You don't always need a gateway
If you only need to unlock when you're physically near the door — home use, not Airbnb, not remote property management — a Bluetooth-only setup requires no gateway. Gateways add cost, an additional device to manage, and a dependency on your internet connection. Only add one if remote access is genuinely part of your use case.
A gateway (also called a bridge or hub) is a small powered device that sits between your smart lock and your home network. The lock communicates with the gateway via Bluetooth. The gateway connects to your router via WiFi or Ethernet, bridging the lock to the internet. Once connected, you can operate the lock via the manufacturer's app from anywhere in the world, receive push notifications for entry events, and manage user access remotely.
The gateway also enables cloud-stored audit trails — a timestamped log of every lock and unlock event accessible from the app. Without a gateway, lock event logs are stored locally on the lock and can only be retrieved by physically connecting via Bluetooth.
McGrath Gateway Series — G2 Through G5
McGrath's G-series are the most widely used smart lock gateways in Australia, all operating on the TTLock platform. Each model suits a different application — read carefully, as the connectivity types differ significantly. Full gateway comparison blog →
G2 Gateway
Simple WiFi control — homes, Airbnb, small offices
2.4GHz WiFi only
USB-C powered
Connectivity
2.4GHz WiFi only. Will not connect to a 5GHz-only network. If your router merges bands under one SSID, you may need to separate them — see the WiFi Band section below.
What it enables
Remote lock/unlock · Create and revoke PINs, cards, mobile keys · Real-time access logs · Push notifications
Best for
Single home · Airbnb/short-stay accommodation · Small offices · First-time smart lock users wanting simple plug-and-play setup
Reality check
Entry-level option. Works well for small setups but relies entirely on WiFi stability. Not suited to larger or mission-critical sites.
G3 Gateway
Commercial PoE reliability — no WiFi required
Ethernet / PoE only
No WiFi
Connectivity
Ethernet only (RJ45). No WiFi at all. A single Ethernet cable provides both data and power via PoE — no power adaptor required. Significantly more stable than WiFi in commercial installations.
What it enables
Remote lock/unlock · Cloud audit trail · TTLock app integration · Mesh-capable for redundancy · Enterprise-grade reliability
Best for
Commercial buildings · Offices and warehouses · Schools and medical facilities · IT-managed network environments where WiFi is restricted or unreliable
Reality check
The most reliable gateway for structured networks. If WiFi is restricted, unreliable, or controlled by IT, the G3 is the correct choice. Requires Ethernet cabling — not suitable for plug-and-play installs.
G4 Gateway
4G SIM backup — stays online when the internet fails
2.4GHz WiFi
+ 4G SIM fallback
Up to 100 locks
Connectivity
2.4GHz WiFi primary, with a 4G SIM card slot for mobile network fallback. If local internet drops, the G4 stays online via the mobile network — maintaining remote access, logs, and code management. WiFi portion is 2.4GHz only.
What it enables
All G2 features plus: 4G SIM failover · Supports up to 100 locks · Mesh-capable · Remote management worldwide even without local internet · Compact: 70×70×26mm
Best for
Remote or holiday homes with unreliable NBN · Construction sites · Properties where access must never fail · High-risk or critical access points requiring genuine redundancy
Reality check
The 4G SIM requires a mobile data plan — an ongoing cost. Worth it for remote properties where NBN reliability cannot be guaranteed. WiFi portion still 2.4GHz only — same band-steering consideration as G2.
G5 Gateway
Dual-band WiFi — fastest, most flexible, eliminates band-steering problems
2.4GHz + 5GHz dual-band
Up to 100 locks
USB-C powered
Connectivity
Dual-band WiFi: 2.4GHz AND 5GHz. The G5 is the only McGrath gateway that supports both bands. This eliminates the band-steering problem entirely — it will connect to your router regardless of how the bands are configured. Recommended range: 8–10 metres per lock.
What it enables
Remote lock/unlock · Full cloud audit trail · Supports up to 100 locks · Multi-admin support · Mesh networking · Faster response times in congested 5GHz environments
Best for
Modern homes and apartments · Hotels and short-stay complexes · Large smart lock deployments · Sites with 5GHz networks · Anyone who's had trouble connecting a G2 due to band steering
Reality check
The most capable and flexible gateway in the McGrath range. If your network supports 5GHz, the G5 is the best all-round performer. Priced above the G2 but worth it for larger or more complex installations.
| Gateway | Brand Ecosystem | Key Notes |
|---|
| Yale Connect Plus Hub 2 |
Yale locks only |
Integrates with Yale app, Apple HomeKit, and Google Home. Best gateway for Yale product family users — including the Yale Luna Pro+ with facial recognition. |
| Igloohome WiFi Bridge |
Igloohome locks |
Optional add-on — not required for algoPIN or Airbnb Connect to work. Adds real-time remote access, cloud audit trail, and battery monitoring. algoPIN guest codes still function offline even when the Bridge is connected — the offline fallback is always in place. |
| TTLock Gateway |
TTLock-based locks (Lockton G2, Austyle, various brands) |
TTLock is an OEM platform used by several brand labels. The gateway works across all TTLock-based products regardless of the brand name on the lock. Platform used by PMS integrations (Hospitable, Uplisting, RemoteLock etc.) — see Chapter 07 for PMS detail. |
Browse all gateways and WiFi bridges in stock →
WiFi Band Requirements — The Band-Steering Problem
G2 and G4 gateways require 2.4GHz WiFi — this catches most people out
The McGrath G2 and G4 operate on 2.4GHz only. The G3 uses Ethernet and has no WiFi requirement. The G5 supports both 2.4GHz and 5GHz — see below.
Modern routers commonly merge 2.4GHz and 5GHz under a single network name (SSID) using "band steering." A G2 or G4 gateway attempts to connect but may be steered to the 5GHz band it cannot use — resulting in connection failure or intermittent dropout that's difficult to diagnose without knowing this.
The fix: Log into your router admin panel and give the 2.4GHz band its own dedicated SSID (e.g. "HomeNetwork_2.4"). Connect the gateway to this 2.4GHz-only network. If you're unsure how, call your ISP or router manufacturer — it's a two-minute change once you know where to look.
The G5 solves this entirely — dual-band means no SSID splitting required
The
McGrath G5 supports both 2.4GHz and 5GHz. It will connect to your router regardless of how the bands are configured — no need to split SSIDs, no band-steering problem. If you're planning a new installation and have any doubt about your router configuration, the G5 removes one of the most common gateway setup headaches entirely. It also performs better in dense network environments (apartments, hotels) where the 2.4GHz band may be congested with competing devices.
2.4GHz vs 5GHz in brief: 2.4GHz has better range and wall penetration but lower speeds and more interference from neighbouring devices. 5GHz is faster with lower latency but shorter range. For a small gateway device bridging a lock to a router nearby, the speed difference is irrelevant — what matters is stability of connection. The G5's dual-band support means it can use whichever band the router offers without issue.
The gateway must satisfy two requirements simultaneously: within Bluetooth range of the lock, and within WiFi (or Ethernet) range of your router. In most homes, a power point in the hallway near the front door satisfies both.
- Bluetooth range to lock: Gateways communicate with the lock via Bluetooth. The G5 specifies 8–10 metres per lock as its recommended range. Standard internal timber-framed walls reduce but don't block Bluetooth at short distances. For thicker walls or longer runs, position the gateway closer to the lock.
- WiFi range to router: Standard home WiFi comfortably covers 15–25 metres through walls. For large homes with the router at the opposite end from the front door, a WiFi mesh node or extender positioned between the router and the door extends coverage to the gateway.
- Power source: All current WiFi gateway models are wall-plug powered (USB-C or Micro USB). Select a power point that will not be accidentally switched off — avoid switched outlets near light switches.
- Line of sight is not required: Bluetooth and WiFi both pass through standard timber-framed walls. Concrete and brick reduce range but don't block at short distances.
- G3 Ethernet placement: Position the G3 near an Ethernet port. The PoE cable provides both data and power — no separate power outlet needed near the lock.
What Happens When the Internet Goes Down
When your internet connection drops, the gateway cannot reach the manufacturer's cloud servers — remote access and push notifications stop working. This is expected, not a fault. Your local access methods remain completely unaffected:
- Fingerprint continues to work — validated locally on the lock
- PIN codes continue to work — validated locally on the lock
- RFID cards continue to work — validated locally on the lock
- Bluetooth app continues to work within Bluetooth range — no internet required for local Bluetooth
- Physical key override always works — mechanical, no electronics involved
- algoPIN codes (Igloohome) always work — validated by the lock's internal algorithm, not the internet
Remote unlock, push notifications, and issuing new codes via app stop until internet is restored. For Airbnb properties specifically: ensure guest PINs are issued and communicated before they arrive — never rely on being able to create and push codes in real time during a stay.
Not sure which gateway you need?
Tell us how many doors, how many properties, and whether you need PMS integration or 4G backup — we'll recommend the right gateway for your situation.
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