The XE75 has 3 access points, but the features are lacking and I feel like the lack of speed on firmware updates is slow and concerning. I’m looking at the GL.iNet GL-MT6000 (Flint 2), and it’s $136. Can anyone with more tech experience comment or give their thoughts/suggestions about this? TIA!
I got the gl-mt6000/flint2 about 6 months ago. I’m definitely not a network expert but I unboxed it, powered it up, and immediately flashed OpenWRT. No problems.
The only slightly technical things I’ve done with it are to install a router level ad/tracking blocker when my RPi2 pihole stopped being reliable and install the tailscale client on it with exit node enabled. Everything works fine.
I use tailscale to get to my LAN (even though the desktop is also running tailscale) for many reasons (self hosting) but the main reason is my home server is disk level LUKS encrypted. The router restarts autonomously after a power outage so I use it to get to the server via tailscale+Dropbear to remote unlock the server disk after a power outage.
I’ve had zero complaints and would recommend.
Thanks for the detailed response! And the RPi3 Pihole is one of the reasons I’m considering this. 👍 Was installing tailscale and everything simple enough?
The ad blocker was from the package manager built into OpenWRT. I think tailscale was too but I’m not 100% sure since it’s been awhile.
Though, I just did a search and the first result from the OpenWRT docs shows the install from the package manager so that’s most likely how I did it : https://openwrt.org/docs/guide-user/services/vpn/tailscale/start
So, yes, very simple.
Thanks a ton, really appreciate you checking it out. With family members who aren’t tech savvy it’s really helpful to preempt all potential ad’s ahead of time. 😣
Flint2 is best router available currently(IMHO) site
AdGuard running on-router. Flint2 runs a modified OpenWRT, but can be flashed with stock OpenWRT(The Flint3 cannot be flashed with stock OpenWRT)
The only issue currently, is some slower SMB/samba speeds for me, which is not much of a problem, but I am looking to fix it. I have a fast M.2 as Ext4.
Sounds like a toss up, what’s the difference between the modified OpenWRT and stock OpenWRT, exactly?
I have not compared, but I’d say the stock has more trust.
Party on dude! 😄
I have a few of their routers, they work well. They’re not quark free, but nothing is. I like what they stand for, using openwrt as a base and making it easy for stuff like VPN and adblock to be setup.
As for firmware updates, the flint 2 has been out a while (2023), so updates seem to have slowed down. https://dl.gl-inet.com/router/mt6000/stable
If you can afford it, I’d recommend the flint 3e for $170. That was released last year. https://www.gl-inet.com/products/gl-be6500/
If you do get the flint 2, I personally would not expect any groundbreaking updates, although the latest beta notes does at least add a feature.
That is followed a big asterisk, if you choose to flash your own openwrt, firmware updates will be your own problem to figure out.
(BTW, you can access the openwrt panel through GL’s default front end, it’s up to you what you do with that note.)
Mind sharing what the worthwhile differences are between the 3e and the 2? Most seem to push towards the 2 still because it still can use custom OpenWRT firmware. The 3 series had me concerned they might not see as much support down the line.
Ah, I wasn’t up to date with the flint 3 issues. From what I gather, they are using some Qualcomm chip that makes life harder.
If you are looking to reflash, it seems flint 2 is defiantly the way to go.
From your original post, it seemed you were looking for more frequent updates, which is why I suggested the newer 3e.
As for technical differences, 3e has WiFi 7. Beside that, quickly skimming the specs pages, I don’t see any other big differences. Is that worthwhile? Probably not.
I wonder if the upcoming flint 4 will have the same Qualcomm chip, or if they do something different. I also worry they are releasing more products than they can sustain long term.
Yeah, I was sad to hear it myself. ☹️ But I also share your concern about them using the same Qualcomm chip for the 4 and to many projects on the burner.
I own several models from GL, including the original Flint. Their settings UI is nice and very easy to use, and if you want to dive into the system properly you can install Luci and go wild. I have noticed that their auto update system is… Unreliable. Just make sure to check for updates like every 6 months manually, to be sure. They also did a huge overhaul of their firmware a couple of years ago, and for some models, you needed to update through the recovery system, as I recall. Not a huge thing but it was a stark contrast from the otherwise user-friendly experience.
I switched the Flint for a Synology unit, more features, better equipped, and I already have a nas by them so I am familiar and like the interface. But I am trying to help a friend switch ISPs and on the list of 'to-do’s is buying a Flint 2 or 3, after a disappointing experience with the provided hardware of their current ISP.
It’s a solid option, basically.
Nice, my home is roughly 1,500sqft, so would this easily cover it? I have nephews and family that tend to get cranky when something goes wrong lol.
It should. I think mine is around 1,800 and I have the networking equipment basically on a exterior/outer wall on the long side of the house, in the middle. I didn’t have any issues.
They do have a mesh unit, which I also have experience with - actually, I think we went from the Flint to the mesh setup (and later to the Synology), as we needed network switches in other rooms, and did not yet have the house wired for ethernet in every room - but I remember signal not being an issue.
They have a mesh unit too? Mind listening sharing it? There’s so many varied units online lol.
It’s older (at least the one I have), but is the GL-B1300
Thanks, I’ll check it out. I didn’t even realize it was an option.
You can have a mesh-like network with auto switching between endpoints on Flint 2 too. I set it up here over the weekend with a clean OpenWRT flash. Even managed to keep IP addresses the same so no worries for any home automation.
It takes some clicks or commands to get there. A wired connection would be nicer but you can use wireless network mode Access Point WDS to create a wireless backhaul too. Fast roaming is supported so I think it behaves similar to mesh.
Multiple VLANs should become a thing for this network in the future.
Oh nice! I didn’t even think of using two as endpoints. After setting up the first I’ll check out, thanks!
