GL.iNet MT2500A (Mist 2) Mini VPN Security Gateway for Home Office and Remote Work - VPN Server and Client for Home and Office, VPN Cascading, Internet Security, 2.5G WAN (Aluminum Alloy Case)
It turns out that I do not have a static Internet IP address at home. So I can't use it as a VPN server as I want. This isn't gl.inet's fault - they have a section in their instructions on how to deal with not having a static IP address (but I don't have a personal domain either...).
I was able to test it as a home router and from this point of view it's great! It draws very little power and uses a standard USB charger (if you're plugging in a USB modem, I'd make sure you get a charger powerful enough to only put out 10W). A full day of surfing without a sweat.
gl.inet compiles its own version of openWRT - which is basically a Linux machine that's really good at network routing. However, since it is Linux, you can install any number of Linux packages on it to extend its functionality. I even wrote ssh to check some things while ssh is running.
If you are not a command line user, gl.inet has a very nice user interface. It is very clear and easy to navigate. Their documentation is very comprehensive and helps explain anything that might confuse you about your setup. In addition, you can access the OpenWRT user interface for better control.
The processor and RAM are more than enough for home use. Although advertised as good for small businesses, I haven't been able to test it, so I can't comment on it. Thanks to the MediaTek processor, it has hardware acceleration that can help in heavy traffic times.
Setting up a VPN server is very easy. Although I've never started the other end since my IP address changed, I managed to go through the wizard and set everything up. Much easier than some other routers with VPN servers. I still feel like the setup wizard gives me a good amount of control, and since it's Linux only I can go in and change whatever I want.
I have one complaint but nothing that would make me want to go to Star Pier. However, find out what it is before you buy it.
1) The processor is not fully supported by OpenWRT itself. So you depend on gl.inet to update you to the latest version of openWRT. I've had good experiences keeping their products updated in the past, but this is still a potential risk.
2) gl.inet is very friendly - very friendly. I realize VLANs go deeper, but I'd like to see a page for adding VLANs in the UI. Like some security packages available for openWRT. I would appreciate it if they could add a simple VLAN management page and IDS/IPS functionality. I know this method is deeper than what most people use on their routers.
3) There is no power button and no easy way to access the box. I like that it turns on as soon as it has power (much better than having to think about restarting the router after a power outage), but I wish I could turn it off without unplugging it. I want to see what's inside... mainly because I'm curious. And also to replace things like thermal paste in the future.
Overall, it's a great little home router. Hosting your own VPN (check with your ISP for a static IP address first! Or learn how to forward your domain) is a great option if you want more control over your network.
- 【Compatible with 30+ VPN Service Providers】OpenVPN and WireGuard are pre-installed. OpenVPN speeds up to 150Mbps; WireGuard achieves speeds of up to 355 Mbps. *** No WiFi capability ***
- 【Protect Your Whole Network】 Support Cloudflare encryption to protect privacy. Supports IPv6 and WPA3 security protocols. (To enable IPv6 functionality, visit Administrator Panel -> Network -> IPv6.)
- 【Support VPN Cascading】A VPN server and a VPN client can run simultaneously on the same machine, allowing users to access a local web server with public access to the Internet as a VPN client at the same time.
- 【Ideal Gateway to Host VPN Servers at Home or Office】 Access sensitive information stored on the corporate network or access local files and securely bypass geo-restrictions while working remotely.
- 【Advanced Hardware Specification】 Equipped with 2.5G WAN port, 1G LAN port, USB 3.0 port and 8GB EMMC (Embedded Multimedia Card) card for offline data storage.
- 【Running on OpenWrt 21.02】 Run the latest OpenWrt 21.02 OS, support hardware cluster communication ability and reduce crosstalk. You can customize the router to your liking and install applications.