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Portable Business Networking for Secure Travel

How To Create A Secure, Portable Business Network Anywhere

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Portable Business Networking for Secure Travel
May 11, 2024
Corey Stone
5 min read
travelnetworkingvpnadguardtailscalewireguardsmall business

Portable Business Networking with GL.iNet Slate AX

As an IT consultant working with small businesses, I know the importance of secure, reliable connectivity—especially when you're on the move. Whether you're working from a hotel, a client site, or a remote office, having your own portable, pre-configured network can be the difference between business as usual and a productivity nightmare. In this post, I'll show you how I use the GL.iNet Slate AX (GL-AXT1800) travel router.

Why This Setup?

  • Instant, familiar Wi-Fi: Your devices auto-connect to your own SSID, no matter where you are.
  • Automatic VPN (WireGuard/Tailscale): Securely connect to your office, cloud, or VPS resources the moment you plug in.
  • Network-wide Ad/Malware Filtering: AdGuard Home runs on the router, protecting every device.
  • Local DNS & Service Discovery: Run local services (media server, file shares, dev tools) and access them by name.
  • USB-C Power & Portability: Both router runs off USB-C—just one charger for your whole stack.

Featured Hardware

GL.iNet Slate AX (GL-AXT1800)

  • Wi-Fi 6, dual-band, travel-sized router
  • Runs OpenWrt 21.02 for advanced features
  • Supports OpenVPN, WireGuard, Tailscale, AdGuard Home, and more
  • USB-C powered for true portability
  • Product page & docs

Real-World Use Cases

  • Business Travel: Plug into any hotel or client ethernet, instantly get your own secure Wi-Fi, VPN, and filtered internet.
  • Remote Work: Access internal business resources, cloud apps, and local services as if you were in the office.
  • Security & Privacy: Block ads, trackers, and malware for all devices. Keep business data encrypted and private.

Step-by-Step: Building Your Portable Business Network

1. Pre-Configure Your Wi-Fi

Set up your preferred SSID and password on the Slate AX. All your devices will auto-connect, no matter where you deploy it.

1. Plug-in your Slate AX

Make sure you connect USB-C Power. Connect the supplied ethernet cable to the WAN Port on the Slate AX. Now connect the ethernet cable to the computer you are going to be using to setup your Slate AX.

2. Slate AX Initial Setup

Disable any wireless adapters before using your browser to navigate to http://192.168.8.1. Now your Slate AX should be prompting you to choose a default language.
(You might also be asked to update. I recommend you proceed with the update and return to this step when its complete).

3. Admin Account Setup

You'll be asked to set a password for the default admin account on the device. I recommend you use something unique and complex and record it in a password manager of some kind. This password will allow admin access to the device and should be kept secure.

4. Modifying Wi-Fi Configuration

From the main dashboard if you click Wireless in the main navigation menu on the left you'll see its configuration appear. You'll notice there are two different Wi-Fi setting available and I recommend unless you need it that you disable to 2.4GHz Wi-Fi Network. Once you've done that clicking the Modify button under the 5GHz settings will allow you to change the SSID or name of the network and the password to the network. This is a great time to record this information for later use.

2. Set Up Automatic VPN (WireGuard/Tailscale)

  • WireGuard: Import your config or use the built-in wizard to connect to your office or VPS. WireGuard setup guide
  • Tailscale: Install the Tailscale plugin for instant mesh VPN and device discovery.
  • Configure the router to auto-connect on boot for seamless security.

3. Enable AdGuard Home for Network-Wide Filtering

  • One-click install from the router's web UI.
  • All devices get ad/malware blocking and local DNS.
  • Customize DNS for local services (e.g., media.lan, files.lan).

4. Power Everything with USB-C

  • Both the router and MeLE mini PC use USB-C power—run both from a single high-wattage charger or power bank.
  • No more hunting for proprietary adapters or extra cables.

5. Deploy Your Portable Server Stack

  • Install Ubuntu on the MeLE mini PC.
  • Use Docker Compose to run your business apps, media server, or dev tools.
  • Connect the mini PC to the router's LAN port for a private, high-speed link.

6. Plug In Anywhere, Get to Work

  • At a hotel, client site, or coworking space: plug the router into ethernet or use Wi-Fi repeater mode.
  • Your devices connect to your own Wi-Fi, with VPN and filtering active.
  • Access your business resources, and the internet securely and reliably.

Solving Real Business & Security Problems

  • No more captive portal headaches: Your router handles hotel logins, your devices never see them.
  • Consistent, secure access: Your business resources are always a VPN away, no matter the network.
  • Privacy & compliance: Network-wide ad/malware filtering and encrypted tunnels protect sensitive data.
  • Ultimate portability: USB-C power means you can run your whole stack from a single charger or even a power bank.

Conclusion

For small business professionals, consultants, and anyone who needs secure, reliable connectivity on the go, this setup is a game-changer. The GL.iNet Slate AX lets you bring your office—and your security—with you, wherever you travel. It's a simple, effective way to solve everyday business and security challenges, drive productivity, and keep your data safe.

Want help setting up your own portable business network? Reach out for a consultation—let's make your next trip seamless and secure!

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