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Working remotely or from your own space sounds dreamy until you actually start thinking about what you need to make everything go smoothly. Throw regular travel into the mix, which I do a lot of, and things get even more complicated. When I’m at my studio, I have reliable WiFi and access to all the devices I need. But when I’m away, I can’t risk relying on whatever hardware I may find in hotels.
In this new era of digital nomadism, flexible working, and bedroom-based businesses, the gear you carry makes all the difference. Enter GL.iNet’s Slate 7 and Comet PoE: two devices that promise to not only boost your connection but fundamentally change how you control, power, and manage your devices, even if you’re thousands of miles away.
I’ve been trying both out to see how they could benefit people like me and, seeing as they both remain in my studio at the time of writing, I’d say they’ve done a pretty good job. Let’s see what they can do.
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Slate 7: A travel router that sounds the same
Let’s start with the Slate 7. It’s a portable WiFi 7 router and yes, if you didn’t know those were a thing, well now you do. I’ve never really dabbled in this world but after using the Slate 7, I can understand why it exists after years of fighting terrible hotel or conference hall WiFi.
The Slate 7 is compact so it fits in a backpack with ease and feels premium in its design. But where it really impresses is under the hood. Dual 2.5G Ethernet ports. WiFi speeds up to 3600Mbps. A responsive touchscreen interface. Built-in support for over 30 VPN providers. This isn’t just for travel, it’s a serious, secure network hub that you can take anywhere.
It’s highly convenient because it is powered by USB-C, meaning it can just be tethered to your laptop if need be, and it handles all my devices via a secure VPN tunnel. Whenever I’ve used the Slate 7 on the move, streaming video has been flawless, calls have been crisp and I’ve been able to share it with friends easily thanks to the QR code.
The Touchscreen Advantage
The Slate 7’s touchscreen might seem like a gimmick, but it’s surprisingly useful. You can toggle VPNs, scan QR codes to connect, and even check your bandwidth usage, all without logging into a web interface. It’s a smart addition that makes network management way easier than a normal router.
This becomes even more valuable when you’re working off-grid or setting up networks in environments where lugging a laptop out isn’t ideal.
The Comet PoE: Remote Access, But Smarter
If the Slate 7 is about staying connected, the Comet PoE is about staying in control. It’s a remote KVM device that gives you browser-based, BIOS-level access to your devices, no software required.
If you don’t know what a remote KVM device is, then it basically allows you to connect to a device without you physically being there. Need to access a file on a PC whilst you’re away? Then a remote KVM can help you do that.
Let that sink in for a second.
With Comet PoE, you don’t just remote into a desktop environment, you can access and control a computer even if it’s crashed, stuck in BIOS, or doesn’t have an operating system installed. This is possible because Comet PoE is a hardware solution, not software-based like TeamViewer or Chrome Remote Desktop. You get true out-of-band access through your browser, thanks to its built-in H.264 encoder and support for 4K@30FPS streaming.
One Cable Setup
Comet PoE supports both Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) and Type-C power delivery, which means you can deploy it with a single Ethernet cable so data and power are handled together. This is perfect for industrial, server rack, or studio setups where cable clutter is a nuisance (my biggest pet peeve) and reliable power is critical.
It’s the kind of flexibility you appreciate immediately when you need to reboot a workstation from across the world and don’t fancy trying to get hold of someone just to press a button.
Remote Control Without Limitations
Here’s where Comet PoE truly sets itself apart. You log in from any browser and are greeted with a crisp 4K interface. You can move your mouse, type commands, and even boot into BIOS. Need to install a new OS remotely? No problem, the 32GB onboard storage can hold multiple ISO images, and the crash-proof file transfer handles offline devices.
There’s also two-way audio. So if you’re managing something like a remote call centre setup or want to check in on a media server with a mic/speaker attached, you can literally hear what’s happening and respond in real time. It’s incredible what this thing can unlock for you and something I had never considered before.
Built-in Tailscale with Lifetime Access
With GL.iNet, you also get access to its cloud VPN service with no logins or app, plus seamless Tailscale integration. For the uninitiated, Tailscale is a modern mesh VPN that connects your devices securely and effortlessly, even across restrictive networks.
It’s all activated with a single click with no port forwarding, no subscription fees, and crucially, no installing software on the controlled devices. It’s remarkably simple and the end result is encrypted, enterprise-grade remote access when and where you need it.
For Creators, Developers, and IT Minimalists
This combo isn’t just for sysadmins (and no, I don’t really know what one of those is either). It’s ideal for creators managing remote storage servers, developers working with headless machines, and even digital nomads wanting full control over their gear. I fit partially into the first and last categories and absolutely see the benefits of having both of these devices.
Comet PoE allows for zero-downtime interventions on machines that would otherwise be inaccessible. And when paired with the Slate 7’s stable, high-speed VPN-ready internet, you’ve got a reliable command centre from anywhere.
The Comet PoE especially is one of those devices you never think you need until you run into a very annoying moment when you do and you’re left stuck. So that’s why it is sticking around my setup. I do not want to be caught out when there are crucial production pipelines at risk.
The Bottom Line
Are the GL.iNet Slate 7 and Comet PoE the best remote working WiFi setup?
If you’re someone who works on the road, juggles multiple devices, or needs reliable, software-free remote access to gear you can’t always physically reach, then yes. Absolutely.
They’re not the cheapest tools in the box, but their functionality is unmatched making them totally worth it. Together, they offer one of the most complete, portable, and forward-thinking network setups I’ve used.
This is the kind of stuff that just makes your life easier. And isn’t that what good tech is supposed to do?
This article is supported by GL.iNet
