GL-XE300 (Puli) 4G LTE Industrial IoT Gateway - Portable 4G to Wi-Fi

Our review of the GL-XE300 (Puli) finds it is a practical, programmable 4G to Wi-Fi gateway built for field use and DIY networking projects. It is best suited for technicians, small deployment IoT setups, and travelers who need a reliable T-Mobile LTE fallback or primary link; the single biggest reason to buy is its combination of a built-in Quectel EP06-A 4G modem, OpenWrt firmware, and a 5000mAh battery that together deliver flexible connectivity and long runtime without relying on mains power.

Key Features

• 4G to Wi-Fi converter: A nano-SIM slot with a Quectel EP06-A modem converts T-Mobile 4G LTE into a wireless hotspot up to 300Mbps on 2.4GHz for sites without wired Internet.
• Open source OpenWrt: Pre-installed OpenWrt gives full programmability and extension options for custom routing, scripting, and IoT projects.
• Battery powered portability: The built-in 5000mAh battery lets the unit run as a portable gateway or failover router when Ethernet drops, preserving continuous data transmission.
• VPN and security: OpenVPN and WireGuard are pre-installed and Web UI 3.0 supports easy client and server configuration plus WPA3 and IPv6 compatibility.
• Expandability and ports: Dual Ethernet ports and a USB 2.0 port plus reserved SMA mount holes and MicroSD support provide room for storage, peripherals, and future antenna upgrades.
• Remote management: GoodCloud and remote SSH let administrators monitor traffic, check signal strength, and manage devices from anywhere.

Who It's For

The GL-XE300 is aimed at network hobbyists, field technicians, and small business users who need a compact, battery-backed 4G gateway with deep customization via OpenWrt. Its T-Mobile only modem and programmability make it ideal for deployments that require remote SSH access, VPN tunnels, or automation on the device itself.

Conversely, users who need dual-band Wi-Fi, maximum throughput for heavy streaming, or carrier-agnostic cellular support should look elsewhere; the device provides 2.4GHz Wi-Fi only and customers have reported modest real-world speeds compared with larger dual-band routers.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Portable 5000mAh battery combined with a 4G modem gives dependable off-grid connectivity and good runtime.
• OpenWrt and Web UI 3.0 deliver strong customization, remote SSH, and easy VPN setup with OpenVPN and WireGuard.
• GoodCloud integration makes device monitoring, SMS checking, and remote management straightforward for deployed units.
• Physical expansion options include dual Ethernet, USB 2.0, MicroSD support, and reserved SMA holes for antennas.

Cons

• Wi-Fi is 2.4GHz only with up to 300Mbps, so peak wireless speeds and congested environments can limit performance.
• The unit is tied to T-Mobile compatibility in North America, which may not suit users who need multi-carrier flexibility.

Specifications

Model	GL-XE300 (Puli)
Cellular module	Quectel EP06-A 4G LTE (T-Mobile compatible)
Wi-Fi	2.4GHz only, up to 300Mbps
Battery	5000mAh internal battery
Memory & Storage	128MB RAM, 16MB NOR + 128MB NAND, MicroSD up to 512MB
Ports	Dual Ethernet, USB 2.0, nano-SIM slot
Software	OpenWrt pre-installed, Web UI 3.0, OpenVPN & WireGuard

Our Verdict

The GL-XE300 is a strong value for anyone who needs a portable, programmable 4G gateway with battery backup and robust remote management. It shines in IoT deployments and field use where OpenWrt customization, VPN support, and persistent T-Mobile connectivity matter more than top-tier Wi-Fi speeds. For its price and flexibility it is a sensible choice when portability and control are priorities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this work with other carriers?
The unit ships with a Quectel EP06-A configured for North America and is intended for T-Mobile compatibility; users should verify carrier band support before purchasing.

Can I run VPNs on the device?
Yes, OpenVPN and WireGuard are pre-installed and Web UI 3.0 simplifies setting up VPN clients and servers.

Is the device expandable?
Yes, it offers dual Ethernet, USB 2.0, MicroSD support and reserved SMA mount holes for antenna upgrades and further expansion.