Hi everyone,
I’m working with a GL.iNet GL-SFT1200 Opal AC1200 router in a rather unusual situation. My goal is simple: I want to create a local network where my phone can communicate with smart devices like Google Chromecast or a Xiaomi FHD TV stick, without relying on external networks. Think smart lights, sensors, etc. — all controlled via local apps.
The challenge? I’m currently at a clinic where I only have access to their WiFi network — no Ethernet, no control over the infrastructure. And that’s where the adventure began...
What I wanted to achieve:
- Use the Opal as a local hub for my phone and smart devices
- Connect to the clinic WiFi for internet access
- Optionally use VPN for privacy and stability (secondary goal)
What I tried:
1. VPN setup
- Uploaded a ProtonVPN .ovpn file via OpenVPN Client
- VPN status shows “Connected”
2. WiFi connection via Extender Mode
- Switched to Extender Mode to scan and connect to clinic WiFi
- Then switched back to Router Mode and started VPN
3. No internet access
- VPN appears active, but no internet
- IP doesn’t change, websites don’t load
- Tried manual DNS, disabled “Block Non-VPN Traffic”
- Rebooted router multiple times
Analysis:
- In Router Mode, the Opal loses WiFi connectivity after switching from Extender Mode
- No Scan button available in Router Mode to reconnect
- Multi-WAN shows WiFi as an option, but it’s not actively used
- VPN was a workaround attempt, but the real issue is no WAN source via WiFi
Likely cause:
I suspect the clinic WiFi is a guest network with strict limitations:
- MAC filtering or captive portal
- No DHCP assignment
- VPN traffic blocked
- Router doesn’t receive gateway or IP via WiFi
Why this matters:
My original goal wasn’t VPN or internet — it was a stable local network where my phone could control Xiaomi devices. Without internet, some apps won’t even launch. Without local connectivity, Chromecast and Xiaomi can’t “see” each other.
My questions:
- How can I make the Opal use WiFi as WAN in Router Mode — without Ethernet?
- Is there a way to maintain a local network even without internet?
- Are there settings to guarantee local communication between phone and devices?
- Is there a mode where the router works locally only, but still connects to WiFi for updates?
- Are there VPN alternatives that work better in restricted networks?
Extra observation: Missing “Scan” button in Router Mode
The Scan button to detect WiFi networks is only available in Extender Mode, not in Router Mode. According to GL.iNet documentation and forum discussions, this is intentional:
- Router Mode assumes internet via Ethernet
- Scan is part of Extender/Repeater Mode only
- In Router Mode, you must manually enter SSID and password — which often fails
For users relying solely on WiFi (like in clinics or hotels), this feels like a major limitation.
Was the Opal the right choice?
Fair question. The Opal is marketed as a travel router, but it expects Ethernet for WAN — which is rarely available in public places. For setups like mine, models like the Beryl AX (GL-MT3000) or Slate Plus (GL-A1300) offer:
- Better WAN flexibility (WiFi, Ethernet, USB tethering)
- Scan functionality in all modes
- Faster VPN speeds
- More stable firmware and OpenWRT support
Lessons Learned:
- Not all travel routers are truly mobile — the Opal expects Ethernet, not just WiFi
- Router Mode has limitations when using WiFi as WAN
- Clinic WiFi is likely a guest network with client isolation and VPN blocks
- Workarounds exist — like using another router (e.g. TL-WR902AC) to bridge WiFi to Ethernet
- Beryl AX and Slate Plus are better suited for WiFi-only environments
Setup details:
- Model: GL-SFT1200 / Opal AC1200
- Firmware: Latest
- Network mode: Router → temporarily Extender → back to Router
- VPN: OpenVPN via ProtonVPN (.ovpn manually uploaded)
- Internet source: Clinic WiFi (SSID known, password correct)
- No Ethernet available
Thanks for reading — I know it’s a long post, but I wanted to explain it clearly. Any tips or insights are welcome!
Cheers,
Marius (Netherlands)
