HOTSPOT TO ETHERNET CONVERSION

HOTSPOT TO ETHERNET CONVERSION

Making Your IT Department Happy Since 2021

THE PROBLEM

Work VPN requires wired connection, but you're in an RV with only cellular/WiFi.

THE FIX

Convert any wireless signal to ethernet in 5 minutes. No special software needed.

EQUIPMENT OPTIONS

BUDGET ($59)

• GL.iNet Opal (GL-SFT1200) • 100 Mbps ethernet ports • Perfect for single laptop

• GL.iNet Slate AX (GL-AXT1800) • Gigabit ethernet ports • USB backup option

PREMIUM ($129)

• GL.iNet Beryl AX (GL-MT3000) • WiFi 6 support • Best for 5G hotspots

5-MINUTE SETUP

1. INITIAL BOOT

  • Plug in router power
  • Connect laptop via ethernet to LAN port
  • Navigate to 192.168.8.1

2. SWITCH TO REPEATER MODE

  • Click "Internet" on left menu
  • Select "Repeater"
  • Click "Connect" under Repeater

3. CONNECT TO HOTSPOT

  • Find your phone hotspot in list
  • Enter password
  • Click "Apply"
  • Wait 30 seconds for connection

4. VERIFY WIRED CONNECTION

  • Windows: Run ipconfig /all
  • Mac: System Preferences → Network
  • Should show "Ethernet: Connected"

5. VPN TEST

  • Launch work VPN
  • Verify connects without WiFi adapter errors
  • Check shows as "LAN" connection

ADVANCED CONFIGS

MAC ADDRESS CLONE (for picky VPNs)

Network → MAC Clone → Manual
Enter your laptop's original MAC
Apply → Reboot router

TTL MODIFICATION (bypass hotspot limits)

Network → Advanced → TTL
Set TTL Value: 65 (or 64 for Android)
Apply

BANDWIDTH RESERVATION (video calls)

Network → QoS → Device Priority
Set work laptop to "High"
Limit other devices to 50%

BONUS FEATURES

✓ Bypasses hotspot device limits (router = 1 device) ✓ Better WiFi antenna than laptop ✓ Can share ethernet with multiple devices via switch ✓ VPN runs on router = all devices protected

COMMON ISSUES

"IT can detect it's converted wireless" → Enable MAC clone, disable WiFi metrics in Windows

"Speed slower than direct hotspot" → Use 5GHz connection, update router firmware

"Connection drops every hour" → Set router to auto-reconnect, disable power saving

Still not working? Your setup might need custom configuration. Post details or grab a Pro-Time session.

Remember: Your IT department doesn't need to know you're in an RV 😉

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