As anyone who travels for business knows, having the right technology with you can be the difference between a productive trip and a frustrating one. Over the years, I've refined my travel kit to a point where I can work efficiently and, more importantly, securely from anywhere. Running a business that involves consulting to others often involves lost of travel. Yes, even with our primary focus on Melbourne, sometimes the needs of our clients takes us into the regions or interstate. On a recent trip to Canberra, I paused to appreciate the tech I take with me that may not be in everyone's luggage.
Of course, I carry the standard arsenal of a modern business traveler: my smartphone, a trusty laptop, and a collection of chargers and cables to keep everything powered up. I'm also counting my YubiKey amongst my essentials, you can read up about that here. These are the non-negotiables, the baseline for staying connected and productive. But where I diverge from the typical setup is in how I connect to the internet.
The Heart of My Mobile Office: The Travel Router
For years, I've been a proponent of using a travel router. It's a small, portable device that creates my own private Wi-Fi network, giving me a significant security advantage over connecting directly to hotel, airport, or cafe Wi-Fi. My go-to device in this category has recently had a significant upgrade. I've moved to the GL.iNet Slate 7 (GL-BE3600), and it has been a game-changer for a couple of key reasons.
We touched on travel routers in our article exploring VPNs. My primary reason for using a travel router is to create a secure, trusted network that I control. When I connect to a hotel's Wi-Fi, for example, all my devices connect to my travel router, and only the router itself is connected to the public network. This immediately adds a layer of separation between my devices and a potentially insecure network.
A major benefit of this setup is (as hinted at above) the ability to establish a VPN (Virtual Private Network) connection back to my office. This creates a secure, encrypted tunnel from my travel router to my office network, meaning all my internet traffic is protected from prying eyes. It's as if I'm sitting at my desk, with the same level of security and access to network resources.
But even when I'm not using the VPN, the travel router provides a host of other benefits. It's configured to use secure DNS, which encrypts my DNS queries and prevents others on the network from seeing which websites I'm visiting. For those who aren't familiar, DNS is the service that translates host names like "afsecure.com.au" into a machine readable address, think of it as the phone-book for the Internet. Insecure DNS can lead to loss of privacy, but it can also be used to redirect your traffic to unsafe sites. The Slate 7 also has built-in ad blocking, which not only declutters my Browse experience but also reduces the risk of encountering malicious ads. The convenience of connecting all my devices—laptop, phone, and tablet—to a single, trusted Wi-Fi network that I've pre-configured is also a significant time-saver.
Is a Travel Router for Everyone?
Now, I'm not suggesting that a travel router is a silver bullet for every business traveler. For a smaller business with tech-savvy staff, or for individuals willing to undergo a bit of training, it's an incredibly powerful and flexible solution. The setup is straightforward for those with some technical aptitude, and the benefits are substantial.
However, in a larger organization with more staff to support, or for those who are less comfortable with technology, a pre-configured 5G hotspot might be a more practical choice. These devices are typically plug-and-play and require minimal user intervention, while still providing a dedicated and secure internet connection. The trade-off of course is ongoing cost.
Upgrading My Kit: The Slate 7 and the Power of USB-C
My recent upgrade to the Slate 7 was driven by two key factors: speed and convenience. The move to Wi-Fi 7 offers a significant boost in performance, which is noticeable when I'm transferring large files or on video calls. But the real game-changer for me has been the move to USB-C Power Delivery (PD). This means I can now power my travel router with the same charger I use for my laptop and phone. This has allowed me to ditch the bulky proprietary power adapter and travel with a single, compact USB-C charger for all my devices. It's a small change that makes a big difference in reducing clutter and weight in my carry-on.
An Essential Aside: The Right Carry-On
Speaking of carry-ons, one other piece of kit I've come to rely on is a bag with a built-in USB-C battery bank, in my case the July Carry On Pro SnapSleeve. This bag has been a game changer, it allows me to conveniently charge my phone or other small devices without having to rummage around for the battery and as a bonus party trick, I can snap the laptop pouch on and off to speed through security gates or to keep my laptop out of the overhead compartment. It’s another one of those small conveniences that streamlines the travel experience and keeps me powered up and ready to go. These seemingly minor optimisations accumulate to make a tangible difference in productivity and peace of mind on the road.
Ultimately, in the world of business travel, efficiency and security are paramount. By thinking beyond the standard tech and incorporating tools like a travel router or smarter luggage, you can significantly enhance both, ensuring you stay productive and protected no matter where your work takes you.
If you need assistance keeping your workforce secure on the road, you can always reach out to AFSecure for help.