VPN Gateway - GL.iNet GL-MT5000 Gateway 3×2.5 Gb/s Multi-WAN USB-C 3.0 1 GB 8 GB

All about the product

GL.iNet GL-MT5000 Gateway

The GL.iNet GL-MT5000 is a wired VPN gateway designed for homes, small offices, and individuals desiring greater control over their network. It achieves up to 1,100 Mb/s with WireGuard® and up to 1,000 Mb/s with OpenVPN-DCO, combined with three 2.5 Gbps Ethernet ports, Multi-WAN support, DPI protection, and intelligent traffic management. The hardware includes a 2.0 GHz quad-core MediaTek processor, 1 GB DDR4 RAM, and 8 GB eMMC storage, which provide the foundation needed to secure home connectivity and develop more complex configurations based on OpenWrt 21.02. Moreover, the device can serve as a VPN gateway, a system-level ad blocker, a lightweight NAS with external storage, or a DLNA media server. It is also beneficial for advanced users looking to configure their network, install additional packages, and run their own services.

VPN Speed up to 1100 Mb/s

The GL-MT5000 allows users to enjoy VPN protection without sacrificing fast wired connections. The VPN throughput reaches 1,100 Mb/s with WireGuard®, while hardware-accelerated OpenVPN-DCO ensures speeds up to 1,000 Mb/s. These capabilities are advantageous for remotely accessing your home network, transferring large files, or ensuring the security of all LAN traffic. The gateway works with over 30 VPN services, and the VPN Obfuscation feature masks the characteristics of typical VPN traffic, making it harder for DPI systems to detect and reducing the risk of such connections being flagged, throttled, or blocked. This results in a more stable connection even in networks with restrictive VPN blocking mechanisms.

DPI, Monitoring, and Enhanced Network Control

The Deep Packet Inspection (DPI) mechanism provides comprehensive protection and management of network traffic. GL.iNet GL-MT5000 can automatically filter malicious traffic, gambling sites, and malware, as well as manually block specific applications, domains, and IP addresses. These functions are complemented by a visual control panel that monitors application usage in real-time and displays 7-day traffic trends. This makes it easier to observe unusual activity and devices or applications using a significant portion of available bandwidth, allowing the network administrator of a home or small business to better manage its status and usage.

Smooth Traffic Flow with SQM and Dynamic QoS

High network load does not necessarily mean high latency during video conferencing, streaming, or gaming. The built-in Smart Queue Management (SQM) system neutralizes bufferbloat and limits latency spikes when the connection is highly loaded, optimizing the traffic queue for LAN devices. Dynamic QoS takes this further by allocating available resources based on application priorities – for instance, video conferencing or gaming traffic can take precedence over background file downloads. Together with Multi-WAN, the device effectively meets the needs of remote workers and small businesses where connection reliability is crucial – if an issue arises with one line, traffic can be switched to a backup connection.

Three 2.5 Gb/s Ports and USB-C 3.0

Three Ethernet ports support speeds of 10/100/1000/2500 Mb/s, allowing the GL.iNet GL-MT5000 to maintain high-speed wired connections for demanding configurations. The device has one 2.5 Gb/s WAN port and two 2.5 Gb/s LAN ports; the WAN port can be configured as a LAN port, and one of the LAN ports can operate as a WAN port – enabling customization of the connection layout according to specific network needs and maximizing Multi-WAN features. A separate USB-C 3.0 data port allows connection of high-speed external storage devices and 3G/4G/5G modems, which can also serve as a backup internet access source. This port can simultaneously provide 5 V/2 A power to connected devices.

OpenWrt and Expansion Flexibility

The OpenWrt 21.02 system with a Linux 5.4.281 kernel offers users significantly more customization options than just the basic network gateway functions. With 1 GB DDR4 RAM and 8 GB eMMC storage, users can install packages, run additional services, and create their own network configurations. As a result, the GL.iNet GL-MT5000 can function as a customizable VPN gateway, a system-level ad blocker, a lightweight NAS with external storage, or a DLNA media server, with its open architecture well-suited for the needs of network enthusiasts and home lab builders. It is also possible to create a private cloud service using the device as a VPN server for remote access to your home NAS and the photos, files, and multimedia content stored within.

Compact Gateway for Home and Small Office

Measuring 75 × 92 × 25 mm and weighing 148 g, the GL.iNet GL-MT5000 offers extensive capabilities. A dedicated USB-C port provides 5 V/3 A power and is compatible with standard PD power adapters; power consumption is less than 5 W. The enclosure also features a system indicator, a VPN indicator, and a Reset button, making it easy to monitor the device's status. The gateway can operate at temperatures ranging from 0°C to 40°C, and the allowable storage temperature ranges from -20°C to 70°C. This solution combines high-speed VPN, advanced security and flow analysis, flexible port configuration, and an open OpenWrt platform in a compact design.