GL.iNet Opal (GL-SFT1200) Dual-band Gigabit Wireless Travel Router

The Opal is the cost-effective way to stop trusting public Wi-Fi. A pocket-sized router with 1,200 Mbps dual-band wireless (300 Mbps at 2.4 GHz + 867 Mbps at 5 GHz), it sets up a private, encrypted network on top of whatever hotel, cruise-ship or airport connection you find — so trackers and eavesdroppers on the shared network never see your devices.

Despite the price it keeps proper hardware: a dual-core 1 GHz CPU, three gigabit Ethernet ports (1 x WAN, 2 x LAN) and support for up to 52 wireless devices at once. Internet can come in four ways — cable, repeater, USB 3G/4G modem or tethering — and OpenVPN and WireGuard are pre-installed with 30+ VPN providers supported, plus Cloudflare DNS over TLS to shut down man-in-the-middle DNS attacks.

At 118 x 85 x 30 mm and 145 g, powered by USB-C (5V/3A) and drawing under 6W, it disappears into a bag — and it doubles as the main router for a small flat, studio or student room. Runs OpenWrt 18.06 with 5,000+ plug-ins, from UK stock with support from CLI Secure.

Key features

• Fast dual-band Wi-Fi 5 — 300 Mbps (2.4 GHz) + 867 Mbps (5 GHz) from a pocket-sized unit.
• Three gigabit Ethernet ports — 1 x WAN and 2 x LAN at 10/100/1000 Mbps.
• Four ways online — cable, Wi-Fi repeater, USB 3G/4G modem or phone tethering.
• VPN client and server — OpenVPN and WireGuard pre-installed with 30+ providers; WireGuard up to 65 Mbps, OpenVPN up to 12 Mbps.
• DNS encryption — Cloudflare DNS over TLS prevents eavesdropping and manipulation of DNS traffic.
• 52-device capacity — share one secure network with family, friends or colleagues.
• OpenWrt 18.06 — friendly Web UI for beginners, 5,000+ plug-ins for tinkerers.
• USB-C powered — 5V/3A input, under 6W consumption, 145 g.

Works with

• All routers
• The networking range

Frequently asked questions

Why do I need a travel router on hotel Wi-Fi?

Public networks expose your devices to surveillance and third-party trackers. The Opal creates your own private Wi-Fi network on top of the public one — log in once, connect all your devices behind it, and run a VPN for the whole lot at the router level.

How fast is the VPN?

Up to 65 Mbps over WireGuard and 12 Mbps over OpenVPN in client mode — fine for browsing, email and streaming on the road. If you need hundreds of megabits through a VPN, step up to the Slate 7 or Beryl 7.

Can it work as my main router in a small flat?

Yes — GL.iNet pitches it for small apartments, studios and student dorms. With gigabit Ethernet, dual-band Wi-Fi for up to 52 devices and pre-installed VPN, it covers a small space comfortably.

How does it get online?

Four ways: plug in an Ethernet cable, repeat an existing Wi-Fi network, attach a USB 3G/4G modem, or tether your phone — so there is almost always a route to a connection while travelling.

Can I access files at home while away?

Yes. Web UI 3.0 makes it straightforward to set up a VPN server on the Opal, so you can reach your files at a remote site as if you were at home, over an encrypted connection.

Want a budget-friendly travel router for the whole team? Call 0333 242 1314 or email sales@clisecure.com — bulk pricing is available.