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 particular - we've long pointed to the original Pepwave MAX BR1 as an enticing option for those looking for a good all-around router with an integrated cellular modem.
The MK2 was released in 2017 and is now considered an entry-level router by modern standards. In mid 2021, Peplink released a refreshed product of the MAX BR1 Pro that is similar really only in name - everything else about this is truly next generation, including the price point.
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 by Peplink
Product Variations
MAX BR1 Pro 5G
This is the first major update to the MAX BR1 in years - and is a major advancement in both cellular and local area networking. This is the most current and 'flagship' model of the MAX BR1 Lineup.
The big new features:
- 5G / Cat-20 LTE Radio
- Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
- 2.5 Gbps Ethernet WAN, 2x 1GB Ethernet Ports
- 1 Gbps Router Throughput
Specifications
- Model: MAX-BR1-5GH-T-PRM
- Router Specs:
- # of Connected Devices: 1-150
- Wi-Fi Router: Yes
- Wi-Fi Standard: Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) - Simultaneous 2.4 GHz & 5 GHz
- Max Theoretical Wi-Fi Speed: 300 Mbps (2.4 GHz), 900 Mbps (5 GHz)
- Wi-Fi Antennas: 2x RP-SMA Antenna Ports (2x2 MU-MIMO)
- Wi-Fi as WAN: Yes
- Claimed Wi-Fi Range: Not specified
- Guest Wi-Fi Network: Yes
- Default Control Panel Address: 192.168.50.1
- USB Tethering Support: No
- Ethernet Ports: 3x Gigabit Ethernet (WAN / LAN Configurable), one port can run in 2.5 Gbps mode.
- Router Throughput: 1 Gbps
- Cellular Modem Specs:
- Cellular Modem: Single 5G
- Modem Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon X55 (Sierra Wireless EM9191)
- Supported Networks and Bands: Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint (Auto Switching)
- 5G Sub-6 Bands: n1, n2, n3, n5, n28, n41, n66, n71, n77, n78, n79
- LTE Bands:1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 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
- 2G: No
- MIMO Support: 4x4
- Max Theoretical 5G Performance: 4 Gbps Down / 700 Mbps Up
- 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: Mid-Band & Low-Band 5G can not be combined.
- Cellular Antennas: 4x SMA/Female Antenna Ports, Basic Indoor Antennas Included
- SIM Slots: 2x Nano
- Dimensions: 4.93'' x 5.79'' x 1.14''
- Power Source: 12V 2A 4-Pin Power Supply (AC adapter included, 12V adapter available)
- Outdoor Rated: No
- Special Features: Data Usage Tracking, Auto Failover, Integrated GPS, Band Locking (future firmware release), Pepwave AP Controller (Future Firmware Release), Load Balancing, SpeedFusion Bonding
- Retail Price: $1,499
MAX BR1 Pro
This MAX BR1 Pro model offers the pinnacle of LTE technology without support for 5G.
Specifications
- Model:MAX-BR1-PRO-GLTE-S-T-PRM
- Router Specs:
- # of Connected Devices: 1-150
- Wi-Fi Router: Yes
- Wi-Fi Standard: Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) - Simultaneous 2.4 GHz & 5 GHz
- Max Theoretical Wi-Fi Speed: 300 Mbps (2.4 GHz), 900 Mbps (5 GHz)
- Wi-Fi Antennas: 2x RP-SMA Antenna Ports (2x2 MU-MIMO)
- Wi-Fi as WAN: Yes
- Claimed Wi-Fi Range: Not specified
- Guest Wi-Fi Network: Yes
- Default Control Panel Address: 192.168.50.1
- USB Tethering Support: No
- Ethernet Ports: 3x Gigabit Ethernet (WAN / LAN Configurable), one port can run in 2.5 Gbps mode.
- Router Throughput: 1 Gbps
- Cellular Modem Specs:
- Cellular Modem: Single 4G
- Modem Chipset: TBD
- Supported Networks and Bands: Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint (Auto Switching)
- LTE Bands:1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 32, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 46, 48, 66, 71
- 4G/3G: HSPA+/WCDMA: B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, B6, B8, B9, B19
- 2G: No
- MIMO Support: 4x4
- LTE Performance Category: Cat-20 (Max Theoretical Speed: 2 Gbps Down / 150 Mbps Up)
- LTE-Advanced Carrier Aggregation: At least 5x Download, 3x Upload Carrier Aggregation.
- Cellular Antennas: 4x SMA/Female Antenna Ports, Basic Indoor Antennas Included
- SIM Slots: 2x Nano SIM slots
- Dimensions: 4.93'' x 5.79'' x 1.14''
- Power Source: 12V 2A 4-Pin Power Supply (AC adapter included, 12V adapter available)
- Outdoor Rated: No
- Special Features: Data Usage Tracking, Auto Failover, Integrated GPS, Band Locking (future firmware release), Pepwave AP Controller (Future Firmware Release), Load Balancing, SpeedFusion Bonding
- Retail Price: $1,199
News, Videos & Status
MobileMustHave has sent us the new MAX BR1 Pro 5G and will follow up with hands on experience for our members - first as testing notes in our in progress forum, which will later become our review below.
- In Progress Testing Forum: Pepwave MAX BR1 Pro 5G w/ Primecare (Cellular Embedded Router)
Here is our first look video of the MAX BR1 Pro 5G:
Related News Center Articles
Alternatives to Consider
For other popular mobile routers on the market we are tracking - here are our featured options:
This Review Contains Additional Member Exclusive Content!
We are Honored to be Member Funded! No ads, no sponsors, no selling (but may contain affiliate links)
Our members fund our in-depth independent reviews.
This entry may contain additional member exclusive content such as testing notes, field testing data, user interface tours, comparisons to alternatives, analysis, tips, videos and discounts.
Members also get interactive guidance, alerts, classroom and more.
Are you a member? Please log in above to access your member exclusive content!
Member Exclusive Content Below
- Thoughts & Analysis
- Deep Dive
- MAX BR1 Pro / 5G Guidance
- Hands on Testing Notes
- SIM Card Switching Notes
- Different Versions Comparison Chart
- Alternatives to Consider
- Should You Buy the MAX BR1 Pro?
Purchasing Options
Links Provided for Convenience
We do not sell any gear or equipment. These links are provided to make your shopping easier. Unless otherwise disclosed, only Amazon links are affiliate links (see our disclaimer). We request vendors give our members bigger discounts instead of giving us affiliate kickbacks.
Member Discounts - Learn & Save!
Our MIAs get special discounts from these vendors. Members please check for discount codes before ordering. Some vendors offer up to 10% off - you could save more than the cost of your membership on major purchases.
Members - be sure to check the Member Discounts page for some potentially very substantial savings on purchasing Pepwave routers.
- MobileMustHave
- MAX BR1 Pro 5G
- MAX BR1 Pro - Cat 20
- MobileMustHave Internet Bundles (discounted kits with antenna & other options - learn more)
- TechnoRV
- 5G Store
Routers can serve as a central conductor of your local area network in your RV and boat. Mobile routers are different from residential routers in that they typically support multiple internet sources like cellular and Wi-Fi, can be powered off of 12v or AC and support external antenna for better receiving signal.
But you might not need a router in your setup. Here's a quick video overview the variety that routers come in:
To learn more, head on over to our guides that cover these topics further:
The Mobile Internet Resource Center is brought to you by Two Steps Beyond LLC, and hosted by the technomads of