How to set up drop-in gateway on a GL.iNet router

GL.iNet offers the drop-in gateway feature, which enhances the functionality of your primary router with features it may not have, including AdGuard Home, encrypted DNS, and VPN. By using this feature, you can keep using your primary router as usual while enjoying additional features.

You can enable drop-in gateway for all your devices or specific devices connected to your primary router. Follow the appropriate section for your setup.

Note: Models with firmware versions below v4.5.0 only supports enabling drop-in gateway for all devices. When drop-in gateway is enabled, all client devices will be networked through drop-in gateway, which means all traffic from connected clients is first handled by this router.

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Enable drop-in gateway for all devices

1. Connect GL.iNet router to the main router

Connect the WAN port of the GL.iNet router to the LAN port of the main router with an ethernet cable.

2. Enable drop-in gateway

There are two methods to enable drop-in gateway: through the router admin panel or the GL.iNet mobile app.

Using web admin panel

1. In a web browser, enter 192.168.8.1.

2. Enter your password, then click Login. 

3. In the left sidebar, click Network > Drop-in Gateway.

   

4. Next to Enable Drop-in Gateway Mode, toggle the switch to on. 

5. Select All devices are networked through drop-in gateway.

   

6. Click Apply. 

Using GL.iNet mobile app

Note: Before you start, install the GL.iNet mobile app on your device. 

1. On the main app screen, tap the System tab > Drop-in Gateway.

   

2. Tap Enable. 

3. For Devices are networked via drop-in gateway, tap All.

   

4. Tap Done. 

3. Disable DHCP server on the main router

Please log in to your primary router to disable the DHCP server. You may refer to the instructions provided by your router manufacturer or contact their support.

4. Set up AdGuard, DNS, VPN, and other features

Follow these guides to enable the features you want on your GL.iNet router.

• AdGuard Home
• Encrypted DNS
• Parental Control
• WireGaurd Client
• OpenVPN Client

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Enable drop-in gateway for specific devices

1. Connect GL.iNet router to the main router

Connect the WAN port of the GL.iNet router to the LAN port of the main router with an ethernet cable.

2. Enable drop-in gateway

There are two methods to enable drop-in gateway: through the router admin panel or the GL.iNet mobile app.

Using web admin panel

1. In a web browser, enter 192.168.8.1.

2. Enter your password, then click Login. 

3. In the left sidebar, click Network > Drop-in Gateway.

   

4. Next to Enable Drop-in Gateway Mode, toggle the switch to on. 

5. Select Some devices select their own networking gateway.

   

6. Click Apply. 

Note: Please Do NOT close this tab. You will need to enter the IP address (shown on the screen) in the next step.

Using GL.iNet mobile app

Note: Before you start, install the GL.iNet mobile app on your device. 

1. On the main app screen, tap the System tab > Drop-in Gateway.

   

2. Tap Enable. 

3. For Devices are networked via drop-in gateway, tap part.

   

4. Tap Done. 

Note: Please Do NOT close this tab. You will need to enter the IP address (shown on the screen) in the next step. 

3. Set gateway and DNS on specific device

Windows

1. Connect your device to the main router.
2. On your Windows, open Settings > Network & Internet.
3. Based on your connection method, follow these steps:
   • Ethernet: Click Ethernet. 
   • Wi-Fi: Click Wi-Fi, then click the Wi-Fi network name. 
4. Copy the IPv4 address. Next to IP assignment, click Edit. 
5. Click Manual. 
6. Toggle IPv4 to on.
7. Enter the following information:
   • IP address: Paste the IP address you copied in step 4. 
   • Subnet mask: Enter 255.255.255.0. 
   • Gateway: Enter the IP address shown on the Drop-in Gateway page. 
   • Preferred DNS:  Enter the IP address shown on the Drop-in Gateway page. 
8. Click Save. 

Android

1. Connect your device to the main router.
2. On your Android, open Settings. 
3. Tap Connections > Wi-Fi.
4. Tap the Settings icon next to the network you are connected to.
5. Tap View more. 
6. Tap IP settings > Static. 
7. For Gateway and DNS 1, enter the IP address shown on the Drop-in Gateway screen. 
8. Tap Save. 

iOS

1. Connect your device to the main router.
2. On your iOS, open Settings.
3. Tap Wi-Fi.
4. Tap the Wi-Fi network you are connected to.
5. Under IPv4 Address, keep a record of IP Address and Subnet Mask.
6. Tap Configure IP > Manual. 
7. Enter the following information:
   • IP Address: Enter the IP Address you obtained in step 5. 
   • Subnet Mask: Enter the Subnet Mask you obtained in step 5.
   • Router: Enter the IP address shown on the Drop-in Gateway screen. 
8. Tap Save.
9. Tap Configure DNS, then tap Manual. 
10. Tap Add Server, then enter the IP address shown on the Drop-in Gateway screen.
11. Tap Save.

Mac

1. Connect your device to the main router.
2. On your Mac, click the Apple icon > System Settings, 
3. In the left sidebar, click Network.
4. Next to the network you are connected to, click Details.
5. Click TCP/IP.
6. Keep a record of IP Address and Subnet Mask.
7. Next to Configure IPv4, click Manually.
8. Enter the following information:
   • IP address: Enter the IP Address you obtained in step 6. 
   • Subnet mask: Enter the IP Address you obtained in step 6. 
   • Router: Enter the IP address shown on the Drop-in Gateway page. 
9. Click OK > OK. 

4. Set up AdGuard, DNS, VPN, and other features

Follow these guides to enable the features you want on your GL.iNet router.

• AdGuard Home
• Encrypted DNS
• Parental Control
• WireGaurd Client
• OpenVPN Client

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Related Article:

• Drop-in Gateway

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