GL-XE300 (Puli) 4G LTE Industrial IoT Gateway - Portable T-Mobile

Our review of the GL-XE300 (Puli) finds it best suited for small IoT deployments, field technicians, and travelers who need a dependable T-Mobile 4G backup and portable hotspot. The biggest reason to buy is its combination of an integrated Quectel EC25-AF 4G modem with OpenWrt firmware and a 5000mAh battery, which makes it a flexible, secure gateway that can maintain connectivity when Ethernet fails. It is particularly valuable to anyone who wants a programmable, battery-powered router that doubles as a repeater and supports VPN and remote access.

Key Features

• 4G to Wi-Fi converter: The built-in nano-SIM slot and Quectel EC25-AF modem convert T-Mobile 4G LTE into a Wi-Fi network to keep devices online when wired Internet is unavailable.
• Portable power: The 5000mAh battery enables hours of off-grid operation so the gateway can be used as a mobile hotspot or in remote installations without constant power.
• Open source OpenWrt: Pre-installed OpenWrt unlocks advanced configuration and DIY projects, with 128MB RAM and expandable storage via a MicroSD card slot.
• Security and VPN: OpenVPN and WireGuard come pre-installed and work with many providers, enabling secure remote connections and privacy on the go.
• Multiple ports and expansion: Dual Ethernet, a USB 2.0 port and reserved SMA antenna holes provide flexibility for wired devices, file sharing, and antenna upgrades.
• Remote management: Web UI 3.0 and GoodCloud support remote SSH, device monitoring, SMS check, and signal strength diagnostics for easier field management.

Who It's For

The GL-XE300 is aimed at users who need a rugged, configurable 4G gateway: field engineers, system integrators connecting IoT sensors, and power users who value OpenWrt customization and built-in VPN options. Its battery and hotspot features also make it useful for temporary sites, camping, or backup Internet for a small office.

It is less ideal for users who need dual-band Wi-Fi or top-tier streaming speeds, since the device is limited to 2.4GHz Wi-Fi up to 300Mbps and is configured specifically for T-Mobile in North America. Those who require carrier flexibility or high-throughput home routers should consider other models.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Battery-powered design provides true portability and reliable hotspot operation in the field.
• OpenWrt and Web UI 3.0 give extensive customization and simple VPN setup with OpenVPN or WireGuard.
• Good connectivity options including dual Ethernet and USB 2.0 for local file sharing and device linking.
• Customers report strong signal strength and consistent T-Mobile compatibility for everyday use.

Cons

• Wi-Fi is 2.4GHz only and capped near 300Mbps, which limits top wireless throughput for demanding streaming.
• Sold as T-Mobile only for North America, so it is not suitable where another carrier is required.

Specifications

Model	GL-XE300 (Puli)
4G Module	Quectel EC25-AF (T-Mobile, North America)
Wi-Fi	2.4GHz up to 300Mbps
Battery	5000mAh rechargeable
Memory / Storage	128MB RAM, 16MB NOR + 128MB NAND, MicroSD up to 512MB
Ports	Dual Ethernet, USB 2.0, nano-SIM slot
Software	OpenWrt with Web UI 3.0, OpenVPN & WireGuard

Our Verdict

The GL-XE300 is a strong value for users who need a portable, programmable 4G gateway that integrates well with T-Mobile and supports secure remote access. Its battery, OpenWrt flexibility, and VPN options make it especially useful for IoT deployments and field use, though buyers should accept the single-band 2.4GHz limit and carrier restriction. For those needs it represents good functionality and customization at a practical price.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this work with other carriers?
It is configured for T-Mobile in North America using the EC25-AF module, so compatibility with other carriers is not guaranteed.

Can I run a VPN on this device?
Yes, OpenVPN and WireGuard are pre-installed and can be configured via Web UI 3.0 for secure connections.

Is it suitable for remote IoT installations?
Yes, the 5000mAh battery, OpenWrt support, and remote SSH/GoodCloud management make it well suited for remote IoT and temporary deployments.