GL.iNet GL-SFT1200 (Opal) Secure Travel WiFi Router – AC1200 Dual Band Gigabit Ethernet Wireless Internet Router | IPv6 | USB 2.0 | MU-MIMO | DDR3 |128MB Ram | Repeater Bridge | Access Point Mode

I have a WiFi router in my bedroom, as it's quite far from the main router and I have ethernet access wired up to my bedroom. I was previously using an old TP Link WR902AC travel router for this purpose which worked well, but the 10/100 ethernet port was starting to be a bottleneck, especially for wireless VR on my Oculus Quest 2 via AirLink.The Opal proved to be a great upgrade on a budget. The officially licensed D-Link dongle costs more than double the Opal, yet I feel the Opal is a far more versatile device. I get speeds of about 450Mb/s on the wireless AC 5GHz channel, which is more than enough to support the Quest 2's max throughput of 200Mb/s. The connection is strong and solid, with no discernable lag or dropped frames when playing long sessions of VR Chat.Setup of the device was a breeze. You can plug and play, and it will just operate as a router, but switching it to access point mode and changing settings like my SSID and passwords was very easy from the web based interface. You can install applets as the device supports ddWRT so it's got a lot of potential if you wish to tinker.The hardware seems to be on point too, with a very small footprint and unimposing yet cute design, a futuristic lightbar for device status across the front, and being well decked out with three gigabit Ethernet ports around the rear, USB 2.0 access, and a manual switch for enabling the VPN. Plus as a travel router, this device is easy to pack up and bring with me which I did do occasionally with the old TP Link device.All in all for under £45 you really can't go wrong, it's a cracking little device with a very well rounded feature set, and for my intended use of being an Quest 2 AirLink compatible wireless point, it fulfills that task with aplomb.

I recently purchased this unit, and I’ve been thoroughly impressed with its performance and features. As someone who values flexibility and control in their network setup, this device is truly a powerhouse. It’s not just your average router—it’s packed with advanced capabilities that make it perfect for tech enthusiasts and professionals alike.Why I Like This Unit:One of the standout features for me is its OpenVPN access, which allows for secure and private browsing. Setting up OpenVPN is incredibly straightforward, and it works seamlessly, giving me peace of mind when using my network across various devices.Additionally, I love the ability to install apps like Docker using Luci, which is part of the OpenWRT backbone. OpenWRT provides a level of customization and control that’s hard to find in most consumer-grade routers. With Luci’s web interface, it’s easy to manage and install a wide range of apps and services. I’ve been able to set up Docker containers and manage them directly on the device, which opens up so many possibilities for automation, networking, and even running lightweight server tasks.Pros:- OpenVPN access for secure browsing and remote access- OpenWRT-based, giving full control over network settings and software- Luci interface makes app installations like Docker easy and user-friendly- Excellent Wi-Fi range and solid overall performance- Compact design with reliable heat management- Great value for the amount of advanced features it offersCons:- May have a slight learning curve for beginners not familiar with OpenWRT or Luci- Initial setup can take a bit longer due to the extensive customization options- USB ports could benefit from faster speeds, but they are adequate for most usesConclusion:In summary, this unit is an absolute gem for anyone looking for more than just a simple router. The combination of OpenVPN support and OpenWRT’s flexibility really sets it apart from the competition. The ability to install apps like Docker through the Luci interface opens up a world of possibilities, making this device much more than a router—it’s a highly customizable network hub.While there may be a slight learning curve for those unfamiliar with OpenWRT, once you get the hang of it, the potential is endless. The pros far outweigh the minor cons, and for the price, you’re getting an incredible amount of features that are typically only found in much more expensive devices. Highly recommended for anyone looking to take control of their home or office network!

small and light little device. Setup is pretty easy. you have choices, 1. repeater (connect to you existing wifi), 2. Ethernet connect to you router (mine changed to modem), 3. tethering (connect to a hotspot) and 4. which can be use dwith a mdoem dongle and a sim.My main router is vergin media HUB 5 with 350Mbps. I switcged my HUB 5 to modem and connected the little guy to it via the wan port you can use the 2.5Gbps port (the red one, which i am doing). You can only use one port on the HUB as wan (Internet).1. Lan port, I get the full speed and a little more.2. at 2.4Ghz (set the band width to 40) and I get 150 Mbps.3. at 5Ghz I get 250 Mbps. Bandwidth set to 80I am about 10 metres away. (you might have to adjsust the antenna for your locations. direct them one of them towards you.)setting up the VPN servers is a breeze. If you have a dybamic IP address form you ISP (i.e not permanent, most are dynamic) then you need to set a switch for DDNS, you will be advised to do that, ortherwise vpn wont work as it can resolved your IP address. You can choose openvpn or wireguard. Wireguard is newer and faster. Then export the configuration file from the menu to your dvice. Download the client for your device, import the configuration file, and connect to the server. thats it (you need to do this for each device that you want it to use VPN). I testd this configurations from insiode the otudoors and works perfectly fine. You will lose some speed of course, thats normal.I haven't tested the other configurations. I bought this for the otudoor. I liked so much that I bought its big brother the AX1800 (on sale on their website, cheaper than amazon by £20. Just for the VPN servers, saving monthly subscriptions.One more thing, you need to open up port 1194 (you will advised so by the this router) I think on your modem/router. The receiver should be the IP address of the little guy. Also open it on the little guy.In repeater mode, the 5Ghz can poly use bandiwth 40. Loss of some speed. 2.Ghz is great.I you find that it is slower than expected, then check the wifi channel. Experiemnt by changing it. I resolved an issue where 5HZ default channel which was conflicting with my neighbour's. After changing it I got about 280 Mbps.Not bad for this little device.Well Recommended.