Traveling Smart: Using your GL.iNet Travel Router Abroad

Some vital points to consider while on-the-go:

Security and Privacy:

  • Change the Wifi connection name (SSID): Customise your network name to something less obvious. Once the Silver or Gold VPN setup option has been purchased, you’ll have an option to enter your own your SSID name.
  • Turn off WiFi Scanning: Reduce the risk of unauthorised access by disabling device scanning.
  • Turn off Bluetooth: This minimises potential vulnerabilities and interference.
  • Turn off Location Services: Protect your privacy, especially when performing two-factor authentication.
  • Use Ethernet: Prioritise a wired connection for better stability and security.
  • Enable Kill Switch: Ensure your connection is automatically terminated if your VPN drops. This will be added for you in both Gold and Silver options.
  • Avoid Software/Firmware Updates While Remote: Prevent unintended changes to your router’s configuration.

Network Optimisation:

  • Disconnect When Overheating: Prevent damage to your router by giving it a break. You can always plug in back in to auto-connect to your network.
  • Set Up a Mobile Hotspot as a Backup: Maintain connectivity when moving to a new location. Most modern smartphones will have the ability to do this.
  • Understand 5GHz and 2.4GHz: Choose the optimal frequency band for your needs.
  • Reconnect After Switching Networks: Allow time for your device to establish a new connection.
  • Turn Off WiFi at End of Day: Avoid accidental connections to unwanted networks.
  • Check Local Weather: A quick way to verify your IP address location.
  • Use Multiple Exit Nodes: Enhance reliability and security by setting up multiple backup home routers (Gold option).

Practical Tips:

  • Get a Carry Case: Protect your router during travel.
  • Power Considerations: Ensure your laptop can provide sufficient power for your travel router (most modern laptops with a USB-C port should be able to with ease).
  • Tailscale Considerations: Be mindful of potential connection issues when using a hotspot with Tailscale.
  • Ethernet Cable Length: Have cables of different lengths to accommodate various setups.
  • Tailscale Health Status: Refresh the app if it’s not displaying accurate information.

Download Speed Limitation

Be aware that your maximum download speed while traveling will be limited by your home upload speed with this VPN configuration.

Wait a second, but why is this the case?

Your home router will act as an ‘exit node’ (a server that acts as a gateway between your device and the internet). Your travel router traffic will be routed through your home router before it reaches the internet. This means that the exit node/home router’s upload speed will limit the maximum download speed you can achieve.

  • For example, if you have a maximum upload speed of 50 Mbps, you will not be able to download at a speed faster than 50 Mbps, even if your home internet connection has a higher download speed.
  • This is because sending your travel router traffic to your home router to secure prying eyes from your connection will act as a ‘bottleneck’, limiting the amount of data that can be transferred to your home router at any given time.

By following these tips, you can enhance your travel router experience and optimise your network security and performance.