Overview
I keep a dedicated travel router in my truck because I run multiple devices that depend on **consistent Wi-Fi**—cameras, tablets, and drones that automatically upload footage to the cloud or sync back to my NAS. Constantly reconfiguring device Wi-Fi every time I move locations is inefficient and frustrating.
Instead of changing my gear to match the network, I bring my network with me.
This article explains how that started with the Slate 7, and why the Beryl 7 has now taken its place in my vehicle.
The Original Setup: Slate 7 in the Vehicle
I originally used the GL.iNet Slate 7 for this exact setup—and it worked great.
The Slate 7 lived in my truck and handled:
- Repeating phone hotspots
- Connecting to free/public Wi-Fi
- Providing a consistent SSID (Home-Media) for my devices
- Maintaining VPN access back to my home network
For a long time, it did everything I needed without issue.
The Core Problem: Wi-Fi Reconfiguration on Cameras
Modern cameras are smart, but they assume stable networks.
Many of my devices:
- Auto-upload footage to the cloud
- Sync media when a trusted network is detected
- Expect known SSIDs and credentials
Every time you change locations and networks, you normally have to:
- Reconfigure camera Wi-Fi
- Re-pair devices
- Fix broken upload rules
That gets old fast—especially when you’re running multiple cameras in the field.
The Solution: One Router, One Network, Everywhere
The solution was simple: run a single trusted network that never changes.
All of my devices are configured once to connect to Home-Media. After that, I don’t touch their Wi-Fi settings again.
When I need internet access, I just:
- Join the router to my phone hotspot, OR
- Connect it to a local free Wi-Fi network (WISP mode)
From the devices’ perspective, nothing changed.
- Same SSID (Home-Media)
- Same password
- Same behavior
Devices That Use This Setup
This isn’t theoretical—it’s gear I actively use in the field:
Cameras: GoPro, Insta360, and Canon R50 mirrorless
Monitoring: Tablets for live view and file management
Drones: Units that rely on known Wi-Fi environments for updates or transfer
Everything connects automatically the moment the router powers on.
Real-World Vehicle Setup
This is not a hard-mounted or permanently installed setup.
The router lives in the center console area of my truck and is powered via a USB car adapter. When the vehicle turns on, the router turns on. No custom brackets, no permanent wiring.
It’s intentionally simple:
- Easy to power
- Easy to move
- Easy to replace if needed
Function over aesthetics.
Enter the Beryl 7
While beta testing the GL.iNet Beryl 7, I started bringing it with me more often.
At first, it was just for testing. But over time, I noticed something important:
I kept reaching for the Beryl 7 instead of the Slate 7.
Not because the Slate 7 failed—but because the Beryl 7 fit this vehicle-first use case better.
Why the Beryl 7 Took Over
The transition wasn’t forced. It happened naturally through daily use.
The Beryl 7:
- Handled frequent power cycling cleanly
- Integrated better into a “grab-and-go” workflow
- Became my default “throw it in the truck” router
Eventually, it stopped being “the test router” and became the router that stayed in the vehicle.
At that point, the Slate 7 simply wasn’t coming with me anymore.
Important Clarification
This is not a knock on the Slate 7.
The Slate 7:
- Still works well
- Is a solid travel router
- Makes sense for desk, hotel, or stationary travel setups
For my specific mobile use case, however, the Beryl 7 became the superior fit.
Cloud Uploads or NAS Sync—No Changes Needed
Because the network never changes:
- Cameras upload to the cloud when internet is available
- Or sync back to my NAS over WireGuard/VPN
I don’t have to decide ahead of time. The router handles connectivity; my devices just do what they’re configured to do.
Final Takeaway
Keeping a router in my truck isn’t about convenience—it’s about eliminating friction.
By running a single trusted network everywhere I go:
- My cameras stay connected
- Uploads happen automatically
- I stop wasting time on Wi-Fi reconfiguration
The Slate 7 proved the concept.
The Beryl 7 refined it.
And at this point, it’s not leaving the truck.