Release Date: April 14, 2025 – Peplink Firmware 8.5.2
Estimated GA (General Availability): Imminent
Devices Supported: A wide range across Balance, MAX, MediaFast, B One, UBR, SDX, EPX, PDX, FusionHub, and SpeedFusion Engine product lines
Peplink’s Firmware 8.5.2 RC3 (Release Candidate 3) is here—and it’s the final polishing step before it hits full production. At 5Gstore.com, we’ve been testing this release across various Peplink devices, and we’re excited to share that this version brings major stability improvements, long-awaited features, and enhanced support for modern networking technologies like eSIM, Docker, Starlink, OpenVPN WAN, and more.
Below, we’ve summarized the most impactful new features, improvements, and bug fixes, so you know what to expect and whether it’s time to update.
🌟 New Features Worth Highlighting with Peplink Firmware 8.5.2
Firmware 8.5.2 introduces several headline features that expand functionality for both advanced users and IT teams managing large deployments:
1. Switch Controller Integration (Beta)
Peplink has added switch controller support, allowing you to centrally manage Peplink switches directly from supported routers. You’ll need your switches to be on Firmware 2.0.2.
- Supported On: Balance, MAX, B One, MediaFast, SDX, EPX, PDX, and UBR models
2. Docker Support for B One Series
The B One, B One Plus, and B One 5G now support Docker with external storage (add-on license required). This brings container-based applications right to the edge—perfect for edge computing and local services.
3. OpenVPN WAN with Multiple Connections
RC3 adds support for multiple OpenVPN WAN connections (license required per connection), enabling better flexibility in building secure tunnels across WANs.
4. Starlink Enhancements
This release improves Starlink integration by:
- Displaying Dish ID and software version in logs
- Supporting USB WAN for Starlink modems
5. eSIM Prioritization and Expanded Controls
Enhanced control over BYO (Bring Your Own) eSIMs is now available through the cmd.wan.cellular API. This gives admins better flexibility for switching and prioritizing eSIMs dynamically.
🔧 Key Improvements in Peplink Firmware 8.5.2 RC3
1. Firewall and InControl Logging
New controls let you manage whether Content Blocking Logs are sent to InControl. This helps reduce unnecessary noise in your logs while maintaining visibility.
2. Console Port Enhancements
Factory restore via the console port is now supported on several Balance, MAX, SDX, and EPX models—great for recovery in locked-down remote environments.
3. GPS Time Improvements
An option to use UTC in GPS forwarding (TAIP format) improves integration with location-based services that rely on standardized time.
4. Improved Captive Portal SSL Certificates
Updated SSL certificates for Captive Portal ensure compatibility with modern browsers and better security out-of-the-box.
5. Web UI Upgrades
Firmware 8.5.2 RC3 enhances the web interface by:
- Displaying Starlink Dish proxy ports
- Showing PrimeCare status and grace period warnings before expiration
🐞 Major Bug Fixes Resolved in RC3
Peplink has addressed dozens of issues since previous firmware builds. Some of the most impactful bug fixes include:
1. Wi-Fi Fixes for Regulatory Compliance
- Fixed Wi-Fi not working under the “Australia” setting
- Removed DFS channels for Brazil and Taiwan as required by local regulations
2. SpeedFusion Stability and Logic Enhancements
- Prevented SpeedFusion packets from looping on the same interface
- Resolved TCP mode tunnel issues with Synergy WAN interfaces
- Corrected WAN priority behavior when “Independent from Backup WANs” was enabled
3. eSIM and Cellular Enhancements
- Fixed an issue where BYO eSIMs couldn’t download if a physical SIM was inserted
- Corrected carrier selection not reapplying after WAN restarts
- Improved Telstra and VIVO network compatibility
- Added and corrected APNs for Verizon, Portugal Vodafone, Philippines Globe, and e-BO Offshore
4. Docker Reliability Improvements
- Docker now starts properly even when many routes are configured
- Added support for the NET_ADMIN capability in Docker run commands
5. USB and IP Passthrough Fixes
- MAX Adapter USB dongles now reconnect properly
- Resolved IP passthrough on VLAN-enabled WANs where health checks failed
🧠 Smart System Updates
– Latency Detection via DNS
Improved WAN latency detection using active DNS hosts to ensure smarter failover and performance monitoring.
– Enhanced Virtual WAN for PrimeCare
Devices with the “-PRM” product code can now use up to 3 Virtual WANs by combining free and perpetual licenses—boosting VPN flexibility and multi-WAN usage.
– Revamped Event Logging
Improved DHCP and cellular event logs give IT teams better insights into behavior and failure patterns, reducing troubleshooting time.
⚠️ Important Notices Before Upgrading
- Firmware Compatibility: Devices running 8.0.0 or below are not compatible with SpeedFusion VPN from 8.5.2+. Make sure you’re already on 8.3 or higher before upgrading.
- Config File Support: Configuration files from 8.3+ won’t be backward-compatible with older firmware (e.g., 8.2.1 or lower).
- Legacy Device Support: Some older Balance and MAX models will not receive 8.5.2 or later—only 8.3.x maintenance releases going forward. Check the release notes to confirm your device’s eligibility.
- SIM Injector Users: Firmware 1.2.4 is recommended to ensure compatibility and feature access for FusionSIM and RemoteSIM use.
🛠 Known Issues
Although Firmware 8.5.2 RC3 is highly stable, a few known issues remain:
- LAN Port IP Issue with IP Passthrough: Clients on ports 1 or 2 may fail to obtain an IP when using multiple IP Passthrough WANs.
- Docker Requires Active DHCP Server: Containers will not run on devices without an active DHCP server.
- YouTube Content Filtering Incomplete: YouTube blocking may not work when traffic uses QUIC protocol.
- PVID Not Applying on Switch Controller: Changing port PVIDs may not reflect properly in some configurations.
Should You Upgrade to Firmware 8.5.2 RC3?
If you’re currently running firmware 8.5.1 or below, and you’re not on a legacy device, this release is worth upgrading to—especially if you rely on SpeedFusion, cellular WANs, Starlink, or eSIMs. The improvements to Docker, OpenVPN WAN, and system stability also benefit anyone managing complex or distributed networks.
As with any Release Candidate, test in non-production environments first if you run mission-critical operations. But based on our internal testing and community feedback, Firmware 8.5.2 RC3 is looking production-ready.
Final Thoughts from 5Gstore.com
Peplink’s Firmware 8.5.2 RC3 represents a mature and full-featured release, likely the last stop before a full general availability rollout. It’s rich with useful features for enterprise deployments, connectivity in remote environments, and integrations with today’s most innovative solutions like Starlink and Docker.
At 5Gstore, we’ll continue to monitor this firmware and help customers deploy it across Peplink’s diverse hardware lineup. If you need help updating or want to explore Peplink products compatible with these new features, contact our team today or browse our Peplink router collection or download full firmware release notes.
Tags: Peplink Firmware 8.5.2, Peplink RC3, SpeedFusion VPN, Starlink, eSIM, Docker, OpenVPN WAN, PrimeCare, Wi-Fi DFS, B One, MAX BR1, FusionHub, Peplink Update
