Peplink is a large and respected company in the high-end mobile networking space, particularly well known for providing cellular connectivity for everything from fleets of vehicles to cruise ships to dispersed corporate offices.
While Peplink's Pepwave cellular integrated routers are not specifically designed with individual mobile users in mind, Peplink does offer solid and well-supported products that many advanced users have grown to rely on.
In March 2020, Peplink released the Balance 20X which is marketed as a cellular backup solution for offices with wired connections. However, the Balance 20X can be used as a dedicated mobile router since it can run on DC power, has an integrated cellular modem with the option of adding a second modem via an expansion module, plus all the benefits of Peplink's Primecare.
Additionally, the Balance 20X has a more advanced architecture than the MAX Transit and includes support for USB tethering, ample ethernet ports, and an upgrade path for more advanced cellular thanks to a "Flex" expansion module that functions similarly to Cradlepoint's MC-400 modules. This Flex expansion module allows the addition of a second modem to give the router dual-modem capability and also the promise of a 5G modem in the future.
In June 2022, Peplink announced a Cat-7 integrated modem in addition to the Cat-4, which is our recommendation for maximum performance and carrier support.
Specifications
- Models:
- BPL-021X-LTE-US-T-PRM (Cat-4 North American Version)
- BPL-021X-LTEA-US-T-PRM (Cat-7 North American Version)
- Router Specs:
- Cellular Modem Specs:
- Embedded Cat-4 Modem:
- Cellular Modem: Single 4G
- Supported Networks and Bands: Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint
- LTE Bands: 2, 4, 5, 12/17, 13, 14, 66, 71
- 2G/3G: WCDMA/HSPA+/DC-HSPA+: 2, 4, 5
- MIMO Support: 2X2
- LTE Performance Category: Cat-4 (Max Theoretical Speed: 150Mbps Down / 50Mbps Up)
- LTE-Advanced Carrier Aggregation: No
- Cellular Antennas: 2x SMA
- SIM Slots: 2
- Embedded Cat-7 Modem:
- Cellular Modem: Single 4G
- Supported Networks and Bands: Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint
- LTE Bands: 2, 4, 5, 7, 12/17, 13, 14, 25, 26, 41, 42, 43, 48, 66, 71
- 2G/3G: WCDMA/HSPA+/DC-HSPA+: 2, 4, 5
- MIMO Support: 2X2
- LTE Performance Category: Cat-7 (Max Theoretical Speed: 300Mbps Down / 100Mbps Up)
- LTE-Advanced Carrier Aggregation: 2x Download, 2x Upload
- Cellular Antennas: 2x SMA
- SIM Slots: 2
- Cat-6 Flex Module (Optional):
- Cellular Modem: Single 4G
- Supported Networks and Bands: Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint
- LTE Bands: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12/17, 13, 20, 25, 26, 29, 30, 41
- 4G/3G: HSPA+ 850/1900/2100MHz - Global roaming supported.
- 2G: No
- MIMO Support: 2X2 MIMO
- LTE Performance Category: Cat-6 (Max Theoretical Speed: 300Mbps Down / 50Mbps Up)
- LTE-Advanced Carrier Aggregation: 2x Download
- Cellular Antennas: 2x SMA/Female
- SIM Slots: 2
- Cat-12 Flex Module (Optional):
- Cellular Modem: Single 4G
- Supported Networks and Bands: Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint
- LTE Bands: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 12/17, 13, 14, 18, 19, 20, 26, 29, 30, 32, 41, 42, 43, 46, 48, 66
- 4G/3G: HSPA+ 850/1900/2100MHz - Global roaming supported.
- 2G: No
- MIMO Support: 2X2 MIMO
- LTE Performance Category: Cat-12 (Max Theoretical Speed: 600 Mbps Down / 150 Mbps Up)
- LTE-Advanced Carrier Aggregation: 3x Download, 2x Upload
- Cellular Antennas: 2x SMA/Female
- SIM Slots: 2
- Cat-18 Flex Module (Optional):
- Cellular Modem: Single 4G
- Supported Networks and Bands: Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint
- LTE Bands: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 12/17, 13, 14, 18, 19, 20, 26, 29, 30, 32, 41, 42, 43, 46, 48, 66, 71
- 4G/3G: HSPA+ 850/1900/2100MHz - Global roaming supported.
- 2G: No
- MIMO Support: 4x4 MIMO
- LTE Performance Category: Cat-18 (Max Theoretical Speed: 1.2 Gbps Down / 150 Mbps Up)
- LTE-Advanced Carrier Aggregation: 5x Download, 3x Upload
- Cellular Antennas: 4x SMA/Female (Note: ports are too close together for paddle antennas)
- SIM Slots: 2
- 5G/Cat-20 Flex Module (Optional):
- Cellular Modem: Single 5G
- Modem Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon X55 (Likely the Thales MV31-W module)
- Supported Networks and Bands: Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint
- 5G Sub-6 Bands: n1, n2, n3, n5, n7, n8, n12, n20, n28, n38, n41, n66, n71, n77, n78, n79
- LTE Bands: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12/17, 13, 14, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 32, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 46, 48, 66, 71
- 4G/3G: HSPA+ 850/1900/2100MHz - Global roaming supported.
- 2G: No
- MIMO Support: 4x4 MIMO
- Max Theoretical 5G Performance: TBD
- LTE Performance Category: Cat-20 - Max Theoretical Speed: 2 Gbps Down / 150 Mbps Up
- LTE-Advanced Carrier Aggregation: At least 5x Download, 3x Upload
- 5G Carrier Aggregation: TBD
- Cellular Antennas: 4x SMA/Female (Note: ports are too close together for paddle antennas)
- SIM Slots: 2
- Embedded Cat-4 Modem:
- Dimensions: 6.3 x 10.3 x 1.3 inches, 1.74 pounds
- Other Ports: GPS Antenna, USB WAN
- Power Source: DC 10V - 30V
- Outdoor Rated: No
- Special Features: Primecare Eligible - Bonding, Data Usage Tracking, Auto Failover, Integrated GPS, and Band Locking
- Retail Price: $449 (Cat-4) | $579 (Cat-7)
- Optional Modem Module Expansions: Cat-6 ($249), Cat-12 ($399), Cat-18 ($499), 5G ($699)
View our Peplink product line overview and articles - co-authored with our education & action partner at MobileMustHave (who offers advanced support, guidance and discounts to our members):
News, Videos & Status
We received an evaluation unit, with a Cat-18 expansion modem module, courtesy of Peplink in July 2020. We completed testing and our full review is available to members below.
Here's our first look video at the Balance 20X:
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- Thoughts & Analysis
- Deep Dive
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- Balance 20X Features & Limitations
- Testing Notes
- Summary
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Cat-4 Model:
Cat-7 Model:
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