Peplink has officially released Firmware 8.5.2, and as always, it’s packed with new features, significant improvements, and critical bug fixes across its extensive product portfolio. If you’re running Peplink routers across your organization, you’ll want to take note of what this firmware offers, and how to roll it out carefully to minimize disruption.
At 5Gstore.com, we’ve been working with Peplink hardware for nearly two decades, and we’ve thoroughly tested the 8.5.2 release candidates in our own production environments without a single issue. Based on our experience, this firmware is rock-solid and ready for prime time, but that doesn’t mean you should rush to deploy it everywhere at once. Let’s walk through the highlights and how to upgrade with confidence.
Why Firmware 8.5.2 Matters
Peplink’s firmware is the beating heart of their routers, enabling advanced networking capabilities like SpeedFusion VPN, WAN bonding, SD-WAN orchestration, cellular control, and more. With 8.5.2, Peplink continues its tradition of refining and expanding what’s possible with its platform.
Major enhancements in Firmware 8.5.2 include:
- Introduction of Switch Controller functionality
- Expanded Docker support on B One models
- BYO eSIM prioritization support
- New Starlink integrations and USB WAN support
- Improved SpeedFusion stability and fixes
- Dozens of cellular, Wi-Fi, OpenVPN, and DHCP bug fixes
Full release notes can be found here (PDF)
Rollout Strategy: Go Slow to Stay Safe
Even though 8.5.2 has gone through extensive testing and early release cycles (which 5Gstore participated in), it’s always smart to deploy firmware updates cautiously, especially in organizations with multiple locations or mission-critical connectivity.
Here’s a step-by-step rollout strategy:
Step 1: Test Internally
Before deploying organization-wide, install 8.5.2 on a small number of non-critical or internal routers. Monitor connectivity, VPN tunnels, cellular behavior, and performance metrics for at least 48–72 hours.
Step 2: Update Tier-2 Locations
Once you’ve verified internal success, begin rolling out to locations that are important but not mission-critical. Again, monitor closely. Consider setting a 1-week observation period.
Step 3: Full Deployment
After validating stability across tiers, deploy across your mission-critical and high-availability routers. Ensure a rollback plan is available if needed (e.g., using Peplink’s configuration snapshots or InControl2 backup features).
Step 4: Monitor InControl2
Use InControl2 to monitor router health, firmware versions, and SpeedFusion tunnel performance post-upgrade. The centralized dashboard makes it easy to spot anomalies.
How to Upgrade Using InControl2
If you’re managing your Peplink devices via InControl2 (as you should be), upgrading is straightforward:
- Log in to InControl2.
- Navigate to your device or group of devices.
- Go to the Firmware tab.
- Select “Upgrade Firmware” and choose version 8.5.2 from the list.
- (Optional) Schedule a future upgrade time for low-traffic hours.
- Confirm and apply.
Always back up configurations prior to firmware changes!
Where to Download Firmware 8.5.2
If you’re updating a standalone device or not using InControl2, download firmware directly from Peplink:
🔗 Official Firmware Download Page
Be sure to select the correct model and hardware revision before installing.
Notable New Features in 8.5.2
Here are some of the standout new capabilities added in this release:
✅ Switch Controller Support
Now you can manage Peplink Switch Series devices directly from the router GUI or InControl2. This enables port management, VLAN configurations, and PVID assignments across Peplink’s switching line.
✅ Docker on B One Devices
With the appropriate software license and external storage, B One routers now support Docker, ideal for edge computing, custom services, or secure internal tooling at the network edge.
✅ BYO eSIM Prioritization
The cmd.wan.cellular API now supports custom prioritization logic for Bring-Your-Own eSIM profiles, making it easier for integrators and M2M/IoT deployments to fine-tune connectivity.
✅ USB WAN Starlink Support
Starlink USB integration is now supported on nearly all models. You’ll see Dish API data like firmware version and dish ID directly in your router’s logs.
Major Improvements
Peplink 8.5.2 also brings refinements to many existing features:
- Improved content blocking logging with new InControl2 toggles
- SNMP enhancements: You can now retrieve SFP stats
- Enhanced GPS support for UTC in TAIP messages
- More granular PrimeCare notifications when approaching expiration
- WAN health check improvements tied to standby state and SmartCheck
Key Fixes
This firmware also squashes a long list of bugs, including:
- Starlink GPS detection issues
- Cellular WAN reconnection failures
- Wi-Fi stability problems for Australia and Colombia
- Docker instability with too many routes
- SpeedFusion packet looping, TCP tunnel bugs, and Synergy Mode bouncing
These fixes particularly benefit users relying on:
- SpeedFusion VPN bonding
- High-availability LTE/5G connections
- Wi-Fi WAN or AP One integrations
- FusionHub deployments
Compatibility and Warnings
Devices Supported:
8.5.2 supports most modern Peplink devices including the Balance, MAX, Transit, UBR, B One, EPX, SDX, MediaFast, and FusionHub families. See full model list in the release notes.
Not Backward Compatible With:
- Configurations from Firmware 8.2.1 or older
- SpeedFusion VPN with devices running Firmware 8.0.0 or older
Warning: For AP Controller users in Brazil or Taiwan, you must reconfigure Wi-Fi channel settings due to DFS changes in 8.5.2.
Known Issues
While 8.5.2 is extremely stable, a few known issues remain:
- LAN clients on ports 1 or 2 may fail to obtain IPs when using multiple passthrough WANs.
- Docker containers won’t run unless a DHCP server is active.
- YouTube blocking may not work consistently when QUIC protocol is in use.
Check the Peplink forum for ongoing updates and solutions.
What We’re Doing at 5Gstore
At 5Gstore.com, we’ve already rolled out Firmware 8.5.2 across our internal routers and testing infrastructure, including SpeedFusion-connected branch offices and critical cloud infrastructure. We’ve experienced:
- Faster failovers
- Better bandwidth handling
- Zero configuration errors
- Improved remote monitoring via InControl2
Our recommendation: start planning your upgrade now. Firmware 8.5.2 offers tangible benefits for any organization serious about reliability, flexibility, and speed.
Final Thoughts
Firmware 8.5.2 is one of the most refined and stable releases Peplink has ever shipped. Whether you’re a small business running a single BR1 Mini or a nationwide enterprise managing hundreds of HD4 MBX routers, this firmware delivers important new tools and refinements.
Just remember to roll it out carefully, back up configurations, and leverage InControl2 for centralized management. And of course, if you need help, reach out to us at 5Gstore.com. We’ve got your back with inventory, support, and deep Peplink expertise.
