Hi there, I want to share this review about one of the best network devices out there, it comes from GL.iNet, a top tech company who offer unique network devices. Previously, I’ve reviewed a smart/travel/mini router from them. Now they have a brand-new product called: “Brume 2” they describe it as a: “Security Gateway for Remote Access … for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises”. For me, that a big: “What?”. So, I have one of those in my hands and I’m ready to do some tests. This review will cover main features and functionalities.
Let’s start by describing some specs and features, according to Amazon’s GL.iNet official store, Brume 2 GL-MT2500/GL-MT2500A is:
Main Features
- Compatible with 30+ VPN service providers – Pre-installed with OpenVPN and WireGuard. OpenVPN speeds up to 150 Mbps; WireGuard speeds up to 355 Mbps. ***NO Wi-Fi function***
- Full Protection for Your Network – Cloudflare encryption supported to protect the privacy. IPv6 security protocol supported. (To enable IPv6 function, please access to Admin Panel -> NETWORK -> IPv6.)
- Support VPN Cascading – Allow VPN server and VPN client operate simultaneously, enabling user to access local network servers with accessing public internet as a VPN client in the meantime.
- Ideal Gateway for Hosting a VPN Server at Home or Office – Access sensitive information stored under a corporate private network or access local files and bypass geo-blocking securely while working remotely.
- Advanced Hardware Specification – Equipped with 2.5 gigabit WAN port, 1 gigabit LAN port with USB 3.0 port, as well as 8 GByte EMMC (embedded multimedia card) storage for offline data storage.
Brume 2 Official Specs:
- Interfaces: 1 x WAN Ethernet port | 1 x LAN Ethernet port | 1 x Reset button | 1 x Type-C power port | 1 x USB 3.0 port.
- CPU: MediaTek MT7981B Dual-core @1.3GHz.
- Memory: DDR4 1GB | EMMC 8GB Storage.
- Ethernet Speed: WAN Port 10/100/1000/2500Mbps | LAN Port 10/100/1000 Mbps.
- Power Input: 5V/2A Type-C.
- Power Consumption: <2.6W.
- Operating Temperature: 0 ~ 40°C (32 ~ 104°F).
- Storage Temperature: -20 ~ 70°C (-4 ~ 158°F).
- Dimension/Weight: GL-MT2500: 70 x 70 x 22 mm / 60g, | GL-MT2500A: 70 x 70 x 22 mm / 157g.
Things to Consider
Despite that GL.iNet is known for unique Wi-Fi routers/solutions, Brume 2 doesn’t have Wi-Fi interfaces, it can be managed only through the LAN interface. In the other hand, that LAN interface supports 1 Gbps and the WLAN interface supports 2.5 Gbps as max network speed and that’s just impressive. Brume 2 is dedicated to set up unique network security features at ultra-fast speeds and if you know what this means, you will understand why it doesn’t have Wi-Fi interfaces.
Brume 2 Firmware
I must say that GL.iNet is one of a few tech companies that regularly upgrade their custom firmwares to fix issues and vulnerabilities. They release firmware updates every 2 to 3 months and that’s impressive. There is a genuine effort to maintain its devices up-to-date, improve security, performance and even add new features and functionalities. Brume 2 firmware is based on OpenWrt 21.02 which is quite recent, according to OpenWrt Github the last release was on May, 2023. If you’re familiar with GL.iNet devices, they include an easy-to-manage web admin panel where you can set up the device with a few clicks. Personal note: I now see that they added a resource usage section, which is quite useful. I’ve taken a few screenshots from the current web admin panel:
Personal Opinion
It is just amazing how GL.iNet had grown, they start business quite ago with basic Wi-Fi routers and now offer enterprise network solutions with solid security features at ultra-fast speeds. A good example of this is Brume 2, a device dedicated to network security with VPN encryption and the fact this device is able to serve as VPN server and client at the same time plus the support for VPN cascading is just impressive, and all this is running on a 70 x 70 x 22 mm board. This is simply amazing. I don’t see any major router brands offer this, not even close on functionalities and prices. So, if you want to build a secure network for your home/office with Gigabit speeds, Brume 2 is the right choice. Lastly, I highly recommend the aluminum case version, since the case actually serve as passive heatsink, keep that in mind.
