GL.iNet GL-X300B Collie 4G LTE Gateway: features, specs and who it suits

The GL.iNet GL-X300B, known as Collie, is a compact 4G LTE router aimed at industrial and IoT use. It combines a SIM slot for cellular connectivity, a wired Ethernet connection, VPN support and an RS485 serial interface in an aluminium case. The version covered here is the RS485 model, GL-X300B-RS485, with 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi only.

Cellular failover and the SIM slot

Collie has a built-in 4G LTE module with a standard SIM card slot. GL.iNet says it can switch to the cellular network if the wired Ethernet connection fails, which is useful where a continuous data link matters, such as remote equipment or unattended sites. The listing notes that it does not support the Verizon network in the US, and that the cellular feature is restricted in Russia, Belarus, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Syria and Crimea because of modem limitations. Check that your carrier's bands and the SIM type match the module before you rely on it.

External full-band 4G antennas are included, which typically helps in places where signal is weak, because antennas outside a metal case can be positioned for better reception.

Hardware watchdog and industrial build

The router uses a Qualcomm QCA9531 chipset, which GL.iNet describes as common in the industry. A hardware watchdog is a dedicated circuit that can detect a lockup and trigger a processor reset, so a device that hangs can recover without anyone visiting the site.

The aluminium alloy shell, optional wall mounting and a wide operating temperature range are intended for installation in tough environments. The listing doesn't state the exact temperature range, so find it in the datasheet.

OpenWrt and VPN options

Collie comes with OpenWrt pre-installed. OpenWrt is an open-source router operating system that developers can customize, script and extend with packages. GL.iNet says the router supports 30+ VPN service providers, including OpenVPN and WireGuard. WireGuard is a newer, lightweight protocol, while OpenVPN is long established and widely compatible. The listing also mentions DNS encryption, which stops the names of sites you look up from being sent in plain text.

RS485 for IoT equipment

RS485 is a serial interface common in industrial equipment such as meters, sensors and controllers, often over long cable runs. GL.iNet lists vending machines, charging piles, smart agriculture and metering as example uses, with the router acting as the internet gateway for them.

Configuration

The new admin panel supports AT commands, manual or automatic dialling and a signal-strength check. AT commands are the standard text instructions used to talk to a cellular modem, and they help with troubleshooting and fine settings.

Who it suits

It suits developers, installers and small businesses that need a remote connection for equipment, a backup link for a wired site, or a gateway for RS485 devices. It's less suited to people who want a home Wi-Fi router, because the Wi-Fi is 2.4 GHz only.

What to check before you buy

• Carrier and region: confirm that your network's LTE bands work with the module, and that your country isn't on the restricted list.
• Wi-Fi band: this version has 2.4 GHz only.
• Power: check the supply and connector the router needs at your site.
• Mounting: see what the wall-mount option requires and whether it ships in the box.
• RS485 wiring: confirm that your devices use the same serial settings and protocol.
• Skills: OpenWrt rewards some networking knowledge, so look at the documentation first.

The short version

• A compact 4G LTE gateway with a SIM slot and external antennas.
• Hardware watchdog and aluminium case for industrial settings.
• OpenWrt pre-installed, with OpenVPN and WireGuard support.
• RS485 interface for IoT and metering equipment.
• 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi only; check carrier and regional limits.

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