Introduction
Gigabit broadband has not yet been fully popularized, and 2.5G broadband has already made its debut; mainstream NAS devices are now equipped with 2.5G ports, making 2.5G the mainstream speed for the next few years.
In line with this trend, GL.iNet, a manufacturer of open-source OpenWRT routers, has finally released its first high-end router with dual 2.5G ports: the GL-MT6000.
Compared to conventional routers, this router offers various features, including AX6000 specifications, 160MHz, open-source OpenWRT support, easy-to-use custom UI, rich third-party firmware, and a 1+8G configuration that has attracted many users. Especially noteworthy is its lightweight NAS network storage function, which can achieve full gigabit read/write speeds through USB sharing, easily fulfilling NAS functionalities.
In this article, I will provide a hands-on experience with the GL-MT6000 and cover various aspects of it comprehensively. The outline of the article is as follows:
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Unboxing and Configuration Overview
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Disassembly and Internal Workmanship
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System UI Experience
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Dual WAN and Multi-Line Load
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Experience with Dual 2.5G Ports
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Wireless Speed Coverage Testing
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Gaming Latency Experience
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Stability Testing
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Power Consumption Testing
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Light NAS Functionality Experience
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Other Unique Features
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Rich Third-Party Firmware
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Conclusion
Unboxing and Configuration Overview
The GL-MT6000 is GL.iNet’s first router equipped with dual 2.5G ports, filling the gap in mid-to-high-end WiFi 6 products. It is positioned for mainstream home and geek users. Let’s first take a look at the official configuration parameters of the GL-MT6000, summarizing the key specifications as follows:
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CPU: Quad-core MT7986A (Filogic 830) processor, 64-bit ARM A53 architecture, 2.0GHz clock speed
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Memory: DDR4 1G RAM, 8GB eMMC flash storage
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Ports: Dual 2.5G ports + 4 gigabit ports, WAN/LAN can be switched freely
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Wi-Fi Speed: 1148Mbps (2.4GHz) + 4804Mbps (5GHz), AX6000 specifications, supports 160MHz bandwidth
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WiFi Chip: MT7976G (2.4G, 4X4 MIMO), MT7976A (5G, 4X4 MIMO)
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FEM: 8 independent signal amplifiers (KCT8239 SD*4 + KCT8539 HE*4)
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USB Ports: USB 3.0*1
The Filogic 830 solution integrates both 2.4G and 5G, with dual-band support for 4*4 MIMO. The GL-MT6000 uses the highest clock speed MT7986A, along with 8 FEM signal amplifiers for excellent signal coverage (which has indeed proven effective in actual use).
In contrast to many mainstream AX6000 routers that typically feature 512MB + 256MB configurations, the MT6000 offers 1GB + 8GB, allowing it to handle high loads, multiple devices, and numerous plugins without the need for hardware modifications, greatly enhancing its playability.
Unboxing reveals that the package includes the router, a DC power supply, a user manual, and a network cable. The router’s total power consumption is under 20 watts, while the power supply provides 48 watts (12V4A), ensuring ample headroom for external hard drives and file sharing.
The overall design features a deep gray color, ABS material, and a matte finish, giving it a sharp and robust appearance; the surrounding heat dissipation design is also quite appealing.
The top cover features the GL logo and status indicator lights; the 90-degree adjustable antennas are recommended to be opened at 90 degrees during regular use for better signal coverage.
The left side features a USB 3.0 port, which can be used for various functions, including printer sharing, USB network card expansion, hotspot sharing, and, in my opinion, the most practical use: connecting storage devices for file sharing. It serves as both a router and a lightweight NAS, and I will later test the actual experience of using the MT6000 as a lightweight NAS.
On the back, the ports are arranged as follows, from left to right: DC power socket, dual 2.5G ports, 4 gigabit ports, and a reset button; the neat arrangement of ports between the antennas is visually satisfying (for those with OCD).
With 6 ports, the configuration is more than sufficient for home and geek users.
The back also has wall mount holes; the neat heat dissipation design looks great.
Disassembly and Internal Workmanship
The GL-MT6000 router weighs 761 grams, giving it a solid feel in hand. Let’s take a look inside; the workmanship and materials used determine the router’s stability. Disassembly is straightforward; just remove the bottom pads and use a standard Phillips screwdriver.
The top cover is connected via clips and can be gently pried open; inside, you can see a large passive heatsink covering the mainboard, which contributes significantly to the weight; the internal wiring is tidy, and there is even a hub to keep the antennas bundled together to avoid clutter.
Removing the two screws on the heatsink allows the mainboard to be taken out; it is covered with large heatsinks on both sides, ensuring that heat dissipation is not an issue, and performance remains stable during everyday use.
The details of the PCB mainboard are shown in the images below, with critical chips and storage components covered by shielding; I won’t delve deeper into removing the shielding as I am not very skilled.
The shielding can reduce interference from external sources or between components, thereby enhancing the stability of the router; it also improves aesthetics and thermal conductivity. The two heatsinks and the shielding are connected by thermal silicone pads, ensuring that the GL-MT6000 is well-constructed with quality materials and excellent heat dissipation, so there is no need to worry about hardware performance.
Embracing Open Source: Easy-to-Use OpenWRT Soft Router
The GL-MT6000 runs the open-source OpenWRT system, currently offering two interfaces: one is GL’s custom UI based on OpenWRT, and the other is the native OpenWRT interface. It is currently running OpenWRT version 23.05 (kernel 5.15).
The GL.iNet custom UI is clean and tidy, making it easy for those who want to try a soft router but are worried about usability; there is no need to worry about being unable to use it, as the clear settings buttons and intuitive UI will allow you to use the soft router effortlessly.
Once you are familiar with it, you can switch to the native OpenWRT interface to experience the richer features of the native firmware.
In addition to standard router functions, the built-in firmware also offers many useful features. For example, in the Applications section, it provides a package function where you can search for and install required plugins with one click, simplifying the complex installation process of native OpenWRT.
The official firmware also includes frequently requested remote networking solutions: TailScale and ZeroTier. For those without a public IP, I highly recommend using these two remote networking solutions to access internal network devices, especially when combined with NAS for smooth remote viewing, easily establishing point-to-point connections. I currently use TailScale for remote access, and it works very well.
The MT6000 router can be seen as a combination of soft and hard routers, providing mainstream network modes to choose from, such as router mode, AP mode, wireless extension mode, WDS mode, and more.
By the way, remember to use the GL.iNet App, available for installation in major app stores, which supports remote management of the router and local network storage management.
Dual WAN Dialing, Diverse Networking Methods, Multi-Line Load
The dual 2.5G ports can be set as WAN ports, allowing for simultaneous internet dialing, suitable for users with two broadband connections at home. Many mobile phone plans offer free broadband, making good use of them possible.
In dual WAN scenarios, you can use failover or load balancing modes. For instance, in failover mode, if the first broadband connection fails, the system will automatically switch to the second available broadband connection, suitable for high-demand network scenarios, akin to a disaster recovery solution.
Load balancing is even easier to understand; when dual WAN connections are established, both broadband connections will be used for internet access simultaneously, providing a better online experience, especially in multi-device and high-load situations.
Of course, in addition to using WAN (Ethernet) for internet access, it also supports relay and hotspot sharing methods. Relay can amplify existing network signals and expand coverage.
It’s worth mentioning that the “hotspot sharing” method is a significant feature of GL.iNet routers. Essentially, it integrates and simplifies the use of RNDIS driver under OpenWRT, allowing you to connect to your phone via USB cable for network support. Tests have shown compatibility with both iOS and Android, requiring only the hotspot sharing feature to be enabled on the phone.
After connecting, you can see the hotspot sharing connection button in the router’s backend. Click to connect, and you can achieve hotspot sharing from your phone, significantly extending the wireless range. This method is particularly suitable for temporary urgent networking situations.
For users with high data usage on their phones, this method can significantly enhance the online experience. I often use portable WiFi to connect to GL’s router for sharing.
As with dual WAN, both relay and hotspot sharing methods also support failover and load balancing modes.
Dual 2.5G Ports: Breaking Gigabit Bandwidth / A Blessing for 2.5G NAS
The GL-MT3000 I purchased earlier this year faced criticism for having only a single 2.5G port. However, the GL-MT6000’s dual 2.5G ports finally provide a balanced solution, allowing simultaneous internal and external networks to exceed gigabit speeds.
A mini WiFi 6 “soft router” with 2.5G ports and lightweight NAS capabilities, supported by open-source OpenWRT, offers high playability. The GL-MT3000 usage report indicates that some first-tier cities already have 2000 megabit broadband available, making 2.5G WAN very suitable for such networks, allowing you to fully utilize every megabit of speed and achieve gigabit downloads.
If your broadband is gigabit, there will be about a 10% overhead, allowing the 2.5G port to reach nearly 1100 megabits of speed.
The second 2.5G port supports one-click WAN/LAN switching, allowing it to switch to LAN mode and connect to a NAS’s 2.5G port for internal gigabit read/write experiences. As a heavy NAS user, I can say that once you use a 2.5G port, you won’t want to go back.
Of course, if you also have a 2.5G switch, you can expand with multiple 2.5G ports.
Using the AX211 (2×2 MIMO) wireless card to connect to the MT6000 shows a connection speed of 2402Mbps, while the NAS read/write speed can reach 200MB, approximately 1600Mbps, perfectly breaking gigabit speeds. The following image shows the speed test conducted using an internal speed test server deployed on the NAS, which intuitively indicates speeds of up to 1800Mbps.
Some friends may be concerned about the maximum speed of dual 2.5G ports. Here, I performed bandwidth testing using a cable and 2.5G LAN connection with iperf3 on the MT6000, yielding results of approximately 280MB, or around 2.36Gbps. The reason for not reaching the full 2.5G speed may be due to it being a prototype, and future official firmware versions may optimize performance.
Wireless Speed Testing
Next, I will conduct wireless speed testing using a self-built Speedtest server. The layout is approximately 80 square meters, with tests conducted at points A, B, and C for both upload and download speeds on the 5G band, while point C will also include a speed test on the 2.4G band, mainly for smart home usage.
PS: The speed test on the 5G band at close range can reach 1800Mbps, as previously displayed, so I won’t retest close-range speeds.
Using a computer equipped with an AX211 WiFi 6E (supporting 160MHz, 2×2 MIMO) wireless card and an iPhone 11 for testing:
The 5G band maintains channel 44 and opens 160MHz bandwidth, while the 2.4G band maintains channel 11 with an automatic bandwidth of 20/40MHz.
The test results are as follows: at point A, with one wall in between, the AX211 network card achieved a download speed of 1600Mbps and an upload speed of 1078Mbps; at the furthest point C, it still reached 900Mbps. These results are impressive, likely due to the relatively small area of my house, ensuring that the 5GHz band can easily cover medium and small-sized apartments.
As for the iPhone, it reached a speed of 120Mbps at point C, likely due to the poor wireless signal of the iPhone 11 (a long-standing issue with Apple).
At point C on the 2.4G band, the AX211 achieved about 150Mbps, while the iPhone reached around 35Mbps, with signal strength showing full bars. Thus, if you have many smart home devices, you need not worry, as 2.4G easily covers medium and small-sized apartments.
Gaming Latency Testing
Next, I will test gaming latency using an iPhone 11 for regular gaming, connected to Unicom broadband with a fiber modem (not bridged here), and the modem connected to the MT6000 WAN port.
With fewer than 20 devices connected to the router, and other devices in normal daily use without any downloads, the average latency results are as follows:
The average latency fluctuated between 22-24ms, with no network fluctuations during gaming sessions, indicating that the MT6000’s firmware optimization is quite good.
Testing gaming latency with Full Cone NAT enabled
If you want to further reduce latency, you can enable the router’s “Full Cone NAT” feature, which theoretically can significantly lower latency but may also reduce security.
Full Cone NAT can be used to reduce gaming latency, but enabling it may compromise security.
Enable this feature in the network settings – advanced settings, and then test whether latency decreases.
The test results are as follows: latency fluctuated between 19-21ms, sometimes even dropping to 16ms. After several rounds of testing, latency could be maintained around 20ms. Of course, the difference between 21ms and the 22ms without Full Cone NAT does not significantly affect gaming experience, but enabling Full Cone NAT does provide a slight improvement. Friends pursuing minimal latency may consider enabling this feature, but it does come with a security trade-off, so choose according to your needs!
This feature reduces one layer of NAT forwarding, so data exchange is faster, naturally resulting in lower latency.
Stability Testing
Currently, with about 20 devices connected to the MT6000, I conducted a network packet loss test using ATTKPING, sending 3000 ping packets to the MT6000; there was only one packet loss, and the average ping value was 1.88 milliseconds, which is a good result.
Power Consumption Testing
In a typical usage environment without connecting a hard drive, the MT6000’s power consumption hovers around 8-10 watts, thanks to the large heatsink inside; the outer casing feels merely warm to the touch.
Under high load or during speed tests, power consumption ranges from 15-19 watts, while the standard power supply is 48 watts (12V4A), so you can confidently connect external hard drives and other devices to the USB port; the 48-watt power supply is more than enough.
It’s a Router, but Can Also Be a Lightweight NAS
The GL-MT6000 features a USB 3.0 port, and as mentioned earlier, you can connect it for printer sharing, hotspot sharing, and more. Personally, I particularly like and recommend its “network storage” function, which acts as a lightweight NAS.
In the era of big data, the demand for personal data storage is enormous, as evidenced by the rapid growth of online cloud storage. However, online cloud storage can be limited by speed and privacy concerns, leading many users to consider local data storage, thus creating a demand for NAS.
Considering the cost of acquiring a proper NAS can be substantial, you can easily achieve lightweight NAS functionality with the MT3000’s USB 3.0 port by simply connecting a storage device such as a USB flash drive or external hard drive. If you have a SATA interface hard drive, you only need to use a SATA to USB hard drive enclosure.
There is no need to worry about power supply issues, as the standard 12V4A power supply can provide 48 watts of power, and the router’s usual operating power does not exceed 20 watts, leaving 24 watts to easily power a mechanical hard drive.
Then, in the router’s backend under the “network storage” function, you can see the connected hard drive. First, add a user in the user management section, then enable Samba sharing, and set the user with read/write permissions to complete SMB sharing. Additionally, DLAN and WebDAV functions are also supported; please configure as needed.
At this point, you can access your hard drive or USB drive via SMB protocol on Mac or Windows computers, making it very convenient for daily use and file access across multiple devices.
Thanks to the good speed of USB 3.0, tests show that the lightweight NAS functionality of the MT6000 can maintain read/write speeds of 100MB, which is the typical speed for gigabit NAS, thus fully sufficient for daily use, provided that the shared hard drive has good read/write speeds.
If you’re using a mobile phone, you can also use the GL.iNet App to manage network storage, allowing easy file management and uploading files from your phone.
Other Unique Features
One-Click Bypass Router Mode
Starting from firmware version 4.1, a bypass router feature has been introduced, allowing the MT6000 to be integrated into the existing network architecture without changes. By using bypass mode, you can utilize the various features and plugins of the MT6000; as long as the device traffic passes through the MT6000, it is equivalent to using a soft router.
You can easily enable and configure this in the network – bypass router section, simplifying the cumbersome steps of the native OpenWRT settings interface. However, there are two common modes for bypass routing: devices connect through the bypass router and devices select their own gateway. You can click on the settings instructions to see which method suits you.
Network Acceleration (Hardware Acceleration)
Regular soft routers have poor small packet forwarding performance, but the Filogic 830 supports hardware acceleration, which can effectively enhance packet forwarding performance. You only need to enable hardware acceleration in the network – network acceleration section; however, enabling it may affect client speed and traffic statistics as well as client speed limiting functions. If you do not use these features regularly, it is advisable to enable network acceleration for a better experience during gaming.
Parental Control
If you have children at home, you can use the built-in “parental control” feature to set the online hours for children’s devices, add blocking rules, or customize rules. This feature is very practical.
Rich Third-Party Firmware
The MT6000 runs the open-source OpenWRT system, embracing open source, which allows for rich third-party firmware options. GL officially even provides step-by-step instructions for compiling firmware. Based on past models like AX1800, AXT1800, and MT3000, they all have rich third-party firmware available. Users can also flash useful firmware shared by experts in forums. For those who prefer the official UI, you can include relevant libraries during custom compilation. I believe the MT6000 will have plenty of playability in the future.
The MT7986A (Filogic 830) is also a star chip, and you can easily find many third-party firmware options. With the 1+8G configuration, there is no need for hardware modifications or expansions; it can take off right away. I look forward to the various experiments and modifications by enthusiasts!
Final Thoughts
Through the actual tests conducted earlier, the GL-MT6000 has performed admirably, especially with the addition of dual 2.5G ports that significantly enhance the user experience, easily breaking gigabit speeds. For the next few years, 2.5G will remain mainstream, and there is no need to worry about upgrades for at least a few years. I have already replaced the MT3000 with the GL-MT6000, which provides me with 6 ports, eliminating the need for an additional switch.
Overall, the MT6000 is highly suitable for home use and geek players. For ordinary home users, there is no need to worry about being unable to master OpenWRT; GL’s custom UI is user-friendly and allows beginners to easily use soft routers and enjoy the rich extensibility that soft routers offer, with unlimited potential.
For geek players, the 1+8G base configuration, open-source OpenWRT support, customizable third-party firmware, and good performance can satisfy a long period of tinkering. It is truly an organic combination of a soft router and a hard router.
Originally priced at 799, the new product is available for only 659 during the Double Eleven sale. If you’re interested, make sure to keep an eye on it, as this price is very attractive.
That’s it for my experience with the GL-MT6000. I look forward to sharing more tinkering experiences in the future. If you enjoyed this, please like and follow! Thank you! See you in the next article.