travel router in hotel room?

    • Do you have a phone?

      • Yep I have a smart phone with me.

        • Then use that

          • @deme: How does it work? Router is power on but how do I use my phone to log into the router management interface?

            • @arctan: Web browser

              • @deme: How do I connect to router if the travel router is not on any of the network? My phone network is Optus and how do I connect to the router? The login IP 198.168.8.1 does not work on my phone browser.

                • @arctan: Your phone might be failing over to mobile traffic.

                  In this case depending on mobile:

                  *Turn on airplane mode and then just turn on wifi
                  Or
                  *Remove your Sim card

                  • @deme: thanks let me give it another crack.

    • +1
      • Thanks! This is very useful.

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