Works with ThingSIM
GL.iNet Routers and Gateways: SIM Setup Guide
GL.iNet's cellular routers run OpenWrt with a simple admin panel, and turn up in vans, event kit and remote cabinets. A ThingSIM connects once its APN is set in the cellular settings, and roams across the Irish networks.
Last updated
Setting up a ThingSIM in the GL.iNet admin panel
The APN goes in INTERNET → Cellular → Details & Configuration → Network Settings. Copy it from the SIM's page in the ThingSIM portal; there is no username or password.
- Activate the SIM in the ThingSIM portal, then insert it.
- Log in to the admin panel, go to INTERNET → Cellular and click Details & Configuration.
- In Network Settings enter the APN from the portal and set authentication to NONE, with no username or password.
- Leave International Data Roaming on, which is the default. A ThingSIM always connects as a roaming SIM.
- Apply, then check the Cellular panel shows the carrier, signal and band.
Two SIMs for failover
Two-SIM models such as the Spitz AX use one SIM at a time. Under SIM Failover → Auto Switch, drag the SIMs into priority order; the router switches when the priority SIM reaches its data cap or cannot connect.
Checking it works
The INTERNET → Cellular panel shows carrier, signal, band and data used.
More help
APN settings, signal but no data and setting up a 4G router.
GL.iNet models that work with ThingSIM
Every model below takes a standard SIM or eSIM and works with ThingSIM. Older models no longer sold are marked; plenty are still in service and work the same way.
Office routers
Works with ThingSIM
Works with ThingSIM
GL-X2000 (Spitz Plus)
4G LTE Cat 12 · 2 SIM slots Wi-Fi 6 4G router for home/office backup.mobile hotspots
Works with ThingSIM
GL-XE3000 (Puli AX)
5G NR / 4G LTE · 1 × size unconfirmed Battery-powered Wi-Fi 6 5G router for travel and site work.
Works with ThingSIM
GL-XE300 (Puli)
4G LTE Cat 4 · 1 × size unconfirmed Portable 4G IoT gateway with 5000 mAh battery.
Works with ThingSIM
GL-E750V2 (Mudi V2)
4G LTE · 1 × size unconfirmed Pocket 4G VPN travel router.
Works with ThingSIM
GL-E5800 (Mudi 7)
5G NR / 4G LTE Cat 20 · 2 × dual SIM dual standby 5G Wi-Fi 7 travel router with battery.IoT gateways
Works with ThingSIM
GL-X300B (Collie)
4G LTE Cat 4 · 1 × size unconfirmed Industrial 4G gateway (RS485/BLE/GPS variants).
Works with ThingSIM
GL-M2
5G NR · 1 × nano Nano SIM 5G development board for custom builds.Questions people ask
Does a ThingSIM work in a GL.iNet Spitz AX?
Yes. In the admin panel set the APN from the portal for the SIM, allow roaming and the router connects on the strongest of Vodafone, Three and eir.
How much data will a GL.iNet router use?
It depends on what is behind it. Cameras and sensors fit in 1 GB or 5 GB a month; laptops streaming video need far more than ThingSIM's largest plan.
A good place to start
Ireland multi-network, 5 GB a month
Roams across Vodafone, Three and eir and uses whichever is strongest where the device is.
About this plan5 GB
Ireland multi-network
€8.99a month per active SIM, ex VAT
Order 5 GBSetup Guides
All guides
Activating, pausing and moving SIMs
Use the ThingSIM portal to activate an IoT SIM at installation, pause or cease it, move a physical SIM to another device and change its plan.
APN settings: how to set up the APN on a device
Find the APN for your ThingSIM IoT SIM and enter it in a router, camera or tracker, then check that mobile data is working.
Improving 4G signal for a fixed device
Compare positions, check the enclosure and test antenna options before mounting a fixed 4G device, from rural sites in the West to the border counties.
Setting up a 4G router with a data SIM
Install a 4G router SIM in a compatible router, enter the APN, choose a data allowance and test the mobile broadband connection where it will run.