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GL.iNet GL-MT1300 Beryl Micro/Travel Router $84.15 (Normally $99) Delivered @ GL.iNet via Amazon AU

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GL.iNet GL-MT1300 Beryl Micro/Travel Router $84.15 (Normally $99) Delivered @ GL.iNet via Amazon AUAffiliate
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AssociatedLimbot @ GL Technologies (Hong Kong) on 29/10/2021 - 09:07 amazon.com.au (2108 clicks)
Last edited 29/10/2021 - 09:10 by 1 other user
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One of the ways the Beryl is being marketed is being an “an advanced version of our best-seller, Slate (GL-AR750S)”.We know a few people have already bought the Slate off Ozbargain so the question is does it replace the Slate? In my mind it’s both “yes” and “no”

There’s a number of ways that the Slate is still relevant and useful especially when used as a travel router.

What’s been improved in the Beryl over the Slate?
AC1300 versus AC750
USB 3 versus USB 2
VPN speeds better 21/91Mbps versus 17/68Mbps (OpenVPN/Wireguard)
USB-C versus USB-Micro
IPV6 support

Where is Slate “better” for travel over the Beryl
Lighter 86g versus 184g
Smaller 100mm X 68mm X 24mm versus 118 x 85 x 30mm
Supports EAP WiFi networks
Only requires 5V/2A versus 5V/3A (better run life when attached to a portable power source (notebook/powerbank) while truly mobile)
Cheaper :slight_smile:

So in my head, if you want a truly portable router to take out to the cafe and in your kit bag, then the Slate still holds some advantages over the Beryl. If you’re going to setup in a hotel room for a week or so, the Beryl’s probably a better option (if you can live with the additional size and weight getting there). You need to weigh up the better functions of the Beryl against the larger size as your travel router. That being said for a small apartment or as a repeater/extender, or as a VPN client then this little discrete unit will work as a “home” router really well and look good.

Just my first quick thoughts and as always YMMV

Still another Gl-iNet router that performs well above it’s size and does everything a big router can accomplish in a much smaller form factor. Of course we can’t forget the flexibility offered by it running OpenWRT compared to other commercial routers.

As per normal, the Beryl supports all the functions of the Gl.iNet routers (VPN Server/Client/TOR/DNS over TLS etc) and has the handy Gl.iNet interface wrapped over the top of OpenWRT.

Please note however that because it is based on a Mediatek SOC, then it uses proprietary WiFi drivers for reliablity and stability. You can load native Open/wrt but performance MAY suffer. Additional it will not connect to an EAP WiFi network

Specification
CPU: MT7621A, Dual-Core @880MHz
Memory / Storage: DDR3L 256MB / FLASH 32MB
Wi-Fi Speed: 2.4GHz(400Mbps), 5GHz(867Mbps)
Ethernet Port: 3 x 10/100/1000Mbps auto-negotiation
Antennas: 2 x undetachable external Wi-Fi antennas
Power Input: Type-C, 5V/3A
Working Temperature: 0 ~ 40°C (32 ~ 104°F)
Storage Temperature: -20 ~ 70°C (-4 ~ 158°F)
Dimension / Weight: 118 x 85 x 30mm, 184g

Some quick thoughts, ideas, comments (in no particular order)
*If you use as a WISP repeater then you repeat on one band and LAN on the other for "full" bandwidth (unlike a single band unit like the Mango)
*Supports out of the box OpenVPN and Wireguard Server and Client and with the latest firmware TOR client.
*VPN access on/off can be controlled by a physical on/off switch.
*Via the web interface you can switch VPNs. I have a Wireguard client back to my home router server for security and Australian internet access but also have 3 OpenVPN countries setup on Nord/Pure for geographical VPN. It's easy as dragging a CFG file into the interface to setup and the web interface lets you change between them
*One thing that isn't mentioned is the security implications on connecting to an open network. Using this you end up with your own firewalled, subnetted network (This is why Chromecast will work on a hotel captive portal network)
*While default is 1 WAN and 2 LAN ethernet, if you are using WISP you can change to 3 LAN ports
*Because it's OpenWRT based you can add any of the packages out of the OpenWRT repository. I have run VPNs, AdBlock, Transmission Torrent downloads to the USB stick connected etc
*It can also be used as an AP or repeater. Handy because of it's size
*5V/3A means you can run off a appropriate phone power pack, modern PC/Tablet USB port, Car 5V adapter or powerbanks.
*Full LUCI interface can still be accessed outside of the Gl.iNet wrapper
*If you're on holidays with the family you can configure all your devices to attach to the Beryl and as you move from free WiFi to free Wifi you don't have to reconnect all their devices just the Slate once.
*You can put a USB stick on it to share music/movies/photos (or in a car, or on a plane) even without an internet connection.
*You can connect a 4G USB Dongle to it (as long as it's supported by OpenWRT) or USB tether you mobile to it and use as a router to share the LTE.
*Because the router presents itself as a device to the network, and all connected devices to the Beryl present as the Beryl (if that makes sense), gets around restrictive WiFi networks where you can only have a limited number of devices. Useful too if you're paying for per device.
*It's a great small and versatile unit. It won't suit everyone or every circumstance, but if you've got a use for it they're a great jigger :)

Price History at C CamelCamelCamel.
Computing GL.iNet Wireless Router

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closed Comments

  • muncan on 29/10/2021 - 09:11
    +18

    That’s adorable

  • Fatush on 29/10/2021 - 09:15
    +3

    Great. Now I have to educate myself about the nuances of wifi routers just so I can decide for myself wether I should buy it or not. Thanks OP.

    • AssociatedLimbot @ GL Technologies (Hong Kong) on 29/10/2021 - 09:18
      +32

      Here's some use cases :)
      I'm (loosely) associated with Gl.Inet so take what I say with a grain of salt but here's the use cases that I found that got me associated with Gl.Inet In the first place.

      1. Home
        *I don't want to VPN my entire network or my family would not be happy. I have a Gl.inet travel router between my television/notebook and my main router running a US VPN (that can be turned on and off via a physical switch) so I can get US Netflix
        *I have used them as small, cheap, power efficient WiFi extenders to deadspots in the house
        *USB tether your smartphone if NBN goes down
        *Connect a USB 4G dongle

      2. Travel
        *I normally travel with around 3 devices ( phone, tablet, notebook), it's a pain in the *&se to have to connect all three devices to the free hotel WiFi (as well as a security risk). All three of my devices are attached to the WiFi LAN produced by my travel router. When I reach a hotel I just connect my travel router once to the hotel WiFi and my devices attach to the travel router WiFi without doing anything. Move hotels, just reattach the travel router.
        *Because my devices are now on a different subnet, I have some level of protection from the open public WiFi
        *For extra protection I can run a VPN on my travel router and all my devices attached are VPNed
        *I take a Chromecast with me when I travel. Because there's no ability to get to a captive portal with a Chromecast which some hotels have, I just attach my Chromecast to my travel router WiFi
        *If the hotel restricts the number of devices you can attach to their public WiFi, using the travel router only presents ONE device attached and all the rest of my devices just attach to the travel router.
        *I'm overseas and want to use Iview/SBS/Netflix to watch a geoblocked website to get my local content. Turn on my VPN and away I go.
        *Extends out point 2. I have my family with me each with at least 2 devices, again I don't have to do anything to their devices as they just attach to the travel router automatically and once we move hotels again, just attach the travel router and don't have to do any tech support
        *I have a shared USB/Microsd card with movies, music on that everyone can access via the travel router
        *Travelling with friends I give them access to the microsd so they can dump their photos onto the shared SD card both for backup and to share pictures

      Hope this helps :)

      • vash12 on 29/10/2021 - 10:19

        @Limbot any deal on GL-MV1000 (Brume) ?

      • bobbieb on 29/10/2021 - 12:12

        I've been using my trusty Slate the same way on my travels and it has handled almost everything different hotel providers have thrown at it in terms of captive portals, etc.

        How important is the EAP WiFi network support on the Slate for this sort of thing? Being able to attach the router to hotel wifi once, then use all my devices is the killer feature for me.

      • arctan on 29/10/2021 - 22:28

        Just wondering if you connect the travel router to at hotel by using LAN cable or just the hotel WIFI? How do you bypass the hotel login/password authentication on WIFI with the router?

        • AssociatedLimbot @ GL Technologies (Hong Kong) on 29/10/2021 - 22:33

          You can use either wired or WiFi. After you have connected your travel router, your first device attached to the travel router should bring up the hotels captive portal page. Subsequent devices that attach to you travel router shouldn't require authentication. Also useful to use devices on hotels that can't attach to a captive portal like a Chromecast or Firestick.

          If you have to pay per device which is usually based on MAC address and is common on say plague ships… Umm cruise ships then your router shows as a single device once logged in and other attached devices don't appear thus "increasing" your device count for nothing.

          • arctan on 29/10/2021 - 22:37

            @Limbot: Thanks for explaining.
            How do you connect Chromecast? Just use the built-in USB on the travel router?
            Is there a video tutorial on this as I am a bit confused how do you control the Chromecast without a TV connected to it.
            Sorry about all the basic questions as this is a new area to me (travel router).

            • AssociatedLimbot @ GL Technologies (Hong Kong) on 29/10/2021 - 22:44
              +1

              @arctan: Nah, you plug your Chromecast into the hotel TV and if you setup your travel router to be the same name as your home router and once your travel router is register on the hotel network your Chromecast attaches to your travel router then youre up and running.

              More importantly for a travel router is that it creates a firewalled subnet off the main network you attached to. I went to a small hotel a few weeks ago and attached to their public wifi. Using Fling on my Android phone, I could see every device attached to that network (about 50) what sort of device it was, what their Mac address was etc. More importantly is they could see my details too Having the travel router gives another layer of security and protection as nobody on the hotel WiFi could see any of my devices except the router as they're sitting behind the firewall.

      • balloontree on 30/10/2021 - 12:12

        What vpn did you use? Does it accept Ivacy vpn or express vpn?

        • AssociatedLimbot @ GL Technologies (Hong Kong) on 30/10/2021 - 12:59

          It will accept any VPN provider that can supply you with a Vpn configuration file. Don't know about ivacy but it does support Express but only OpenVPN as Express decided to go a proprietary version of Wireguard.

  • littlesoldier on 29/10/2021 - 09:16

    This is a better buy than 750S

  • ShouldIBuyIt on 29/10/2021 - 09:40
    +1

    OP, I bought the GL.iNET GL-MT300N-V2 (Mango)
    back in 2019 but never got a chance to try it …
    Do you mind sharing what the difference is with this, please?

    • ShouldIBuyIt on 29/10/2021 - 09:47
      +1

      Right, dual band wifi, and 400mbps instead of 300mbps on 2.4ghz. + The obvious 3 RJ45/USB3.0/USB-C powering. Anything else?

      • littlesoldier on 29/10/2021 - 10:37
        +2

        Mango is way smaller for portability and can be powered by 5V 1A in microusb, can be easily powered with most powerbank in the market
        BT1300 requires 5V 3A in type C, not many cheap powerbanks can supply 15W, so you might need a power adapter

        So for me, I use Mango for travel, and BT1300 for home VPN use (eg. connected by the TV box to route to US)

        • balloontree on 30/10/2021 - 12:13

          What vpn do you use? Does it work with Ivacy or express?

    • quick-dry on 29/10/2021 - 16:24
      +1

      this will be faster with greater range, but it is also many times larger and more power hungry. The Mango is so small it practically takes up no space, and can be powered off practically anything with a USB port.

      Those are the two biggest factors in me using that size for years and never upgrading to the faster AC750 units, they're all bigger and the speed out of them hasn't been the bottleneck - it's the internet connection from the hotel or whatever I'm sharing (often using it tethered to phone). I'd need a specific use case requiring the Beryl to use it over a Mango or Shadow as a travel router.

    • AssociatedLimbot @ GL Technologies (Hong Kong) on 29/10/2021 - 22:37
      +1

      Besides all the factor other people have brought up, if you are attaching to another network WiFi via Wifi repeater mode your network bandwidth/speed will halve as you are sharing the single band (2. 4GHz) to both repeat the source and create a WLAN. With a dual band unit you're best to repeat on one band (say 2.4) and WLAN on the other (5.0) hence preserving bandwidth/speed

  • zombie hunter on 29/10/2021 - 09:54

    The Lower end one are useful for connecting security DVR to the internet via wireless.

  • Beginner2003 on 29/10/2021 - 09:55

    @Limbot is there any deal on GL-S1300

  • Diji1 on 29/10/2021 - 10:10
    +1

    I dunno … isn't it just more convenient to use SoftAP on your laptop and VPN on the clients?

  • FreshPrinceofKP on 29/10/2021 - 10:29
    +3

    For anyone considering. I got one about 6 months ago and have been using as a separate network split from my normal router. I have an always on wire guard vpn which my devices connect to.

    The rest of the household uses the other wifi network. I have also taken it travelling (interstate) and connected to the free wifi but had the vpn on the router. My devices connected as normal and chrome cast etc was good to use.

    It was good to take because I could leave the house and the internet / wifi stays on for the others using the other router.

  • danielh on 29/10/2021 - 10:30

    Good summary. I'm still on the even older GL-AR750 which has been running 24/7 at home (with the occasional travel between those infrequent Victorian lockdown breaks).
    Whichever model you get, they are all good options and it is a more around personal preference that will be main driver.
    For example, I like the more bare boned GL-AR750 because it is definitely smaller (ie it does not have those extruding antennae), super light and I actually prefer MicroUSB as I still have many spare cables for it.
    Whatever the case, go have a look at the GL range and just go but one! :-)

    • AssociatedLimbot @ GL Technologies (Hong Kong) on 29/10/2021 - 13:12

      I have one of every product and yes either the AR750 or the AR750s are my travel router of choice. For my requirements the best blend of size, weight and functionality.

  • embi on 29/10/2021 - 10:36

    is this good as a primary router for a small shop or home ?

    Thanks

    • TinnyBum on 29/10/2021 - 10:44
      -4

      It is good for a really tiny home or small toy shop… Ask your local Barbie doll for professional advice.

    • MisterQ on 29/10/2021 - 10:48

      Probably not.

    • ShouldIBuyIt on 29/10/2021 - 10:49

      You'll still need a router from you Internet provider. This is for travel/wifi repeater or network split (refer to this comment
      So yes you could use for small shop/home as primary access point if the one provided by your ISP is not great.

      • embi on 29/10/2021 - 10:50

        for home, I would like to tether my 4G connection almost 24/7 through a USB cable.

        • ShouldIBuyIt on 29/10/2021 - 10:56

          If that's your only 4G connection, then yes, looks like it's one of the use case.
          Otherwise could buy a standalone 4G router.
          For eg, I've been using this one for years. You may find cheaper on FB market.
          Otherwise if you just want to give it a try, this one is a more basic version of OP

      • AssociatedLimbot @ GL Technologies (Hong Kong) on 29/10/2021 - 10:53

        It can work as a primary router for FTTP but on FTTN you'll need a VDSL modem still.

        • ShouldIBuyIt on 29/10/2021 - 10:57

          Interesting point about FTTP, cheers.

  • MisterQ on 29/10/2021 - 10:49
    +1

    I get similar travel functionality out of a Raspberry Pi Zero running RaspiAP

  • Mely on 29/10/2021 - 11:03
    +1

    So cute…pity I don’t need it.

  • Doy on 29/10/2021 - 11:05

    What’s the best option like this that also takes a MicroSIM as an alternative when accomodation internet isn’t available? Picturing chucking in a SIM as purchased locally when travelling through different countries

    • danielh on 29/10/2021 - 11:28

      I just connect my iPhone to the router via USB to lightning cable and it shares my Mobile internet out to everyone on the GL network.

      • Doy on 29/10/2021 - 14:26

        Nice! Using this device? Does it give the iPhone enough juice to keep its battery steady, considering the router itself is plugged in?

        • danielh on 29/10/2021 - 23:47

          My router would also be plugged into a power supply so my iPhone is charging at the same time (but at a slow rate).

          • Doy on 30/10/2021 - 01:48

            @danielh: Reckon the slow rate is enough to keep the phone at a steady % if you’re not doing anything else with it? Thanks for answering

  • dibdob on 29/10/2021 - 11:11

    Disregard. Coupon would not apply for me at first, but after refreshing the page I got the discount.

  • kevmev12 on 29/10/2021 - 11:14

    AFAIK there's a lot of major hotels that are still using EAP Wifi; I'm surprised that a router which bills itself as a 'travel router' doesn't support EAP.

  • gstfree on 29/10/2021 - 11:18
    +1

    Can I use one at home as VPN server, and while I am travelling I route all traffic back home via the home VPN server? Thanks.

    • AssociatedLimbot @ GL Technologies (Hong Kong) on 29/10/2021 - 12:14

      Yes you can.

    • gstfree on 29/10/2021 - 13:34

      Thank you. May I double confirm I can route Internet traffic back home? For example: I am travelling to China, I set up one GLiNet router at home as VPN server, and I bring one with me while travelling. Could I route Internet traffic to home VPN server while I am in the hotel in China?

  • seug123 on 29/10/2021 - 11:59

    If required, do free returns apply to this product?

    • AssociatedLimbot @ GL Technologies (Hong Kong) on 29/10/2021 - 12:15

      Standard Amazon process.

  • rentonc on 29/10/2021 - 13:04
    +1

    Thanks OP. Kinda had to get this cos it's my Mum's name! Not the usual OzB motivation but there you go…

    • AssociatedLimbot @ GL Technologies (Hong Kong) on 29/10/2021 - 13:08
      +2

      @rentonc Sorry, I think the marketing folk named it after the gemstone, not your mum 😂

      • 1tightwad on 29/10/2021 - 14:09
        +1

        How dare you! Beryl Rentonc is a fine lady.

    • MikeKulls on 29/10/2021 - 16:17
      +2

      You're mum's name is GL.iNet GL-MT1300??

  • USER DC on 29/10/2021 - 13:41
    +1

    waiting for a deal on GL.inet Flint for its Adguard capability and awesome Vpn advertised speeds.

    • AssociatedLimbot @ GL Technologies (Hong Kong) on 29/10/2021 - 16:17
      +2

      Flint is due Amazon Au hopefully end of November. Seems to be some reported issueswith those that have recieved, but I've had none doing basic routing fine for a week now…. Will setup my VPN server and do some Wireguard client testing next week hopefully.

      • USER DC on 29/10/2021 - 20:26

        Will Definitely consider buying when its on sale. with cheap discounted giftcards

      • sav11 on 29/10/2021 - 20:55

        Any idea what the price will be?

        • AssociatedLimbot @ GL Technologies (Hong Kong) on 29/10/2021 - 21:20
          +1

          Please don't take this as gospel but I believe it will be around the same price as other brand ax1800 units on Amazon however obviously the big difference is the user configurable OpenWRT. Note too that the implementation is still based on the Qualcomm SDK which is still stuck on Openwrt 15.05 but has all the security patches. Native OpenWRT doesn't support the SOC yet.

  • Doge on 29/10/2021 - 14:09

    Really like my MV1000, I'll give this one a go too. Thanks @Limbot

  • MikeKulls on 29/10/2021 - 15:25

    Surely you'd be far better off with a Mikrotik for around this same price. Much more fully featured and can be used as a full home router.

  • tm32 on 29/10/2021 - 18:34

    Great little unit. Don't get concerned about the size over the cheaper models, it's fine.

    Have successfully used Ethernet and wifi repeater mode in simpler set-ups.

    Only problem I've had is getting it to work with a captive connection. Spent ages today doing exactly this and getting nowhere. Disabling DNS settings as per guides, mac cloning. Nothing seems to work. Can at least reach the captive auth page with the routed connection but auth fails. Appears to be unifi guest capture.

    From phone without beryl a direct connection from phone to hotel network with capture works fine. Lamenting not having a laptop to hand to better troubleshoot.

    • AssociatedLimbot @ GL Technologies (Hong Kong) on 29/10/2021 - 22:50

      One other trick I've found to work sometimes is to use http://www.neverssl.com as the first Web page to go to. I think sometime the captive portal pages which are often http as they are 'internal" have issues if the first page you try and load is an https page.

  • Krazyy on 29/10/2021 - 22:45

    I've got one, but for some reason every few days (1-4), the VPN will disconnect and since it's got the VPN internet kill switch, the internet drops out and requires me to manually log into the interface and reconnect.

    Any suggestions on how to maybe have it automatically disconnect/reconnect every X hours to ensure it's up and running?

    • AssociatedLimbot @ GL Technologies (Hong Kong) on 29/10/2021 - 22:51

      I'd post that on their forums pages and see if someone can assist…

  • packeteer on 30/10/2021 - 08:36

    anyone know of a router that can load balance 2 internet connections, and provide downstream wifi

    • MikeKulls on 30/10/2021 - 23:32

      Get a Mikrotik if you want to get into features like that.

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