GL.iNet Slate 7 (GL-BE3600)

The GL.iNet Slate 7 (GL-BE3600) is a compact yet powerhouse Wi-Fi7 travel router that notably bridges the gap between portability and high-performance networking. It is built around a quad-core Qualcomm CPU with 1GB of DDR4 RAM and 512MB of flash—twice the memory of the Beryl AX—plus two foldable external antennas. The real headline is its dual 2.5GbE ports (one configurable as WAN or LAN) and blazing wireless throughput on WiFi7, up to ~2.8 Gbps on 5GHz and ~688 Mbps on 2.4GHz. Though it lacks 6GHz band support and 320MHz channels (so it's not "full spec" WiFi7), it still delivers very low latency, MLO (Multi-Link Operation), and high multi-device performance. A sleek touchscreen gives quick access to connection status, QR code WiFi setup, and a physical toggle button that can instantly enable or disable VPNs or ad blocking. Powered via USB-C PD and drawing under 8W, it is lighter duty friendly, though it does get a bit warm under full load.

In the context of smart homes and travel, the Slate 7 functions as both a dynamic on-the-go VPN-secured gateway and a resilient LAN extension. With full OpenWrt under the hood, it supports OpenVPN, WireGuard (~540Mbps+) and AdGuard Home, allowing for encrypted DNS, network-wide ad-blocking, or even lightweight local file sharing via USB 3.0. For travelers, it can be set up as a hotel WiFi repeater or provide a fail safe wired link in an RV or remote workspace. Smart devices—cameras, lights, or voice assistants—benefit from consistent and secure connectivity, even in public networks. Thanks to Multi WAN support and its touchscreen interface, toggling between Ethernet, repeater, or tethered modes is intuitive and fast. Back at home, it doubles as a backup router or secure edge appliance—perfect for protecting IoT devices during outages or offering guest WiFi while you are away. All in all, the Slate 7 packs serious power and smart home maturity into an impressively portable package.