Flint (GL.iNet) sketchy/deceiving behaviour

[ILikeTea]

UPDATE 1:
GL.iNet staff account deleted all their posts/account after they got corrected about their own product not having a fan, instead of just admitting their mistake!

Essentially, every advertised 'upgrade' in the Flint 3 is a deceptive illusion; in the real world, each new feature just cancels itself out, offering no genuine improvement over the Flint 2(+ 2.5Gbe switch).

1. Weak CPU Choice: Flint 3 likely uses an aging Qualcomm A53 CPU. This is a step down from Flint 2's faster MediaTek, which also benefits from a more efficient 12nm process (unlike the QC's probable 14nm). Wi-Fi 7 is the only excuse for this CPU downgrade.
2. The "10G Aggregated" Lie: That "10Gbps aggregated throughput"? It's a fantasy, straight from CPU datasheets. Real-world AIO performance will tank. This CPU limitation also explains why GL.iNet couldn't deliver a true 10G WAN port, settling for a mere 2.5GbE. Don't be fooled; even with 10G SFP+ ports, this CPU can't handle the actual throughput for routing and AP duties. You're better off adding a proper switch to your Flint 2.
3. Downgraded Wi-Fi (2.4/5GHz): Expect a significant Wi-Fi downgrade on the essential 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands. Flint 2 performs brilliantly with its solid 4x4 setup. Flint 3? It's looking like a step back to 2x2, meaning fewer streams and reduced speeds on these critical bands.
4. Wi-Fi 7 Pitfalls: Sure, Wi-Fi 7's 6GHz and MLO sound advanced. But remember, 6GHz signals penetrate walls worse - and you'll need that penetration (see point 5). Worse, MLO paired with a weak CPU isn't a recipe for impressive performance; it's a bottleneck waiting to happen.
5. Hello, FAN Noise!: A fan? Oh boy. That "old cheap" Qualcomm CPU clearly runs hot, needing active cooling just to perform. This links back to penetration: you'll likely hide this noisy, hot box away, not display it in your living room, further crippling its already poor 6GHz signal reach

The weaker CPU guarantees slower WireGuard speeds. Notice how GL.iNet will cleverly show impressive OpenVPN DCO speeds, likely masking dismal standard OpenVPN performance. This CPU is built on an inferior, less efficient manufacturing node and offers no real architectural or age advantage. It's a clear Wi-Fi downgrade on the bands that matter most to many.

 

[vlord]

This is almost a word for word copy of this post on Reddit and I responded there, so I’ll respond the same here as well:

Due to the embargo, many of us have had to stay silent but there is a lot of factually incorrect information in this thread.

1. This is a highly capable 64bit processor that supports hardware acceleration for encryption. Unfortunately the kernel, as of now, does not include NEON support that is compatible with the Wireguard version installed but engineering is aware and hope to have it enabled in a future release. This should double Wireguard speeds from 680Mbit/460Mbit. Good news is that kernel support for AES/SHA1/SHA2 is already enabled and OpenVPN speeds are astronomical. In my testing I was able to consistently get around 1448Mbit/609Mbit.
2. 10G Aggregated "Lie" -- This is a fair point but it's marketed similar to how every other manufacturer markets their routers
3. 2x2 vs 4x4 streams that Flint 2 supports. Another fair point but this is really only valid when there are 8+ clients simultaneously transmitting high amounts of data on 5 & 6GHz.
4. "Wifi 7 Pitfalls" - This argument is ridiculous. It's a Wifi 7 router. It's like saying 2.4GHz is better because of the better distance it has over 5GHz. 6GHz has a specific use case of 10m or less and is definitely less crowded than 5GHz - 160MHz. If you need max speed, 6GHz -160/320MHz is the future.
5. "FAN Noise!" - Another ridiculous argument. I've stressed this router to the limit (100% CPU utilization for 30+ mins with a load average of 5.25 and a surface temp of 113* F and there is barely a whisper of the fan.

 

[Tech9]

this CPU can't handle the actual throughput

No home router CPU can handle the advertised port speed throughput. NAT acceleration only, eventually.

It's looking like a step back to 2x2

Tri-band 2-stream radios are quite common for Wi-Fi 7 low/mid level products. At this price point - expected.