GL-INET GL-AR150 Mini Router User Manual

: June 13, 2024
: GL iNet

Table of Contents

GL-INET GL-AR150 Mini Router
Product Information
Product Usage Instructions
Versions & Specifications
Product Info
First-time Settings
Internet Settings
DIY Guidance
Switch Button
Support
- Technical Supports & General Enquiry
Documents / Resources

GL-INET GL-AR150 Mini Router

Product Information

The GL-AR150 is a mini router available in two versions: the internal antenna version and the external antenna version (GL-AR150-Ext).
The internal antenna version should not be used with any external antennas, while the external antenna version requires the antenna to be attached before connecting to the power supply. It is important to always keep the antenna connected to avoid damaging the internal radio of the router.
The package contents include the router itself. To restore the router to factory settings and clear all user data, press and hold the router for 10 seconds, then release it.
When powered up, the mini router will broadcast a Wi-Fi signal with the SSID: GL-XXXXX-xxx. To set up the router, open a browser and visit http://192.168.8.1.
Choose your preferred language to begin the setup process.
After setting up the mini router, you will see the main web interface. In the Internet Settings section, click the New Connection button to configure your connection method.
There are four types of connection methods available: Cable, Repeater, 3G modem, and Tethering.
The default protocol is DHCP, but you can change it to Static if your network requires a static setting.
If you choose Repeater mode, you can connect your mini router to another existing wireless network, such as Wi-Fi in hotels or public locations. The mini router will automatically search for SSIDs. Select an SSID and input the Wi-Fi password. Ensure that your existing Wi-Fi network supports WDS (Wireless Distribution System) if you plan to use the Repeater mode.
To manage saved networks or disable the repeater manager, go to the Internet status page and click on Saved Stations. From there, you can delete or choose a network from the list to connect.
If you are using a modem, you need to choose your Region and Service Provider. The carrier settings should be filled automatically, but if they are incorrect, you may need to input them manually. Some modems work in Tethering (hostless) mode, which allows you to share the network from your smartphone or hostless modem to the mini router using a USB cable. Plug your phone into the mini router, click Trust when prompted on your smartphone, and turn on your phone’s Personal Hotspot. Choose your phone from the device list and submit your choice. A newly added phone will be named beginning with “eth”.
The router also supports the OpenVPN client, but using it will slow down your Internet speed due to data encryption. To configure
OpenVPN, click the OpenVPN icon and go to the VPN settings page. You will be prompted to upload your OpenVPN client configuration files (OVPN files). These files can usually be downloaded from your OpenVPN service provider’s website or console. For more details, consult your service provider.
To upload the OpenVPN client configuration files, click on “Click here to select files or drag and drop them here” and choose the appropriate files (.ovpn, .zip, .tar, .gz).

Product Usage Instructions

Choose the appropriate version of the mini router (internal antenna or external antenna) based on your needs.
If using the external antenna version, attach the antenna before connecting the router to the power supply.
Do not use any external antennas with the internal antenna version.
Ensure the antenna is always connected to avoid damaging the internal radio of the router.
To restore the router to factory settings and clear all user data, press and hold the router for 10 seconds, then release it.
When powered up, the mini router will broadcast a Wi-Fi signal with the SSID: GL-XXXXX-xxx.
Open a browser and visit http://192.168.8.1 to access the router’s web interface for setup.
Choose your preferred language to begin the setup process.
In the Internet Settings section, click the New Connection button to configure your connection method.
Choose the appropriate connection method based on your network setup: Cable, Repeater, 3G modem, or Tethering.
If using Repeater mode, select an SSID and input the Wi-Fi password of the existing network you want to connect to.
Ensure your existing Wi-Fi network supports WDS if using Repeater mode.
To manage saved networks or disable the repeater manager, go to the Internet status page and click on Saved Stations.
Choose your Region and Service Provider if using a modem.
If necessary, input the correct carrier settings manually.
If using Tethering mode, connect your smartphone or hostess modem to the mini router using a USB cable.
On your smartphone, click Trust when prompted and turn on Personal Hotspot.
Choose your phone from the device list on the mini router and submit your choice.
The router also supports the OpenVPN client. Click the OpenVPN icon and go to the VPN settings page to configure it.
Upload your OpenVPN client configuration files (OVPN files) by clicking on “Click here to select files or drag and drop them here”.

Versions & Specifications

GL-AR150
- (Internal Antenna Version)
GL-AR150-Ext
- (External Antenna Version)
- Do NOT use any external antennas.
- Do NOT use without the antenna.
- Attach the antenna before connecting to the power supply.
- Always keep the antenna connected.
- Failure to follow the above instructions may damage the internal radio of your router.
CPU: Atheros 9331 CPU, @400MHz
Memory / Storage: DDR2 64MB / FLASH 16MB
Frequency: 2.4GHz
Transmission Rate: 150Mbps
Max Tx Power: 18dBm
Protocol : 802.11 b/g/n
WAN / LAN: 10 / 100 Mbps
Power Input: 5V/1A
Power Consumption: < 1.5W
Dimension / Weight: 58 x 58 x 25 mm / 39g
GPIO Count: 4
Working Temperature: 0 – 45°C (32 – 113°F)

Product Info

Package Contents

Router
Instructions
Micro USB power wire
The USB power adapter is sold separately

Repair/Restore

Press and hold for 3 seconds then release, and your network will be repaired. Do this if you cannot connect to the router.
Press and hold for 10 seconds then release, and the router will be restored to factory settings. All user data will be cleared.

First-time Settings

Plug-in power & Internet cable
- When powered up, your mini router will broadcast
- Wi-Fi signal with the SSID: GL-XXXXX-xxx.
Connect via Wi-Fi
- The default Wi-Fi password is Good Life, and it is also printed on the bottom of the mini router.
- Plug the cable connecting your computer into LAN
- Search the SSID and connect to it
- The default password is Good Life.
Set up the mini router
- Visit http://192.168.8.1 in your browser to set up your router; start by choosing your preferred language.
- Access the above address using your browser

Internet Settings

After you have set up your mini router, you will see the main web interface.
Find the Internet Settings icon. then click the New Connection button. The Internet Settings window will pop up showing four types of connection methods: Cable, Repeater, 3G modem, and Tethering.

A Cable (WAN)

DHCP/Static

The default protocol is DHCP. If your network needs a static setting, you can change it to Static.

PPPOE

Change to PPPoE protocol when you need to apply the username and password provided by your Internet service provider.

B Repeater

Using Repeater means connecting your mini router to another existing wireless network, e.g. when you are using Wi-Fi in hotels or other public locations.
Choose Repeater mode in your Internet Settings and the mini router will automatically search for SSIDs. Choose an SSID and input the Wi-Fi password.

Mode

If you want your router to have its own subnet, you need to choose WISP mode. If you want to extend your existing network by bridging the mini router and your current router wirelessly, you can use WDS.
Make sure your existing Wi-Fi network supports WDS. Use WDS only if you are knowledgeable about this mode.

Saved Networks

The repeater manager will work once you set up a repeater and it will automatically connect to your available networks.
To disable the repeater manager, uncheck the box Auto scan & reconnect on the Internet status page.
You can manage your saved networks by clicking Saved Stations.
Delete or choose one from the list to connect.

D Tethering

Using the USB cable to share the network from your smartphone or hostess modem to the mini router is called Tethering.
Plug your phone into the mini router and click Trust to continue when the message pops up on your smartphone. Then turn on your phone’s Personal Hotspot. Choose your phone from the device list and submit your choice.
A newly added phone will be named beginning with eth.

OpenVPN Client

This router supports OpenVPN clients. Using OpenVPN will slow down your Internet speed because of data encryption.
Click the OpenVPN icon and go to the VPN settings page. The first time it will ask you to upload your OpenVPN client configuration (OVPN files). Usually, you can download it from your OpenVPN service provider’s website or console. Consult your service provider for more details.

Upload OpenVPN configurations

Click here to select files or drag and drop them here: .ovpn .zip .tar.gz
After uploading the OVPN files, the router will check them. If you are prompted for a username and password, or a private key passphrase, or both, a window for VPN Authentication will pop up so that you can Submit this information for all files you upload.
This may not be necessary for some service providers.

connect to OpenVPN

Now you can choose from a list of configurations and apply your choice to connect as an OpenVPN client.
To protect against DNS leaks, you must customize your DNS servers. You can enable Force all clients to override the DNS server settings for your client devices. To customize your DNS server, go to Internet Settings > Custom DNS
To get more detailed instructions or information about compatible VPN service providers, please visit http://gl-inet.com/docs/

DIY Guidance

OpenWrt Firmware

Our firmware is developed based on OpenWrt and you can download all the firmwares from our website: www.gl-inet.com/firmware.
Find the available firmwares from the folder according to your device model, and they are located in different sub-folders:
v1 folder contains release versions. It should be the default firmware shipped with the router.
clean folder contains clean versions of OpenWit firmware, with Luci software only. By default, Wi-Fi is disabled and you need to enable it in Luci.
tor folder contains Tor firmware for the device.

DDWRT Firmware

GL-AR150 has official DDWRT firmware which you can download from the DDWRT website. DDWRT firmware is not available for other GL models. For further information, please visit https://www.dd-wrt.com

Tor Firmware

Each model has its own Tor firmware which you need to flash to the router. It is quite easy and you can refer to our online tutorial at www.gl-inet.com/docs/openwrt/tor/

Compile Your Own Firmware

If you have sufficient technical skills, you can compile your own firmware and flash to the router. Please refer to our online docs at github.com/domino-team/openwrt-cc

Uboot Failsafe

If you flash the wrong firmware, you will brick your router. But you still can recover it by using the boot failsafe. Please refer to the guide at www.gl-inet.com/docs/diy/uboot/
Using the above DIY features might have a risk of bricking your router. We have no obligation to provide support, maintenance, upgrades, modifications, or new releases on DIY features. We reserve the right to interpretation the above DIY contents without further announcement.

Switch Button

By default, the switch button has no function.
You need to enable the above functions manually on the web interface (Available in our firmware v2.26 +).

Support

Warranty

Each router has a one-year warranty. Accessories have a three-month warranty.
Please use standard USB power adapter, 5V/1A.
Any damage to the router caused by not following the instructions will render this warranty null and void.
Any damage to the router caused by modifying the PCB, components, or case will render this warranty null and void.
Issues caused by the use of third-party firmware may not get official support from us.
Any damage to the router caused by inappropriate use, e.g. inappropriate voltage input, high temperature, dropping in the water, or on the ground will render this warranty null and void.
Pictures on the instructions are only for reference. We reserve the right to change or modify these materials without further notice.

Technical Supports & General Enquiry

For more detailed and updated instructions, please visit our website www.gl-inet.com/docs.
For further questions, you can get help in the following ways: