Ubiquiti: Mobile UniFi Travel Router fixes hotel WiFi logins

Just before the end of the year, Ubiquiti has announced another new product. The UniFi Travel Router is designed to work like a conventional router and connect to a user's own UniFi network, which provides the familiar WiFi access while traveling. Regardless of the actual location, Ubiquiti wants to offer a consistent network environment. Other equipment that is normally tied to the UniFi network can then be taken on the road.

That being said, this new device is not a full-fledged travel router. It requires an external power source via USB Type-C as well as a network connection, which can be provided via Ethernet cable or WiFi. Connecting a 5G modem via USB (multi uplink) is also possible.

Meanwhile, a small status display provides conveniently provides certain info. A smartphone can be used to configure the UniFi Travel Router via Bluetooth. Therefore, this travel router is primarily aimed at users who already have a UniFi network. For all other purposes, a traditional 5G router with a battery is likely the better choice.

Should also work with hotel WiFi

One intriguing feature is the ability to share hotel WiFi with other devices. This means travelers don’t have to register each device separately. Normally, a hotel WiFi redirects guests to a captive portal, which only asks for a T&C confirmation in some cases. Either way, the Ubiquiti travel router is intended to handle this annoying login process itself so that guests and all their devices are immediately connected.

For more complex captive portals, users have to grab their smartphone. The captive portal is then redirected so it can be resolved manually. Ubiquiti emphasizes that WPA Enterprise and Passpoint are not supported, but hotels typically do not use such networks for their guests.

Internally, the router connects devices via 802.11ac WiFi (WiFi 5, 2x2) on the 2.4 and 5 GHz bands. This is not the latest standard, but it should reduce power consumption and is likely sufficient for travel. Anyhow, the UniFi Travel Router is not on the same technical level as proper access points, but it only consumes up to 5 watts of power.

The UniFi Travel Router is expected to go on sale on December 29 for $79 at Ubiquiti's official online store.