In the rapidly evolving landscape of enterprise networking, the demand for robust, high-performance, and scalable solutions has never been greater. Peplink, a leading name in the networking industry, has answered this call with the introduction of its latest innovation: the Balance 5000 EC. This cutting-edge enterprise router is designed to support thousands of concurrent users and comes equipped with advanced edge computing capabilities, making it an ideal choice for large networks and data centres. In this blog post, we’ll dive into the key features, benefits, and use cases of the Peplink Balance 5000 EC, and explore how it can revolutionise your network infrastructure.
What is the Peplink Balance 5000 EC?
The Peplink Balance 5000 EC is a high-performance enterprise router that stands out for its exceptional capacity to handle thousands of concurrent users. Available in two models—40G and 100G—this router is engineered to meet the rigorous demands of large networks and data centres. At its core, the Balance 5000 EC is designed to serve as a robust foundation for extensive network infrastructures, boasting up to 110 Gbps throughput and multiple WAN ports.
The “EC” in its name signifies its edge computing capabilities, a feature that allows users to run applications directly on the router. This functionality not only reduces latency but also enhances overall network performance, providing a more efficient and responsive experience.
Key Differences Between the 40G and 100G Models
While both models of the Balance 5000 EC share many advanced features, they also have distinct differences in port configurations and throughput capabilities:
- Balance 5000 EC (40G): This model offers a throughput of up to 70 Gbps. It is equipped with 6-8x (2.5GE) WAN ports, 4-8x (25G SFP28) WAN ports, and 1-2x (40G QSFP+) WAN ports. For LAN connectivity, it includes 3-9x (2.5GE) LAN ports, 4-8x (25G SFP28) LAN ports, and 1-2x (40G QSFP+) LAN ports.
- Balance 5000 EC (100G): Designed for even higher performance, the 100G model provides a throughput of up to 110 Gbps. Its WAN ports consist of 6-8x (2.5GE) WAN, 2x (25G SFP28) WAN, and 1x (100G QSFP28) WAN ports. The LAN ports include 3-9x (2.5GE) LAN, 2x (25G SFP28) LAN, and 1x (100G QSFP28) LAN ports.
High-Speed Performance and Throughput
The Peplink Balance 5000 EC is engineered for speed. The 40G model delivers a rated throughput of 70 Gbps, while the 100G model can achieve up to 110 Gbps. Both models also support SpeedFusion VPN throughput (256-bit AES) of 30 Gbps, ensuring that your VPN connections are not only secure but also high-speed.
Support for Thousands of Concurrent Users
One of the standout features of the Balance 5000 EC is its ability to handle over 20,000 concurrent users. This makes it an ideal solution for environments with heavy network traffic and a high volume of connected sessions, such as large enterprises, educational institutions, and bustling data centres.
Edge Computing Capabilities
The Balance 5000 EC’s edge computing capabilities are a game-changer for network management. By supporting native apps (Python), containers (Docker), and hypervisors (KVM), this router allows you to run applications directly on the device. This not only reduces latency but also enhances the overall performance of your network. Both models come with 2x 1TB SSD storage, providing ample space for your applications and data.
LAN Bypass for Enhanced Reliability
To ensure your essential business communications remain uninterrupted, the Balance 5000 EC includes LAN Bypass, a fault-tolerance feature. In the event of a power outage, LAN Bypass protects your network and allows you to safely connect all routers in a daisy-chain configuration. This feature is available for internet traffic from LAN 1 to WAN 3 and from LAN 2 to WAN 4.
Multiple WAN Connectivity Options
The Balance 5000 EC offers a variety of WAN connectivity options, providing flexibility and redundancy for your network:
- Ethernet WAN Ports: Up to 8x 2.5GE ports
- Fibre WAN Ports:
- 40G Model: 4-8x 25G SFP28 WAN, 1-2x 40G QSFP+ WAN
- 100G Model: 2x 25G SFP28 WAN, 1x 100G QSFP28 WAN
- USB WAN Ports: 2x USB ports for USB cellular modem or USB-Ethernet adapter
This extensive range of connectivity options allows the Balance 5000 EC to accommodate various internet connections, including high-speed fibre optics and traditional Ethernet.
SFP28 and QSFP28 Ports for High-Speed Fibre Connections
The SFP28 and QSFP28 ports on the Balance 5000 EC are designed for high-speed fibre optic connections, which are essential for modern networks that require high bandwidth and long-distance connectivity.
- SFP28 Ports: Support 25 Gbps data rates, ideal for high-bandwidth WAN or LAN connections over longer distances.
- QSFP28 Ports: Support 100 Gbps data rates, providing ultra-high-speed connectivity for data centres and backbone networks.
Fibre optic connections offer several advantages, including longer transmission distances, higher reliability, and enhanced security compared to copper cables.
Compatibility with SFP/SFP+ Transceivers
For added convenience, SFP/SFP+ transceivers are generally compatible with SFP28 ports. While the link will be limited to SFP+ speeds (10Gbps), this compatibility ensures a smooth transition and cost-effective upgrades.
Ideal Use Cases
The Peplink Balance 5000 EC is perfectly suited for a variety of demanding environments:
- Large enterprises that require high bandwidth and multiple WAN connections.
- Data centres that need robust network performance and scalability.
- Multi-site networks demand advanced edge computing capabilities and reliability.
Physical Specifications
Both models of the Balance 5000 EC share the same physical dimensions and weight:
- Dimensions: 17.2 x 25.6 x 1.73 inches (438 x 650 x 44 mm)
- Weight: 52.8 pounds (24 kg)
- Form Factor: 1U rack-mountable
Custom Application Support
Thanks to its edge computing capabilities, the Balance 5000 EC allows you to run custom applications using:
- Native Apps (Python)
- Containers (Docker)
- Hypervisors (KVM)
This versatility enables the deployment of a wide range of services directly on the router, providing greater control and flexibility.
What’s Included in the Package?
Each Balance 5000 EC unit comes with a comprehensive set of accessories to get you started:
- 1x Balance 5000 EC Router (40G or 100G model)
- 2x Power Cords
- 1x RJ45 LAN Cable
- 1x Rack Mount Rail
- 1x Slide Rail
- 1x Short Ear Rack Mount Kit with Screws
Warranty and Support
Peplink stands behind the Balance 5000 EC with a 1-Year Limited Warranty. For extended coverage and additional benefits, you can opt for PrimeCare Plan W or PrimeCare+ Plan W, available through Peplink Certified Partners or the Peplink eStore.
- PrimeCare Plan W: Includes standard warranty services, firmware upgrades, and access to InControl 2 cloud management.
- PrimeCare+ Plan W: Offers all the benefits of PrimeCare Plan W, plus advanced hardware replacement and priority support.
SpeedFusion Technology
The Balance 5000 EC fully supports Peplink’s SpeedFusion technology, a patented VPN technology that provides unbreakable connectivity through multiple Internet connections. Key features of SpeedFusion include:
- Hot Failover
- Smoothing
- Bandwidth Bonding
These features ensure reliable and seamless connectivity, crucial for enterprise-level operations.
SpeedFusion Connect
SpeedFusion Connect is Peplink’s global network of SpeedFusion endpoints. With an active CarePlan or SpeedFusion Connect Usage data plan, you can leverage SpeedFusion technology from anywhere, eliminating the need for additional hardware.
Power Consumption
Understanding power consumption is essential for efficient network management.
- Balance 5000 EC (40G): Nominal power consumption is 196W, and maximum power consumption is 596W.
- Balance 5000 EC (100G): Nominal power consumption is 203W, and maximum power consumption is 595W.
Remote Management with InControl 2
The Balance 5000 EC includes a complimentary 1-year PrimeCare subscription, which grants access to InControl 2. This powerful cloud-based management tool simplifies network configuration, minimises truck rolls, provides real-time network status, and enables proactive issue resolution.
Licenses and Accessories
- InControl 2 Subscription: The Balance 5000 EC comes with a 1-year subscription to InControl 2. Access can be continued by extending your PrimeCare Plan W or upgrading to PrimeCare+ Plan W.
- OpenVPN WAN Functionality: An optional license (LIC-OPN-WAN) is available to enable OpenVPN WAN functionality, allowing the Balance 5000 EC to connect to an OpenVPN server from a commercial VPN provider.
Comprehensive Support
Peplink is committed to providing excellent support for its products.
- Peplink Partners: Offer support to users who purchased the product from them.
- Peplink Forum: A very active forum where users can find help from Peplink partners, employees, and knowledgeable users.
- Peplink Support Ticket: For suspected hardware or firmware issues, users can enter a support ticket to receive direct assistance from Peplink engineers.
- Troubleshooting Resources: A troubleshooting section is available online to help users with basic software issues.
Conclusion
The Peplink Balance 5000 EC represents a significant leap forward in enterprise networking solutions. With its high throughput, support for thousands of concurrent users, advanced edge computing capabilities, and robust reliability features, it is well-equipped to meet the demands of today’s most challenging network environments. Whether you’re managing a large enterprise, a bustling data centre, or a complex multi-site network, the Balance 5000 EC offers the performance, scalability, and flexibility you need to stay ahead. Interested in becoming a Peplink reseller? Contact us today.
