GL.iNet GL-XE300 (Puli) 4G LTE Gateway: features, specs and who it suits

The GL.iNet GL-XE300, nicknamed Puli, is a small portable router with a built-in 4G LTE modem. Put in a nano-SIM and it turns a cellular signal into a Wi-Fi network. It also runs OpenWrt, an open-source router operating system, which makes it popular with people who like to configure their own networking. The version described here is listed as T-Mobile only and for North America.

From cellular to Wi-Fi

The router has a standard nano-SIM slot, and GL.iNet says it converts 4G LTE into Wi-Fi at speeds up to 300 Mbps. That figure is for 2.4 GHz only. The listing says it can also switch to the LTE network if a wired Ethernet connection fails, which gives a backup link. Real speeds depend on carrier coverage, signal and plan.

The built-in modem is a Quectel EP06-A, pre-installed. The listing says this variant is for use on T-Mobile in North America, so check that your carrier and SIM are compatible before buying.

Modes

GL.iNet lists router, access point, extender and WDS modes. In practice that lets it act as the main router for a site, extend an existing Wi-Fi network or connect two networks wirelessly. It also has two Ethernet ports.

OpenWrt and expandability

OpenWrt is pre-installed and unlocked. The hardware has 128 MB RAM, 16 MB NOR flash plus 128 MB NAND flash, and takes a MicroSD card of up to 512 MB. It also has a USB 2.0 port for sharing files, and SMA antenna mount holes are reserved for add-on antennas. These features suit DIY projects and IoT experiments.

Security and management

OpenVPN and WireGuard are pre-installed, and GL.iNet says it works with more than 30 VPN service providers. WPA3, IPv6 and Cloudflare are supported. Its Web UI 3.0 is meant to make VPN server and client set-up easier. The GoodCloud service lets you monitor devices remotely, view statistics, manage connected clients and use remote SSH. The modem controls include AT commands, SMS checking, signal strength and manual or automatic dialling.

Power and size

A 5,000 mAh battery means the router can run away from a wall outlet, which suits travel, temporary sites and field equipment. The weight is listed at about 1 lb. The listing doesn't give dimensions.

In the box

• GL-XE300 4G LTE portable IoT gateway (1-year warranty)
• Ethernet cable
• 5V/2A power adapter
• User manual
• Quectel EP06-A 4G module, pre-installed

GL.iNet says to use its online documentation for first-time set-up.

Who it suits

It suits travellers, remote workers, people with IoT devices in places without wired internet and anyone who wants an open-source router they can customise. It is less suited to households that need 5 GHz Wi-Fi.

What to check before you buy

• Carrier: confirm the variant works with your carrier and SIM.
• Bands: check whether LTE coverage in your area suits the modem.
• Wi-Fi: note that Wi-Fi is 2.4 GHz only.
• Skills: OpenWrt rewards some networking knowledge.
• Battery: check run time against your use.
• Region: the listing says North America only.

The short version

• A portable 4G LTE router with a nano-SIM slot and 5,000 mAh battery.
• 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi up to 300 Mbps; two Ethernet ports and USB 2.0.
• OpenWrt, OpenVPN, WireGuard, WPA3 and IPv6.
• Router, access point, extender and WDS modes.
• Listed as T-Mobile only, for North America.

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