Questions about the Balance 20x

Product Discussion
1

Hello,

I had a few questions about the Balance 20x Router:

  • Is the code for the router firmware open-source or source-free?
  • What CPU processor does the router use?
  • Can the router run Pi-Hole in the router or what is the easiest way to run Pi-Hole with this router?
  • Does the router have a MAC address randomization feature or can I change the MAC address on the router?
  • What kind of VPN support does this router have?
    • Is it possible to route a single VLAN through Tor?
    • Do I need a license to run a VPN in the router?
  • Can the Balance 20x run on batteries? Are there any other travel routers that can be run on batteries?

Best Wishes,
Anthony Saar

2

Anthony,
I my opinion, when you buy a Peplink router you are buying the software, not the hardware. So, no the software is the opposite of open source. Don’t know about the cpu, the router does show current CPU usage so you can easily tell if a model is underpowered or straining under the load.

As for Pi_Hole, 3 things: the router has an internal DNS server that is easily customizable. Downside is there are no usage reports like Pi-Hole has. Peplink routers support secure DNS, so you can use it with NextDNS and even an individual NextDNS profile. This eliminates the need for Pi-Hole as NextDNS offers assorted blocking, usage stats and optional logging. Finally, a very recent feature does allow for running Dockers on a usb flash drive that is plugged into the router.

You can change the MAC address on the WAN port, yes. But, its a manual change nothing automatic.

It supports OpenVPN, not Wireguard. Not up on the details.

Balance 20x does not run on batteries. The power connection is also not USB-C. Probably not fair to compare B20x to travel routers, the two are in very different leagues. That said, a Surf SOHO or a Balance 20x are excellent travel routers, other than the battery issue.

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