PEPLINK HANDBOOK

How to Check the Hardware Version of a Peplink Device

Knowing the exact hardware revision of your Peplink or Pepwave device matters when you are ordering spares, checking firmware compatibility or troubleshooting with support. Here is where to find it.

QUICK ANSWER

Log in to the device's web admin and go to Status > Device. The hardware revision is listed alongside the model name and serial number. If you cannot log in, check the printed label on the underside or rear panel of the unit, which lists the model number, serial number and hardware revision together.

Method 1: The web admin interface

This is the most reliable method and gives you the firmware version at the same time, which is useful if you are reporting an issue.

Steps

  1. Connect a computer to a LAN port on the device with an Ethernet cable.
  2. Open a browser and go to the device's default address: 192.168.1.1 for Balance routers, or 192.168.50.1 for MAX and Pepwave devices. If the address has been changed, use that instead.
  3. Log in with your admin credentials.
  4. Go to Status > Device. The hardware revision is shown on this page alongside the model name and serial number.
  5. The Dashboard also shows the current firmware version, which is useful when reporting an issue or checking compatibility with a new firmware release.

Method 2: The printed label on the device

Every Peplink and Pepwave unit carries a printed label, usually on the underside or rear panel, listing the model number, serial number and hardware revision together. This is the fastest way to check the hardware version if the device is not powered on, or you do not have network access to it yet, for example before an installation.

Method 3: InControl2

If the device is already enrolled in InControl2, open its device details page. Model and hardware information for enrolled devices is available there alongside firmware and connection status, though the exact layout can vary between InControl2 versions. If you manage a fleet of devices, this is the quickest way to check hardware revisions across multiple sites without logging in to each unit individually.

Why the hardware version matters

  • Firmware compatibility. Some firmware releases only support specific hardware revisions of a model. Peplink's firmware download page separates builds by hardware revision for exactly this reason.
  • Ordering spares or upgrades. Antenna connectors, PoE output and expansion modules can differ between hardware revisions of the same model name, so check yours before ordering accessories from our shop.
  • Support and warranty. Our engineering team and Peplink support will usually ask for the hardware revision alongside the serial number when troubleshooting a fault.

Common questions

What does "HW" mean on a Peplink spec sheet or config file?
HW stands for hardware revision, the specific manufacturing version of that model. Peplink periodically revises the internal hardware of a product line, for example the Balance 580 has had multiple hardware revisions, and the HW value tells you and Peplink support exactly which version you have.
Does hardware revision affect which firmware I can install?
It can. Firmware builds are matched to hardware revisions, and Peplink's download page lists builds by hardware version to prevent an incompatible firmware being applied. Always check your device's hardware revision before installing firmware manually.
I cannot find a label on my device, what should I do?
Check the underside and the rear panel first, since that is where most models place it. If the label is missing or worn away, log in to the web admin and check Status > Device, or contact us with the serial number and we will confirm the details for you.
PEPLINK HANDBOOK

Not sure your hardware revision matches the firmware or accessories you need? Our engineering team can confirm it and spec the right upgrade path.

Need more in depth help? Looking to buy more devices?