GL.iNet Slate AX (GL-AXT1800) Wi-Fi 6 Travel Router

Hotel Wi-Fi, airport hotspots and conference networks are convenient — and completely untrusted. The Slate AX (GL-AXT1800) puts a fast, private network in your pocket: GL.iNet's first Wi-Fi 6 travel router, driven by an IPQ6000 1.2 GHz quad-core processor, with retractable antennas and a heat-dissipating enclosure designed for life in a carry-on.

It is one of the quickest VPN travel routers in its class: with OpenVPN DCO support it encrypts at up to 560 Mbps over OpenVPN and 550 Mbps over WireGuard, so you can shield every connected device on public Wi-Fi without crawling speeds. Save your VPN settings once and the tunnel comes up automatically wherever you plug in.

At the same time it is a genuinely capable router: dual-band Wi-Fi 6 at 600 Mbps (2.4 GHz) + 1,200 Mbps (5 GHz), up to 120 connected devices, three gigabit Ethernet ports, USB 3.0, a TF card slot supporting up to 512 GB for network storage, and OpenWrt 23.05 underneath for full customisation.

Key features

• Wi-Fi 6 performance — 1,800 Mbps combined dual-band speed with MU-MIMO, OFDMA and BSS colour for dense environments.
• Fast VPN encryption — OpenVPN up to 560 Mbps (with DCO) and WireGuard up to 550 Mbps in client mode, supporting 30+ VPN services.
• Travel-ready hardware — retractable antennas, compact enclosure, Type-C power, USB 3.0, three gigabit ports and a TF card slot (up to 512 GB).
• Runs OpenWrt 23.05 — install applications and customise the router to your needs.
• Network storage — SAMBA and WebDAV file sharing from an attached USB drive; use it as a NAS to back up files on the move.
• Layered security — WPA3, DNS over HTTPS/TLS, AdGuard Home ad and tracker blocking, and IPv6 support.
• DFS certified — approved in the US, UK, Europe and Japan to use additional 5 GHz channels in congested areas.
• 5G-expandable — pair with the GL-M2 Development Board to add a SIM-based 5G modem with multi-WAN failover and load balancing.

Works with

• All routers
• The networking range

Frequently asked questions

Why use a travel router on hotel Wi-Fi?

The Slate AX converts a public network into your own private Wi-Fi and pushes all traffic through OpenVPN or WireGuard, so every device you connect — laptop, phone, streaming stick — is encrypted, even devices that cannot run a VPN app themselves.

How fast is the VPN really?

Up to 560 Mbps on OpenVPN (with DCO support) and 550 Mbps on WireGuard, measured in client mode on a local network. Real-world speeds depend on your network, and running the device as a VPN server is slower.

Can it store and share files?

Yes. Plug in a USB 3.0 drive or a TF card (up to 512 GB) and share files over SAMBA or WebDAV — effectively a pocket NAS for backups, photos and media.

Is it powerful enough to use at home too?

Yes. With Wi-Fi 6, up to 120 simultaneous devices and DFS support for extra 5 GHz channels, it comfortably covers a family, small office or holiday home as well as travel use.

Can I customise the firmware?

The Slate AX runs OpenWrt 23.05, so advanced users can install packages and applications and tailor the router to their needs.

Kitting out a travelling team or remote workforce? Call 0333 242 1314 or email sales@clisecure.com — we will help you pick the right travel router setup.