Peplink has just released Firmware 8.5.3 RC2 (Release Candidate 2), dated September 2, 2025. This release builds on the earlier beta and RC1 versions with further improvements, bug fixes, and device compatibility updates.
In this post, we’ll break down what a release candidate (RC) is, highlight the major updates in RC2, and cover the important notices, fixes, and known issues so you can determine if this firmware is right for your environment.
What Is a Release Candidate?
A release candidate (RC) is a near-final version of software that’s almost ready for general release. At this stage:
- Most features are locked in.
- Critical bugs from earlier betas have been resolved.
- It’s considered stable enough for wider testing in real-world environments.
- Unless major issues are reported, the RC will likely become the official firmware release.
In other words, RC2 isn’t just experimental—it’s production-ready for many users who want to take advantage of the latest features, but Peplink is still gathering final feedback before the full rollout.
Devices Supported
Firmware 8.5.3 RC2 covers a broad range of Peplink hardware, including:
- Balance series: 20X, 30 LTE/Pro, One, Two, 210, 310 (including 5G and Fiber 5G), 380, 580, 710, 1350, 2500, 5000 EC.
- MAX series: BR1 Mini (including 5G, Core, M2M), BR1 Pro (HW7/5G), BR2/BR2 Pro, HD1/HD2/HD4 Domes, MBX, Transit series, and more.
- UBR, B One, MediaFast, SDX, EPX, PDX, FusionHub, SpeedFusion Relay, and SpeedFusion Engine (SFE CAM).
This makes RC2 one of the most comprehensive firmware updates yet, covering everything from entry-level models to enterprise-grade systems.
Key Improvements in RC2
Here are some of the notable enhancements added in RC2 (beyond earlier betas and RC1):
- PrimeCare: New Web UI option to manually refresh Care Plan license info.
- Switch Controller: Option to preserve existing Port and VLAN settings when switches come online.
- eSIM Handling: Improved behavior when only an eSIM slot is enabled but subscription status is unknown.
- Remote User Access: DHCP reservation support based on usernames (added earlier in RC1).
- IPv6 Passthrough: Now supported on the B One series.
- BGP over Route-Based IPsec: Enhanced routing flexibility for enterprise deployments.
Resolved Issues
RC2 squashes several important bugs, including:
- Cellular: Fixed conflicts in Bandwidth Allowance Monitor settings.
- Wi-Fi Stability: Addressed issues affecting roaming and WAN reporting to InControl.
- System Stability: Fixed IP Passthrough-to-VLAN switching errors and InControl configuration failures.
- B One Series: Bluetooth is now correctly disabled if never used.
These fixes target real-world reliability, particularly for environments running multiple WANs, eSIMs, and Wi-Fi WANs.
Known Issues
As with any RC, a few issues remain under monitoring:
- LAN Clients: Ports 1 or 2 may fail to obtain IP with multiple passthrough WANs.
- Docker: Containers can’t run without an active DHCP server.
- YouTube Blocking: May not work properly if traffic uses QUIC.
- Switch Controller: PVID changes may not always apply correctly.
These may be resolved in the final release or future maintenance updates.
Should You Upgrade?
If you’re looking to test cutting-edge features like enhanced eSIM handling, IPv6 passthrough, advanced routing (BGP over IPsec), or want fixes for Wi-Fi WAN stability, upgrading to Firmware 8.5.3 RC2 makes sense—especially in non-mission-critical environments.
For production-critical deployments, you may want to wait until the final stable release, but RC2 is typically stable enough for many real-world use cases.
Final Thoughts
If you need assistance, please contact the Peplink experts at 5Gstore.com, we have been supporting Peplink for over 18 years.
Peplink Firmware 8.5.3 RC2 is a feature-rich, near-final update that delivers meaningful improvements in routing, cellular, Wi-Fi, and system reliability across a wide range of devices.
As always, Peplink encourages users to report issues via their support portal or participate in the Peplink community forums to help finalize the release.
