New Gl.iNet Mudi 7 INSANE Travel Router Revealed

Gl.iNet is using day 1 of CES 2026 to spotlight the Mudi 7 travel router, with 2 listed variants: GL-E5800NA and GL-E5800EU. While the company is now formally presenting the device at the show and directing attention to its travel-focused positioning, it still has not published pricing or a confirmed retail release date in the materials available today. That leaves the Mudi 7’s market placement and availability timeline unresolved, even as the hardware is being discussed publicly at CES. Alongside the CES reveal, Gl.iNet has shared a full specification sheet that clarifies the Mudi 7’s core platform and feature set. It is based on a Qualcomm quad-core 2.2GHz design with 2GB LPDDR4X and 8GB eMMC, and it combines 5G NR with tri-band Wi-Fi 7-class networking, dual SIM dual standby plus eSIM, and a built-in touchscreen for on-device management. I previously saw an early prototype during a visit to Gl.iNet’s Shenzhen offices in October 2025, and the CES-era specification release fills in the internal details that were not available at the time, making it easier to assess what Gl.iNet intends to ship in the NA and EU variants.

 

With the full specifications now available, the Mudi 7 is confirmed as a compact, battery-powered travel router measuring 157 x 75 x 22.8mm and weighing 300g. That footprint places it closer to a portable hotspot than a small desktop router, with enough thickness to accommodate a touchscreen, battery, and internal antennas.

Gl.iNet lists a 2.8-inch touchscreen as the primary on-device interface. In practical terms, this design choice supports situations where you need to check status or adjust basic settings without relying on a separate phone or laptop, which can be useful when moving between locations or sharing access with other devices.

Power is handled through a built-in 3.85V, 5380mAh battery rated at 20.72Wh, and charging is specified as USB PD/PPS from 5V to 12V with up to 30W input. Gl.iNet also lists power consumption below 30W, which provides a ceiling for expected draw under load, though real battery life will still depend on cellular conditions, connected devices, and the mix of Wi-Fi and wired usage.

Gl.iNet Mudi 7 Router – Connectivity

Cellular is the main uplink option on the Mudi 7, with support listed for 5G NR in both NSA and SA modes. For fallback coverage, it also supports 4G LTE with Cat 20 download capability, which becomes relevant when 5G coverage is weak, when indoor signal conditions push the modem back to LTE, or when a roaming profile limits access to certain 5G services. Gl.iNet still has not published a band list in the specifications you shared, so region-by-region compatibility will depend on the exact supported bands of the NA and EU variants.

For SIM management, the router is specified with dual SIM dual standby and built-in eSIM support. In day-to-day use, that combination is intended to simplify switching between carriers, maintaining a backup line, or separating plans for different regions without having to physically swap cards as often. What remains unclear is how Gl.iNet handles priority rules, failover behavior, and eSIM provisioning in its interface, including whether switching can be automated based on signal or data limits.

On the local network side, the Mudi 7 supports 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax/be across 2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 6GHz. The published maximum Wi-Fi rates are 688Mbps on 2.4GHz, 2882Mbps on 5GHz, and 5764Mbps on 6GHz, which sets expectations for its theoretical peak throughput rather than typical sustained performance. Antenna information is also listed, including 2 internal Wi-Fi antennas covering 2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 6GHz, plus 6 internal cellular antennas for LTE and 5G NR, indicating an emphasis on maintaining link quality in variable travel environments.

For wired and tethered connectivity, the router includes a single WAN/LAN Ethernet port rated at 100/1000/2500Mbps, allowing it to slot into networks that offer faster-than-gigabit service while keeping the option for a basic wired LAN connection. It also lists 1 USB 3.1 port, which can be relevant for tethering or attaching compatible peripherals depending on firmware support, but Gl.iNet has not detailed the exact supported use cases yet. External antennas are supported for cellular via 2 TS-9 ports, while external Wi-Fi antenna support is not specified in the sheet, suggesting any range extension is primarily aimed at improving cellular reception.

Gl.iNet Mudi 7 Router – Internal Hardware

The Mudi 7 is based on a Qualcomm platform, listed with a quad-core CPU clocked at 2.2GHz. Gl.iNet does not specify the exact chipset model in the specification sheet, so it is not yet possible to compare its CPU class directly against other travel routers using named Snapdragon or IPQ-series parts. Even so, the stated clock speed and multi-core layout indicate it is designed to handle routing, Wi-Fi management, and cellular tasks concurrently rather than relying on a lower-power single-core design.

Memory is specified as 2GB of LPDDR4X. That capacity is typically relevant for sustaining multiple client connections, running VPN tunnels, and keeping the management interface responsive while traffic is flowing. In practice, how far 2GB goes will depend on the software stack, the number of enabled services, and whether features like traffic monitoring or advanced firewall rules are running continuously.

For onboard storage, the Mudi 7 includes 8GB of eMMC flash. This is generally used for the operating system image, configuration data, and any built-in packages or logs, though Gl.iNet has not detailed how much of that space is reserved versus user-accessible. The specification also does not clarify whether there is any storage expansion path, or how storage is managed over time for items like VPN profiles, connection history, and accumulated logs.

Gl.iNet Mudi 7 Router – Conclusion

On January 6, 2026, the opening day of CES 2026, Gl.iNet is drawing attention to the Mudi 7 as its next travel router, listed in 2 variants: GL-E5800NA and GL-E5800EU. The published specification sheet outlines a Qualcomm quad-core 2.2GHz platform with 2GB LPDDR4X and 8GB eMMC, paired with 5G NR (NSA and SA) and tri-band Wi-Fi across 2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 6GHz. The physical and power details are also clear at this stage. Gl.iNet lists the Mudi 7 at 157 x 75 x 22.8mm and 300g, with a 3.85V 5380mAh battery rated at 20.72Wh and USB PD/PPS input up to 30W. Interfaces include a single WAN/LAN Ethernet port rated up to 2500Mbps, 1 USB 3.1 port, and 2 TS-9 ports for external cellular antennas, while a 2.8-inch touchscreen is positioned as a central part of on-device control.

Even with those specifications confirmed, several practical release details remain open on day 1. Gl.iNet has not published pricing, a retail availability date, or a cellular band list for each regional variant, which will determine how well the NA and EU models align with specific carriers and travel use cases. The company has also not provided a complete, Mudi 7-specific breakdown of firmware features and long-term software support, leaving the final day-to-day picture dependent on what is shown during CES and what ships in the retail firmware.

 

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WiFi 8… is a THING! The Asus ROG NeoCore WiFi 8 Router

Yep, there is barely any dust on your WiFi 7 devices, and yet now the road is being paved towards the 8th generation of Wi-Fi. WiFi 8 refers to the upcoming IEEE 802.11bn generation, where the stated emphasis is improving reliability in difficult real-world conditions such as congestion, interference from neighboring networks, mobility between access points, and performance at the edges of coverage, rather than raising peak theoretical link rates. At CES 2026, ASUS presented the ROG NeoCore as a WiFi 8 concept router and used it to frame WiFi 8 as a shift toward more predictable everyday behavior, including steadier mid-range throughput, more dependable low power device connectivity, and reduced tail latency. ASUS also characterized the current stage as prototype and draft development, meaning performance figures and feature behavior should be treated as preliminary and dependent on implementation and environment.

What is WiFi 8?

WiFi 8 is the next planned generation of WiFi under IEEE 802.11bn, positioned around “Ultra High Reliability” rather than a primary focus on raising maximum theoretical data rates. The intent is to make wireless performance more predictable in the conditions that typically cause instability, including long distances from the access point, heavy contention from many simultaneous devices, and interference from overlapping networks in dense housing or office environments.

A key theme associated with WiFi 8 is increased coordination across access points and connected clients. Instead of treating each access point as an isolated transmitter competing for airtime, WiFi 8 is described as enabling access points to cooperate more directly on scheduling and interference management. In practical terms, this is meant to reduce latency spikes, improve consistency when multiple devices are active at the same time, and reduce disruptions during roaming events as clients move between access points.

WiFi 8 is also discussed as addressing weaknesses that show up with low power or edge devices, where the uplink from device to router is often the limiting factor for stability. By improving how devices use available spectrum and how the network allocates airtime, WiFi 8 is framed as improving steady connectivity for IoT-class devices and “always on” endpoints in difficult placements. Vendor messaging also links this reliability profile to AI-driven environments, where repeated small delays, packet loss, or brief disconnects can be more disruptive than a lower peak throughput number.

WiFi 8 vs WiFi 7 vs WiFi 6/6E – What Has Changed?

WiFi 6 and WiFi 6E are generally associated with capacity and efficiency improvements over earlier generations through features like OFDMA and expanded MU-MIMO, with WiFi 6E adding access to the 6 GHz band in supported regions. WiFi 7 shifted attention toward higher throughput and lower latency potential through wider channels (up to 320 MHz) and Multi-Link Operation (MLO), aiming to increase peak performance and improve responsiveness when devices and access points can use multiple links effectively. WiFi 8 keeps many of WiFi 7’s headline building blocks, but the stated emphasis changes toward more deterministic behavior under load, in dense radio environments, and during multi-access-point operation. In the provided material, WiFi 8 is positioned as adding coordination features that are not part of WiFi 7, with the goal of improving mid-range performance consistency and reducing tail latency metrics (for example, high-percentile latency behavior) rather than changing maximum theoretical data rates.

From an upgrade standpoint, the most direct “spec” differences between WiFi 8 and WiFi 7 are not listed as new bands or higher top-line channel width, but additional coordination and scheduling mechanisms that are intended to improve real-world outcomes in multi-router, multi-client environments. WiFi 6 and WiFi 6E remain relevant for environments that primarily need better capacity and efficiency for mixed-device networks, while WiFi 7 targets higher performance for compatible devices, and WiFi 8 is framed as refining how that performance holds up across tougher conditions.

What is the Asus ROG NeoCore Router?

The ASUS ROG NeoCore is a WiFi 8 concept router shown publicly as a prototype demonstration unit. ASUS positions it as an early platform for demonstrating draft WiFi 8 capabilities in a real environment, rather than a finalized consumer product with locked specifications. In the video discussion, ASUS staff described NeoCore as a prototype name for the concept device and noted that detailed hardware specifications and confirmed configurations were not available at the time.

The concept is presented as part of the broader ASUS mesh and optimization stack. ASUS ties NeoCore to AiMesh, which is its approach to linking multiple access points into a coordinated system, and to an “AI Network Engine” described as monitoring traffic and adjusting resource allocation to manage throughput and latency. In this framing, the router is less about a single access point’s peak output and more about how multiple access points and clients can coordinate to reduce interference and contention.

NeoCore is also used to illustrate the practical motivation for WiFi 8 in dense and mixed-device environments. The device was discussed in the context of apartment-style “noisy” wireless conditions, long-distance or edge-of-property placement, and smart home endpoints that may have weaker uplink capability than the router itself. In the accompanying CES material, ASUS connects the concept device to early throughput testing and to draft-based claims about improved mid-range performance and reduced high-percentile latency, while stating that results and features depend on draft specifications and implementation details.

When is WiFi 8 Launching?

WiFi 8 (IEEE 802.11bn) is still in development, with public materials commonly pointing to standard finalization in 2028, often described as late 2028. Until ratification, feature definitions and mandatory versus optional elements can change, so any current demonstrations should be treated as draft implementations rather than a finalized reference for the standard. On the product side, ASUS has stated plans to introduce its first WiFi 8 home routers and mesh systems in 2026, and it has already shown prototype demo hardware at CES 2026. If WiFi 8 consumer products ship ahead of standard finalization, they are expected to rely on draft specifications, meaning real-world behavior can vary by vendor design, firmware maturity, and the availability of WiFi 8 client devices needed to access the full feature set.

• What is WiFi 8, and when will it be available?

  WiFi 8 (IEEE 802.11bn) is new-generation wireless technology focused on Ultra-High Reliability (UHR) for better performance, smoother roaming, and smarter router and client coordination. WiFi 8 is still in development. ASUS is demonstrating prototypes and conducting real-world tests to validate the new technology.

• What’s the difference between WiFi 8, WiFi 7, and WiFi 6/6E?

  The primary difference lies in the core focus of each wireless standard. WiFi 8 represents a strategic shift toward Ultra High Reliability (UHR) and deterministic low latency. In contrast, WiFi 7 prioritizes raw speed and throughput via technologies like MLO and 320MHz channels. WiFi 6/6E focused on efficiency and capacity improvements through OFDMA and MU-MIMO.

• Is WiFi 8 faster than WiFi 7?

  Peak theoretical speeds are comparable. The essential difference is that WiFi 8 significantly improves real-world performance by focusing on Ultra High Reliability. It prioritizes stability and smarter spectrum use for advanced router and client coordination, making it a strategic evolution beyond previous standards like WiFi 7.

• Will WiFi 8 be backward compatible? Can older devices benefit from WiFi 8?

  Yes, WiFi 8 will be fully backward compatible with all previous standards. While full features require WiFi 8 support on both the router and the devices that connect to it, older devices can still benefit from the network’s improved coordination and interference mitigation. WiFi 8 users will get more stable connections and fewer drops on legacy devices facing congestion and signal-strength issues.

• Does WiFi 8 change the bands or add new bands?

  WiFi 8 continues to use the 2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 6GHz bands with up to 320MHz channels, focusing on smarter coordination and spectrum use.

• What WiFi 8 features help in crowded Homes and Businesses?

  Multi-AP coordination, including Co-BF, Co-SR, Co-TDMA, NPCA, and improved seamless roaming, reduces interference and contention between overlapping networks.

 

 

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Need Advice on Data Storage from an Expert?

Finally, for free advice about your setup, just leave a message in the comments below here at NASCompares.com and we will get back to you. Need Help? Where possible (and where appropriate) please provide as much information about your requirements, as then I can arrange the best answer and solution to your needs. Do not worry about your e-mail address being required, it will NOT be used in a mailing list and will NOT be used in any way other than to respond to your enquiry. [contact-form-7] TRY CHAT Terms and Conditions   Alternatively, why not ask me on the ASK NASCompares forum, by clicking the button below. This is a community hub that serves as a place that I can answer your question, chew the fat, share new release information and even get corrections posted. I will always get around to answering ALL queries, but as a one-man operation, I cannot promise speed! So by sharing your query in the ASK NASCompares section below, you can get a better range of solutions and suggestions, alongside my own.

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Si vous utilisez un PC équipé d’une carte réseau Intel, une nouvelle mise à jour vous attend !Intel vient de publier la version 23.170.0 de ses pilotes Wi-Fi et Bluetooth, désormais compatibles avec Windows 11 version 25H2, la mise à jour annuelle du système d’exploitation de Microsoft sortie fin septembre 2025. Cette nouvelle version améliore … Lire la suite

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