Pepwave or ???

[lemondrop9344]

Is SOLO a typo or do you have the Pepwave SOHO router? Assuming you have the SOHO, the question about the USB port makes sense.
In our home office (Southport, NC) we are using a Balance One core as our primary router for the network, We also use a Max Transit CAT-18 as well as Starlink for fail over when cable internet fails (hurricane season) or when the owner travels in the RV.
With all that said, the owner (my son) uses iPhones & their OS is not compatible with the USB port on the Peplink Balance router.

 

[Gizmo]

Got my Pepwave BR1 Pro 5G into day and setup and running. Currently we are running the Verizon sim in the Pepwave and using WIFI Wan to connect to the M2000 hotspot with my Calyx T-Mobile 5G SIM. I did get boost of speed put the the Verizon sim in the BR1 from average of 0.5 to 4 or 5.
I did pull the Calyx SIM and tested it in the BR1 and come right on line no problems so all reading I have done about not working at least in my case wasn't the case.
I not sure why but seems that I'm getting boost of speed running the M2000 though the BR1. Using WIFI WAN so seems there would be some overhead.
So far extremely happy with plans to add the Pepwave antenna.

 

[Gizmo]

I understand that IOS 13 made some changes that broke threthering but seems to also affect the hotspot feature of the iPhone/IPad. When I put either into hotspot mode the Pepwave BR1 Pro doesn't see a hotspot. Anyone else seen this?

 

[Neal]

I'm not sure about the tethering as I personally have never tried it.

By the way I see Pepwave just dropped the BR1 Pro 5G pricing $500. You may want to ask who you bought it from for a credit or maybe consider returning it and buying it again at the lower price.

Pepwave MAX BR1 Pro 5G Router with Global 5G/Cat 20 LTE Modem + PrimeCare (with US certification)

This Pepwave Peplink 5G Router includes PrimeCare for 1 year. PrimeCare includes InControl, warranty with standard RMA, FusionHub license, and SpeedFusion bonding and WAN smoothing and can be renewed after the first year. If PrimeCare is not renewed, SpeedFusion features are disabled (basic...

5gstore.com

 

[Gizmo]

I have the Max BR1 Pro with the 4G CAT-20. Band selection is available with the 8.2.1 firmware release.
I played around with band selection and was never able to achieve superior results than what the device would do on its own.

I'm not sure about the tethering as I personally have never tried it.

By the way I see Pepwave just dropped the BR1 Pro 5G pricing $500. You may want to ask who you bought it from for a credit or maybe consider returning it and buying it again at the lower price.

Pepwave MAX BR1 Pro 5G Router with Global 5G/Cat 20 LTE Modem + PrimeCare (with US certification)

This Pepwave Peplink 5G Router includes PrimeCare for 1 year. PrimeCare includes InControl, warranty with standard RMA, FusionHub license, and SpeedFusion bonding and WAN smoothing and can be renewed after the first year. If PrimeCare is not renewed, SpeedFusion features are disabled (basic...

5gstore.com

I have a 30-day return policy but here is the other option from Pepwave.

 

[Gizmo]

@Neal
We purchased from Amazon because of the 30-day return policy and lowest price. I contacted them and they couldn't refund the difference but I can return for a full refund and reorder.

 

[Neal]

Interesting. Not sure who is selling through Amazon and how you'd get support if needed. Typically the reseller handles support. Kind of a red flag to me. I'd order one through 5Gstore now and when it arrives return the Amazon one - if it were me.

 

[sheridany]

@Neal Do you know if I can use my existing sim cards from Verizon and AT&T in my existing pepwave router in the 5g router or do I need new sim cards?

 

[Neal]

Nano sim slots like iPhone and iPad.

 

[Gizmo]

@Neal
What is in Prime Care that Pepwave is offering 4 years' worth for not returning the modem? Is putting connections to the Priority 1 spot and having them use all the connections that part of Prime Care? I'm still considering my options.

 

[Neal]

I think it's just warranty. Not 100% sure. I'd be going for the $500.

 

[Gizmo]

I think it's just warranty. Not 100% sure. I'd be going for the $500.

Not sure what I will use but I'm going to hold off till I do some research. Here is what I have found so far.

Package to Build SpeedFusion Networks - PrimeCare - Peplink

PrimeCare makes SpeedFusion networks easier to build. It’s a subscription that bundles InControl, Warranty, SpeedFusion license upgrades, and FusionHub Licenses. Comes with All Licenses PrimeCare is designed to scale and does not count toward FusionHub peer limits. Use as many PrimeCare devices...

www.peplink.com

 

[CaptainGizmo]

I understand that IOS 13 made some changes that broke threthering but seems to also affect the hotspot feature of the iPhone/IPad. When I put either into hotspot mode the Pepwave BR1 Pro doesn't see a hotspot. Anyone else seen this?

Um, the latest iOS is at 15.6!

Not sure what you're referring to, when you say "tethering" is broken, and it affects Personal Hotspot (PHS).

So, not to be snotty, but can you clarify some inconsistencies which may help use drill down the issue:
1. iOS version?
2. Personal Hotspot vs. Tethering
3. "Putting either into hotspot mode"; you mean iPad or iPhone, right?
4. "Doesn't see a hotspot"; what do you mean...the PW doesn't find the iPhone's SSID for the PHS?

Not sure, but you may even be experiencing the known issue of the Pepwave not handling multiple APs on the same band; a bug that will actually lockup a Pepwave; causing you to have to do a factory reset.

 

[CaptainGizmo]

@Neal
What is in Prime Care that Pepwave is offering 4 years' worth for not returning the modem? Is putting connections to the Priority 1 spot and having them use all the connections that part of Prime Care? I'm still considering my options.

Are you asking what a PrimeCare subscription offers?

If so, it's more than an extended warranty. It allows you to access SpeedFusion Cloud and Remote Management services.

 

[lemondrop9344]

Interesting. Not sure who is selling through Amazon and how you'd get support if needed. Typically the reseller handles support. Kind of a red flag to me. I'd order one through 5Gstore now and when it arrives return the Amazon one - if it were me.

I think this question (support for Peplink products sold through Amazon) was raised some time ago on the Peplink forum. If I remember correctly, support is provided by Peplink through the forum.
IMHO, the UI on Peplink products is pretty easy to understand & there are a bunch of 'How To's' to be found on line. Unless your LAN configuration is really complex, or, you are trying to use some 'aardvark data plan', the setup goes quickly.
With all that said, many of the partners selling Peplink products will price match if you ask them. However, the lowest price is not always the 'best price' depending on one's networking acumen.