GL.iNet GL-AXT1800 Slate AX WiFi 6 router

If you travel with a laptop, tablet, or work device, a reliable portable router can make everyday internet access feel far less stressful. The GL.iNet GL-AXT1800 Slate AX is a WiFi 6 travel router that combines secure connectivity features with practical networking options like a wireless access point and a VPN setup you can manage. It supports IPv6 and includes OpenVPN and WireGuard for encrypted browsing, which is especially useful when you are relying on hotel, airport, or other public WiFi.

A big part of the appeal is control. You can switch certain security or filtering features on and off using a physical toggle, and you can also run the router on OpenWrt for flexibility. If you prefer setting things up once and then using it consistently across trips, that customisable approach helps you tailor the network to your needs. For security-conscious travellers, this style of portable router gives you a more private browsing experience while still keeping things compact. 🔒

Key features

The Slate AX is built for fast and secure browsing, with support for IPv6. It also comes with OpenVPN and WireGuard pre-installed, designed to work with 30 plus VPN service providers, according to the manufacturer. There is also support for Cloudflare encryption to help protect privacy when you are online. 🛡️

Beyond encryption, it is designed to support useful everyday networking tasks. There is an NAS feature that supports both Samba and WebDAV protocols, so you can connect an external USB hard disc and turn it into a private network storage space for documents and files. This can be handy on longer stays, or when you want a simple way to share files between your own devices.

The router is also able to act as a repeater for public WiFi. In practical terms, it can convert a public network, wired or wireless, into a private network, wired or wireless, so you can browse more securely. The manufacturer notes a limitation here, you may need to reconnect your router if you pass the time limit of using a public WiFi hotspot.

Tech specs

• Name: GL.iNet GL-AXT1800 Slate AX
• Type: Portable WiFi router, wireless access point
• Format: Travel router, mini router setup
• Processor: OpenWrt 21.02 operating system
• Dimensions: Kernel version 4.4.60
• Display: Cloudflare encryption supported
• Memory: OpenVPN speed up to 500 Mbps, WireGuard speed up to 550 Mbps

What stands out

One of the most noticeable benefits is the secure browsing setup. With OpenVPN and WireGuard pre-installed, you can enable encrypted connectivity without having to start from scratch. The router supports IPv6 as well, which can be useful as more networks deploy modern addressing, and it can help you keep things consistent when you are connecting from different locations. ⚡

If you are the kind of user who wants to manage security quickly, the physical toggle switch is a practical touch. You can enable or disable your selected feature, either AdGuard Home or an OpenVPN client or a WireGuard client. Ten en cuenta que the default setting of the button is NO Function, so you need to set it in the admin panel before you use that function.

Another standout is flexibility through OpenWrt. The Slate AX runs on OpenWrt 21.02, which allows customisation and the installation of applications based on your preferences. It is also described as having mass device connection capabilities and reduced signal interference, which can matter if you are sharing the network with multiple devices on a trip, or if your accommodation WiFi environment is busy.

For users who value storage and file sharing, the NAS function adds a clear day to day advantage. By plugging in an external USB hard disc, you can store and share documents on your private network. 🗂️

Who it’s for

It’s a good fit if you travel often and want a portable WiFi router that supports secure VPN browsing, with OpenVPN and WireGuard available out of the box. It also makes sense if you use public WiFi and would rather convert that connection into a private network for more controlled access. The Samba and WebDAV NAS feature suits people who want simple file sharing and personal storage while away from home.

You may want to skip it if you only need the simplest possible plug in access and nothing more, because the value here comes from configuration options and feature control. It may also not suit you if you are not comfortable setting up functions in the admin panel, especially when using the physical toggle switch.