GL.iNet GL-SFT1200 (Opal): Travel Router with VPN and Three Gigabit Ports

The GL.iNet GL-SFT1200, also known as Opal, is a travel router with dual-band AC1200 Wi-Fi, three gigabit Ethernet ports and VPN support. It weighs approximately 145 grams and is powered via USB-C, making it easy to pack for a trip.

Wi-Fi and wired connectivity

Opal operates on the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. Its stated speeds are up to 300 Mbps on 2.4 GHz and 867 Mbps on 5 GHz; the 802.11ac standard applies to the 5 GHz band. AC1200 is a rounded sum of the nominal speeds of both bands, not the speed available to a single device. Actual throughput is typically lower and depends on conditions, interference and the connected device.

The router has one gigabit WAN port for connecting to a network and two gigabit LAN ports for connecting other devices by cable. For example, you can use it when travelling somewhere with an Ethernet connection and connect your own devices to the router.

Hardware and power

Opal has a 1 GHz dual-core processor, 128 MB of RAM and 128 MB of flash storage. The storage holds the system and applications, but its capacity can limit how much additional software you install.

A USB 2.0 port lets you connect external devices and, depending on the configuration, extend the router’s functions, for example by sharing data. USB-C power is convenient for travel, but check that your chosen charger or portable power source meets the device’s requirements.

OpenWrt and configuration

Opal runs on the open-source OpenWrt system. It allows detailed network configuration and installation of additional applications, which can be useful for more technically experienced users. The available storage also affects how much the system can be extended.

VPN and security

The router comes with support for the OpenVPN and WireGuard protocols and supports more than 30 VPN services. A VPN can be used to connect to a remote network or route traffic through a chosen VPN service; setup and terms of use depend on the service.

Other features include support for Tor, IPv6 and a firewall. However, a VPN and these other features do not by themselves guarantee complete privacy or protection from every threat. The result depends on correct configuration and the services you use.

Opal is a practical option for travellers who want their own Wi-Fi network, wired ports and more advanced configuration options. Its portability is an advantage, though its limited storage capacity is worth keeping in mind when adding software.