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GL.iNet GL-MT300N-V2 Mango Mini Travel Router $32.00 + Delivery ($0 with Prime/ $39 Spend) @ GL.iNet via Amazon AU

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It's been marginally cheaper earlier this year ($31.92) and even cheaper in the years preceding - but given the magic of inflation and such, this still seems like a pretty decent price for this device.

Note: You need to check the box where it says "Apply 20% voucher".

Stealing the description from a previous post because I'm lazy:

Note: This unit will not support EAP security

  • The GL-MT300N-V2 supports full OpenWRT, multiple modes and the USB 5V 1A power input gives you heaps of options to power (from notebook, phone charger, powerbank) for remote applications.

Check previous posts for usage cases, questions etc.

  • MINI TRAVEL ROUTER: Convert a public network(wired/wireless) to a private Wi-Fi for secure surfing. Tethering, 3G/4G USB Modem Compatible. Powered by any laptop USB, power banks or 5V DC adapters (sold separately). 39g (1.41 Oz) only and pocket friendly.
  • OPEN SOURCE & PROGRAMMABLE: OpenWrt pre-installed, USB disk and WebCam extendable.
  • LARGER STORAGE & EXTENDABILITY: 128MB RAM, 16MB Flash ROM, dual Ethernet ports, UART and GPIOs available for hardware DIY.
  • OPENVPN CLIENT & TOR: OpenVPN client pre-installed, compatible with 20+ VPN service providers. TOR firmware available for downloading.
  • PACKAGE CONTENTS: GL-MT300N-V2 mini router (1-year Warranty), USB cable, User Manual.

Couple of things here that maybe useful (in no particular order):

  • If you use as a WISP repeater then you WILL lost 50% of your bandwidth as the 2.4Ghz channel is shared between WISP/WAN and LAN. If you want to avoid this better to look at a dual band travel router like the AR750S and WISP on one band and WiFI LAN on the other
  • Supports out of the box OpenVPN and Wireguard Server and Client
  • My suggestion is if you're going to use VPN then try and find a provider that supports Wireguard. This unit isn't the most powerful VPN router but theoretical max VPN speeds are 11Mbps on OpenVPN and 45Mbps on Wireguard
  • VPN access on/off can be controlled by a physical on/off switch. So you could connect to the Mango WiFi "normally" and when you want to you can flick the switch to turn on the VPN. I have a Mango as part of my network that only some of MY devices attach to so not everyone on the network is affected.
  • 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. 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 1 LAN ethernet, if you are using WISP you can change to 2 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/1A means you can run off a phone power pack, modern PC/Tablet USB port, Car 5V adapter or powerbanks. I'll often sit in an internet cafe with the Mango connected to a USB port on my notebook and WISP connect to the free WiFi for security.
  • It is never going to be the fastest or strongest WiFi box out there.
  • Because of it's lower power consumption one of my projects I want to do is a geocache out in the bush. Mango+powerbank+solar cell in a waterproof container. You can create a captive portal on it which will be used to present a web page to the final cache destination.
  • Full LUCI interface can still be accessed outside of the Gl.iNet wrapper (not installed by default)
  • Note that this is using Mediatek proprietary network drivers.
  • There are alternative firmwares out there - Native OpenWRT, RooTer…..
  • If you're on holidays with the family you can configure all your devices to attach to the Mango and as you move from free WiFi to free Wifi you don't have to reconnect all their devices just the Mango 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 your 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 Mango present as the Mango (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.

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closed Comments

  • +2

    Can this be set up to kick in automatically when nbn goes down?

    • +1

      Are you wanting a 4G fail over? My guess is that this will do it if you have a 4G dongle plugged into it, I can't say for sure because I haven't used WRT but I know it's powerful software.

      • Thanks so the wrt software can sense when there is no connection coming through from nbn and then run the dongle?

        • +3

          You can do failover on the Mango itself, defult is cable > repeater > tethering > modem . You can change the weighting if required.

          • @Limbot: Thanks so much. Thats exactly what i wanted to know. So the mango is a good option for this or is there a better option?

            • +3

              @Kanjus: @Balluji This isn't the most powerful device out there and personally I wouldn't be using this as your main router in a home environment. It's really meant as a portable travel device. If you want something to give you failover in your home network you're better to look at models that are higher specced. All their devices support the same functionality so you can go all the way up to say their Flint (AX1800 = currently 22% off) or Slate AX (AXT1800 - currently 27%) which would give you better performance at home. Of course you pay in size and power consumption and price.

              Of course there's other factors to take into account like house size, construction etc

              Hope that helps.

  • +1

    Can this connect to Telstra’s free wifi?

    https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/720941

    • Don’t see why not, you can connect it to other networks to act as an AP

      • What you were trying to say is act as a bridge to other wireless network.

        Not the best device for that, you want dual-band routers to get maximum possible speed.

        • Telstra's $15 Broadband is unlimited after 5GB at 2MBPS, which is surprisingly usable. Decent 720p YouTube etc.

          You can ask for a $5 discount via chat and they often oblige.

          Edit: Looks like they ditched the cheap plan and bumped it up to $25 for 30GB unlimited. I'd choose Felix over that if Voda is in the area.

    • Why would you want to do that?
      Telstra WiFi uses Meraki with an open network + Splash click through. Even if you could connect (which is wildly insecure because it's an open network), you'd have to get the client to click the T&C's link before internet would flow through.

      • +1

        Well that's what I wanted to know - "Could it even connect to Telstra?"

        Isn't this the point of these devices? To make insecure networks secure?

  • +76

    I thought this was the CBA logo at first

    • +25

      some say the CBA logo was based off this product

      • +4

        The CBA hates this little known fact…

    • +4

      Came here for only this comment.

    • every time this gets me

    • CBA needs to give these away to customers, good tie in… and the jokes to be made!!

      • Yes compensate for interest rate hike.

  • Anybody know what is the latest stable firmware that works with wireguard?

    I managed to get mine to work with a very hard to find openwrt luci version however it seems to stop working at random. NBN cuts out but router is still accessible.

      • Yeh tried that. Using it as a wired pass through to my mesh wifi units wouldn't work. Network was fine. Enabling the internet access was the problem. Random cut outs never to be reconnected again

        • @mit Need a bit more information about what you're trying to achieve and what your current network topology is. PM me if you want and I'll see if I can assist in any way.
          Otherwise post up on their forums, there's lots of good users and staff there that may be able to help.

          • @Limbot: Thanks for the offer. Probably take that up some time in the future. I gave up and got busy a month ago so I'll have to troubleshoot it a bit more and refresh my memory as to wtf I was doing. I had success with it for about 2 days before it all went pear shaped.

  • +2

    Anything like this that directly supports 4/5G with sim or eSim?

    • +1

      There are a few other models in their line-up that supports sim cards but they're more expensive than this one. Personally, I have the Puli and it's good so far.

    • Or the spitz

  • +6

    Upvote for all the info in description

  • +6

    GL.iNet GL-AR300M16 Mini Router with EAP support is $33.90

    https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0777L5YN6/ref=syn_sd_onsite_de…

    • Would this be the better buy?
      Bit of mixed opinions online comparing the two, looks better on paper

    • +1

      Price gone up to 38.90 on my end.

      Which device is better, this or one in post?

    • +1

      much of a muchness.

      I have one of each because I had the mango for myself as a travel router, and then dad wanted one and the AR300 was cheaper at the time so got that.

      The AR300 is fully open source drivers if that matters, and the CPU is slightly faster but…. eh - for "out of the box" use as a travel router, no appreciable difference, I still take the Mango one with me rather than switching to the Shadow - you can happily torrent heavily on either one.. if that is your thing, Arrrrr (On the one hand the black one is unobtrusive, while the yellow stands out so you won't forget it in a hotel room).

      If you don't need the tiniest of little travel routers I'd go for one of the larger but MUCH faster 802.11ac or ax units - MUCH faster, much better antenna, and USB-C.

      • Thanks - I'd ordered a second Mango for when the fam has two hotel rooms that aren't side-by-side, but was considering cancelling that to order a Shadow for travel router #2…

        Based on your real world feedback I'll just leave my order as it is, and welcome a second Mango to the collection. You're right, you can't miss seeing these yellow puppies on pack-up!

        • +1

          so one thing I'd suggest is setting the IP address ranges to a private address that is less common, instead of the standard 192.168.0.x, 192.168.1.x , or 10.0.0.x address, try going something uncommon like 10.254.254.x instead - and put a label on it with the router IP.

          This way you're less likely to try setting up at hotel and find WAN (iei the hotel wifi) being the same subnet as your LAN. It'll let you change and work around that, but this just removes that step so you're on your way quicker (and easier when someone less technical has to do things)

  • +1

    I have this and it's sort of useless to me for now. Setting this up as repeater could only go up to 20 Mbps for internet no matter how close the device is to the router.
    I'd rather have my money back as I don't have any use for it. Perhaps if i go overseas, I'll play around with it.

    • +4

      Honestly, the best use for this thing is travel.

      Too often you end up in hotels where you are only given internet access for one device. This solves that problem. Just log the router in to the hotel network and connect as many devices as you need. And even if they allow multiple devices, this router gives you the benefit of only having to log in once on the router, since all your devices will have the router wifi already saved.

      • Yep. I have had this unit for years and that's about all it's good for (also sharing wifi on planes— just clone the mac address to your phone's mac that you purchased it on). Wouldn't use it for anything at home bc it's so slow, but good for that stuff.

    • I mean it's the base model, it's for travelling. They have higher end models

    • Setting this up as repeater could only go up to 20 Mbps for internet no matter how close the device is to the router.

      It's $30.

      If you need an actual performance network, then you need to look further up the range.

    • It's their lowest end model. If you really want, purchase their WiFi 6 Slate AX which has much better performance ( and is on 27% off ) but you'll pay the price :)

  • +6

    Main use for this product - at least for me - is for travel.

    Saves you logging in via wifi gateway in hotels with every device.

    You connect this to hotel network and then all your devices connect to this. And you can activate VPN when a little more security / privacy needed.

    Works a treat on the road with a FireTV stick 👍🏻

    When I get home it all goes back in the cupboard.

    • Usually a hotel wifi requires you to login via a popup gateway? Eg login via a web browser. How does this device do that?

      • I wanted to ask this same question. How do we pass the captive portal on this?

      • There is a video on the product page shows how to connect to hotel wifi

      • +2

        you connect it to the hotel wifi, then once that happens and you connect laptop/phone to the travel router's wifi network and try to go to google, or foo.com, it will popup the authentication page and you sign in there. The process is generally no different to accessing it directly. (it'll usually go to the sign-in page automatically on apple devices, just lilke normal - except you only need to do it once and then all your devices can access the router, not once for each device)

        I've only needed to resort to MAC cloning once in a few years of ownership and heavy travelling. I think there is an optionn about DNS rebinding that sometimes you toggle on or off and it makes a difference.

      • Instructions on the gl.inet website here.

  • +2

    Really useful little box for us for a few weeks while we were waiting to get NBN set up, plugged a USB 4G modem into it and got good enough performance out of it (wired better than wireless).

    Good for travel too.

  • +1

    I use this for demo roadcases. Since the form factor is small you can fit it inside the roadcase easily.

  • +1

    Could this convert a router that is set to only broadcast a 5ghz signal to 2.4ghz? I know it is only 2.4ghz so won't see the 5ghz wifi but could you plug in via Ethernet into the existing router? I have a device which I travel with which can only pick up 2.4ghz but some places only broadcast their 5ghz so need a way to convert.

    • I think this model only connected on 2.4ghz

      • +1

        Even if i connect directly to via Ethernet into the other router? I thought that might not rely on trying to pick up the 5ghz signal?

    • +1

      If you have ethernet port at the places that "only broadcast their 5ghz", whatever that means, then yes, you can do that.

  • Julian Assange is that you?

  • Would these be useful as a way to split IOT devices onto their own wifi network? Home router doesn’t support multiple wifi networks

    • Literally any wifi router can do that, just get some for a fiver from gumtree.

      • Some ISP provided routers can't :/

    • if they can all see the signal.. It isn't the strongest signal out of a router - you could use the "Shadow" version that has external antenna, but there are possibly better devices for doing this (though the size and low power might suit an IoT situation)

  • so this takes sim card?

    • +3

      no. need a USB 4G dongle

  • If I buy two of these, can I give each one an external HDD (externally powered) and a task to replicate one to the other?

    note, I already have a gl.inet ar750 slate.
    ie: a povo raid1

    • +6

      You can definitely do that. It would be pretty easy to do with the luci package version of r-sync. I setup a similar thing for my father in law where i just leave the mini router at his house with a giant usb stick on it and when he asks me for tv shows or youtube videos for his caravan, i put it in a folder on my nas and it syncs overnight. then he just watches it on a firestick and the USB storage acts as a samba share.

      I call it ghetto plex.

      • +1

        this is awesome.

        i have a dap1650 that i can use. so i can use the slate to rsync to it and have to disks sticking out one on each device yay

        i neeed to buy more enclosures

        pitty the decox60 routers dont have usb :(

        • +1

          Note that these are very slow devices though - if you're trying to clone big drives it'll probably take weeks…

          • @Nom: doh dap1650 only does " a media server "
            its possibly ok if slow. It's only a backup sink.

            i can preload both disks before plugging in.

        • The convexa lineup that does meshing would be a good choice for your povo raid 1 they are like $90 each though. if you need access point mixed with USB device then this is the way to go. Cheap linux devices would be just as good fit but rpi zeros are just impossible to get at the moment.

  • No EAP on this model. If using in a public/crowded space, would it be wise to choose the next model up with EAP?

    • +1

      Their Atheros based models support EAP. So the AR300M will support it or their lowest model dual band Creta though do note that the Creta is end of life but will continue firwmare support for a couple more years.

  • +2

    Thought this was a commbank promo for a sec..

  • If I'm not worried about size (eg:caravan) then wouldn't this be a better alternative for a bit more or is this completely different
    https://www.amazon.com.au/TP-Link-Archer-A6-Dual-Band-MU-MIM…

    • That is a totally different class of product - more like a regular router where you would need to plug a physical cable into the router. These "travel routers" allow you to connect wired/wireless to a parent network (eg caravan park wifi eg SSID "Caravan-Park-Wifi" ) and then share it to all your own devices (who connect to your own SSID "Rappy68 WiFi"). All routers by default would also prevent other caravan park users/hackers from being able to scan downstream of your router and therefore not see your individual devices (eg "Rappy68 Phone", "Rappy68 Tablet", "Rappy68 Chromecast", "Rappy68 Laptop" etc) and make it harder to try and hack.

      As mentioned above, the main advantage is that you get to each caravan park and just configure the travel router to connect, and then all the internet goodness/badness flows to all your other devices without needing to put in any further logins, or being restricted to a single device.

      Since you would be using this regularly, size is not a concern, and neither is the power source, then I would suggest you look at some of the more powerful models in the range (https://www.gl-inet.com/products/, look under "Travel Router" section). These would allow your downstream devices to access faster than 20Mbps (which is the limit of the Mango router).

  • Used this for my home internet solution for extending a WiFi network . Also got used as a WiFi router plugged into lan when in a quarantine donga increasing my speed from a poor and unreliable 10mbps to 100mbps

    Such a handy device for frequent travellers . Can also repeat WiFi networks to extend range, not very fast but makes life easier.

  • Could this be used to bridge a direct connect wifi device onto a network?

    • Yes, using repeater mode (assuming you mean attaching a non wifi ethernet capable device)

      • Sorry I mean bridge two different WLAN SSIDs.

        Imagine an air conditioner with a SSID and an app that connects to it each time.

  • Is there detailed instructions how to set up Site to Site connections?

    • +1
  • Only came here to say gl.inet products are really good. The forum is good, and the tech support is good.

    BUT I have had to re-write some guides and troubleshooting info for their products. Also looking at re-doing some videos. There are bits and pieces of missing information that can bring people unstuck, even for those of us who are quite tech savvy.

  • I use a work vpn which will not allow connection through a hotel wifi with a splash page, can this be used to get around this?

    • Interested to know this as well

      • My understanding is yes, that is the case. It can handle splash pages. There's a proper term for it. Someone else here could confirm tho

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