Peplink has officially released Firmware 8.5.2 Beta 1, bringing an array of new features, system enhancements, and critical bug fixes. This latest firmware release aims to optimize performance, improve compatibility with third-party integrations, and address key user-reported issues. If you’re a Peplink user looking to stay ahead with the latest updates, this beta release is worth exploring.
Supported Devices
Firmware 8.5.2 Beta 1 supports a wide range of Peplink devices, including:
- Balance Series: 20X, 30 LTE HW3, 30 Pro, One, One Core, Two, 210 HW4-5, 310 HW4, 310 5G, 310 Fiber 5G, 310X, 305 HW2, 380 HW6, 380X, 580 HW2-3, 580X, 710 HW3, 1350 HW2, 2500, 2500 EC, 5000 EC.
- MAX Series: 700 HW3-4, BR1 Mini HW3, BR1 Mini Core HW3, BR1 Mini 5G, BR1 Mini M2M, BR1 ENT, BR1 Pro HW7, BR1 Pro 5G, BR2 Pro HW4, BR2, BR2 Micro, BR1 IP55 HW4, HD1 Dome HW1, HD1 Dome Pro, HD2 HW5-6, HD2 Dome HW1, Dome Pro LR, HD2 IP67 HW2-4, HD2 MBX, HD2 Mini, HD2 with MediaFast, HD4, HD4 IP67, HD4 MBX, HD4 with MediaFast, MBX Mini, Transit, Transit Core, Transit Pro E, Transit Duo, Transit Duo Pro, Transit Duo Pro E.
- UBR Series: UBR Plus.
- B One Series: B One, B One Plus, B One 5G.
- MediaFast Series: 200, 500, 750, HD2, HD4.
- Enterprise & Specialist Devices: SDX, SDX Pro, EPX, PDX, FusionHub, SpeedFusion Relay, SpeedFusion Engine SFE CAM.
For a complete list, check the official Firmware 8.5.2 b1 Release Notes. Also, do not install beta firmware on production routers – install beta to test and get ready for the public release.
New Features
1. Switch Controller Functionality
One of the most notable additions in this beta release is the Switch Controller functionality. This feature enables the management of Peplink’s switch series devices directly from the controller, streamlining network administration for enterprise users.
2. Enhanced Starlink Integration
Firmware 8.5.2 Beta 1 now supports Starlink dish ID and software version logging in the event log. Additionally, Starlink USB WAN connections are now officially supported, making Peplink devices more compatible with Starlink’s growing infrastructure.
3. FusionHub Enhancements
FusionHub users now benefit from DHCP network advertising via BGP, serial console access, and improved stability for InControl license renewal when migrating between VM hosts.
4. Improved WAN Latency Detection
Latency detection has been refined using WAN active DNS hosts, improving real-time monitoring of network performance.
Improvements
- Web UI Enhancements: A new Ethernet Port status page has been added to provide greater visibility into network connections.
- Cellular Module Improvements: Users can now erase all SMS messages on SIM cards in one go, simplifying SIM management.
- Wi-Fi Enhancements: Channel lists have been revised for Taiwan to comply with local regulations, restricting usage to channels 36-48 and 149-165.
- DNS Server Stability: Fixes were applied to ensure that A records without an IP address no longer cause system instability.
- SpeedFusion VPN Improvements: Packet looping issues and WAN priority misconfigurations have been resolved.
- Docker Enhancements: The NET_ADMIN capability is now supported in the Docker run command for greater customization.
Resolved Issues
This release includes a significant number of bug fixes, enhancing system stability and performance across multiple device categories.
Cellular Fixes
- Added a new carrier profile for e-BO Offshore.
- LTE-US Cellular module firmware updates are now supported.
- Fixed Verizon APN issues, ensuring proper network registration.
- Resolved connectivity issues with Orange Belgium, VIVO (Brazil), and Philippines Globe carriers.
- Addressed an issue where SIM cards with 18-digit ICCIDs were not being accepted.
Starlink Fixes
- Starlink GPS issues have been corrected on EPX devices.
- Fixed a WAN disable issue when “Independent from Backup WANs” was enabled.
Wi-Fi & Network Fixes
- Wi-Fi WAN now supports SHA256-based security for more secure connections.
- Wi-Fi WAN stability issues have been resolved on select models.
- Fixed VLAN broadcast packets leaking to the WAN interface on Balance 20X.
- AP One devices with firmware 3.6.x can now apply large MAC ACL lists properly.
SpeedFusion Fixes
- Fixed SpeedFusion VPN stability issues when FEC was enabled.
- Resolved issues with TCP-mode SpeedFusion tunnels failing on Synergy WAN interfaces.
- Removed deprecated RSA and SHA1 cipher support from PepVPN to enhance security.
Additional Fixes
- LAN DNS Proxy no longer uses hot-standby WAN for resolution when DoH is enabled.
- QoS high-latency issues have been resolved.
- Fixed eSIM download failures when a physical SIM was present.
- Fixed manual carrier selection not reapplying after Cellular WAN restarts.
- Fixed CLI SSH issues where custom admin and read-only user names didn’t work.
- Resolved VLAN-related issues preventing IP passthrough WAN from functioning properly.
- Fixed DHCP server issues where disabling the server removed all settings and reservations.
- Fixed YouTube blocking issues when traffic was using QUIC.
Known Issues
As with any beta release, there are a few known issues:
- LAN Clients on Ports 1 & 2 may fail to obtain an IP when using multiple IP passthrough WAN support.
- Docker Containers cannot run on devices without an active DHCP server.
- YouTube Content Blocking may not work if YouTube traffic is using QUIC.
How to Get Firmware 8.5.2 Beta 1
Peplink users can download Firmware 8.5.2 Beta 1 from the official Peplink website. As with all beta firmware releases, it is recommended that users test this update in a controlled environment before deploying it to critical infrastructure.
To report issues, users can submit support tickets via Peplink’s official support portal, and for additional discussions, Peplink’s community forum is available for feedback and collaboration or contact 5Gstore for more info.
Final Thoughts
Firmware 8.5.2 Beta 1 represents a significant step forward for Peplink users, offering a variety of performance enhancements, new features, and crucial bug fixes. With improved Starlink support, enhanced security features, and robust fixes for network stability, this release is shaping up to be a game-changer for Peplink’s networking ecosystem.
