Fortify (GL-MT6000) is a high-performance Wi-Fi 6 VPN router co-branded by ExpressVPN and GL.iNet. Get answers to common questions about the Fortify router and how it works here.
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- What’s included, and do I need an ExpressVPN subscription?
- I already have an active ExpressVPN subscription. Can I use it with Fortify?
- I own an Aircove or Aircove Go. Am I still supported?
- What does the router protect, and what does the subscription add?
- Are ExpressVPN’s Advanced plan features built into the router?
- Which devices can it protect?
- How many devices can Fortify support, and how much Wi-Fi coverage does it provide?
- Will using the VPN slow down my home network?
- Does Fortify use ExpressVPN’s Lightway protocol?
- How long will Fortify receive firmware and security updates?
- I have a dedicated IP subscription. Can I connect to my dedicated IP on Fortify?
- How does ExpressVPN advanced protection differ from AdGuard Home?
- Can I use Fortify without an ExpressVPN subscription?
- Who do I contact if I need help with Fortify?
What’s included, and do I need an ExpressVPN subscription?
Fortify comes with 12 months of the ExpressVPN Advanced plan for new and returning users. If you already have an active ExpressVPN subscription, you can use your existing subscription with Fortify. An active ExpressVPN subscription is required to use ExpressVPN through the router, but Fortify can also be used as a Wi-Fi 6 router without one.
I already have an active ExpressVPN subscription. Can I use it with Fortify?
Yes. Existing ExpressVPN subscribers can use their current subscription with Fortify. The 12 months of the ExpressVPN Advanced plan included with Fortify are for new and returning users who do not currently have an active ExpressVPN subscription, so they are not added to an existing active subscription.
I own an Aircove or Aircove Go. Am I still supported?
Yes. Although Aircove and Aircove Go are being retired, with Fortify replacing them as ExpressVPN’s home-router offering, Aircove users will still be supported based on our previously published support timelines.
Existing Aircove and Aircove Go owners can also get 20% off Fortify. You’ll find all the information you need about the transition and available support and offers for current Aircove users in our Aircove FAQ.
What does the router protect, and what does the ExpressVPN subscription add?
Think of it as two layers. The router’s built-in ExpressVPN functionality can protect supported devices connected through Fortify, including ones that can’t run a VPN app on their own.
Your ExpressVPN subscription allows you to download and use the ExpressVPN app on a wide range of devices, allowing you to maintain VPN protection on those devices when they leave the home.
Are ExpressVPN’s Advanced plan features built into the router?
No. Those live in the ExpressVPN apps on your devices, not in the router interface. The router handles VPN protection at the network level; the apps deliver the other features included with the Advanced plan to your individual devices.
These features include advanced protection (blocks ads, trackers, and malicious sites, with parental controls for adult content), ExpressKeys (a zero-knowledge password manager), and ExpressMailGuard (email privacy), plus up to three days of holiday.com eSIM data, and Identity Defender for U.S. customers.
Which devices can it protect?
Fortify can protect supported devices connected through the router, including ones that can’t run a VPN app themselves, such as smart TVs, streaming boxes, game consoles, smart speakers, and security cameras, as well as phones, tablets, and computers.
How many devices can Fortify support, and how much Wi-Fi coverage does it provide?
Fortify supports up to 86 concurrent devices and Wi-Fi coverage of up to 1,500 sq. ft. Actual coverage and performance can vary depending on your home’s layout, building materials, interference, and connected devices.
Will using the VPN slow down my home network?
Fortify is built on a high-performance platform: Wi-Fi 6 up to AX6000, 4×4 MU-MIMO, a faster processor, and Multi-Gig wired connectivity. It supports up to 86 concurrent devices and is designed to keep the network responsive when many devices are online at once. When the VPN is in use, Fortify can reach speeds of up to 900 Mbps on WireGuard®. By comparison, Aircove and Aircove Go support VPN speeds of up to 330 Mbps.*
*VPN speeds can reach up to 900 Mbps on WireGuard®. VPN speed figures are based on the router’s hardware VPN capability in client mode under controlled local network conditions. Actual speeds over an ExpressVPN connection may vary depending on the VPN server, ISP, client device, and network conditions.
Does Fortify use ExpressVPN’s Lightway protocol?
No. Fortify’s ExpressVPN integration currently uses WireGuard®. Lightway is not currently supported on Fortify.
How long will Fortify receive firmware and security updates?
Fortify will receive firmware and security updates in line with GL.iNet’s maintenance lifecycle for the Flint 2 / GL-MT6000 platform. GL.iNet has not published an end date for Flint 2 updates. Fortify shares the same core firmware codebase, with the ExpressVPN integration included in GL.iNet’s main firmware branch, and security fixes and critical issues will be addressed as needed.
I have a dedicated IP subscription. Can I connect to my dedicated IP on Fortify?
If you have a dedicated IP with your ExpressVPN subscription (available with the Express Pro plan or as a paid add-on), note that this is used through the ExpressVPN apps on individual devices rather than through the router.
How does ExpressVPN advanced protection differ from AdGuard Home?
Both can block ads and trackers, but they work at different levels and in different places.
AdGuard Home is a third-party tool available through Fortify’s GL.iNet router software. Once enabled, it filters DNS requests for devices connected through Fortify, which can be particularly useful for devices that can’t run blocking software of their own, such as smart TVs and other connected devices.
ExpressVPN advanced protection runs in the ExpressVPN apps on personal devices such as phones, laptops, and tablets. It blocks ads, trackers, malicious sites, and adult content, and continues to work with the device when it leaves the home network.
The two can be used alongside each other.
Can I use Fortify without an ExpressVPN subscription?
Yes. Fortify can be used as a Wi-Fi 6 router without an active ExpressVPN subscription, but you’ll need an active subscription to use ExpressVPN through the router. Fortify includes 12 months of the ExpressVPN Advanced plan for new and returning users.
Who do I contact if I need help with Fortify?
The ExpressVPN Support team is here to help with any questions regarding discount codes, redeeming your subscription, using the VPN on the Fortify (GL-MT6000) router, or anything related to your ExpressVPN account.
For questions about your order (including shipping, returns, and warranty information), the router hardware, or any other features of the router firmware, please contact GL.iNet Support.