Review: Balance 20X by Pepwave (Mobile Router)

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.

Peplink Balance Flex Module — Peplink's Flex Module allows the addition of a second modem to the Balance 20x.

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.

For an overview of the full Pepwave product line (and a look at some of the software features in common across different devices), see our gear center entry:

Product Lineup: Pepwave Product Line by Peplink

The Peplink Balance 20X with Cat-18 Flex module — The Peplink Balance 20X with the Cat-18 Flex module.

Specifications

Model: BPL-021X-LTE-US-T-PRM (North American Version)
Router Specs:
- # of Connected Devices: Up to 60 (recommended)
- Wi-Fi Router: Simultaneous 802.11ac
  - 2.4GHz Wi-Fi: 802.11b/g/n
  - 5GHz Wi-Fi: 802.11a/n/ac
  - Wi-Fi Antenna: 2x SMA antenna ports
  - Wi-Fi-as-WAN: No
  - Claimed WiFi Range: Not Specified
  - Guest Wi-Fi Network: Yes
- Control Panel and Default Password: Not specified
- USB Tethering Support: Yes
- Ethernet Ports: 5x Gigabit Ethernet (1x WAN and 4x LAN)
Cellular Modem Specs:
- Embedded Cat-4 Modem:
  - Supported Networks and Bands:
    - LTE Bands: 2, 4, 5, 12/17, 13, 14, 66, 71
    - 2G/3G: WCDMA/HSPA+/DC-HSPA+: 2, 4, 5
  - LTE-Advanced Carrier Aggregation: No
  - MIMO Support: 2X2
  - LTE Performance Category: Category 4
    (Max Theoretical Speed: 150Mbps Down / 50Mbps Up)
  - Cellular Antenna Ports: 2x SMA
  - SIM Slots: 2
- Cat-6 Flex Module (Optional):
  - 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
  - LTE-Advanced Carrier Aggregation: Yes - 2x
  - MIMO Support: 2X2 MIMO
  - LTE Performance Category: Cat-6 Max Theoretical Speed: 300Mbps Down / 50Mbps Up
  - Cellular Antenna Ports: 2x SMA/Female
  - SIM Slots: 2
- Cat-12 Flex Module (Optional):
  - Supported Networks and Bands: Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint
  - LTE Bands (Cat-12 Version): 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
  - LTE-Advanced Carrier Aggregation: Yes - 3x
  - MIMO Support: 2X2 MIMO
  - LTE Performance Category: Cat-12 - Max Theoretical Speed: 600 Mbps Down / 150 Mbps Up
  - Cellular Antenna Ports: 2x SMA/Female
  - SIM Slots: 2
- Cat-18 Flex Module (Optional):
  - Supported Networks and Bands: Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint
  - LTE Bands (Cat-18 Version): 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
  - LTE-Advanced Carrier Aggregation: Yes - 5x
  - MIMO Support: 4x4 MIMO
  - LTE Performance Category: Cat-18 - Max Theoretical Speed: 1.2 Gbps Down / 150 Mbps Up
  - Cellular Antenna Ports: 4x SMA/Female (Note: ports are too close together for paddle antennas)
  - SIM Slots: 2
- 5G/Cat-20 Flex Module (Optional):
  - Supported Networks and Bands: Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint
  - 5G Bands: n1, n2, n3, n5, n7, n8, n12, n20, n28, n38, n41, n66, n71, n77, n78, n79
  - LTE Bands (Cat-18 Version): 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
  - LTE-Advanced Carrier Aggregation: Yes - 6x
  - MIMO Support: 4x4 MIMO
  - LTE Performance Category: Cat-20 - Max Theoretical Speed: 2 Gbps Down / 150 Mbps Up
  - Cellular Antenna Ports: 4x SMA/Female (Note: ports are too close together for paddle antennas)
  - SIM Slots: 2
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: $399
- Optional Modem Module Expansions: Cat-6 ($249), Cat-12 ($399), Cat-18 ($499), 5G (TBD)

News, Videos & Status

We received an evaluation unit, with a Cat-18 expansion modem module, courtesy of Peplink in July 2020, along with their brand new PUMA 401 4x4 MIMO antenna. 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
- Pepwave Product Line-up Video
- Balance 20X Features & Limitations
- Testing Notes
Summary

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