- Maybe you missed it? Banana Pi OpenWrt One Router Board
- Banana Pi BPI-RV2 Overview: A look at the new, upcoming OpenWrt One variant.
Banana Pi BPI-RV2: An OpenWrt One Variant, Powered by a RISC-V processor
The growing popularity of RISC-V architecture in China has led to the introduction of an exciting new router board named Banana Pi BPI-RV2. This new router board incorporates the Siflower SF21H8898 chip. It also boasts five Gigabit LAN ports alongside a 2.5G WAN port. Its design is reminiscent of an improved version of the OpenWrt One we previously reviewed, showcasing significant advancements in performance and functionality.
Key Features
- Siflowe SF21H8898 4-core RISC-V processor.
- With Siflowe NPU, enterprise-class gateway-level data forwarding processing capability can be achieved.
- 512MB DDR3 RAM.
- 1 x 2.5GbE network and 5 x Gigabit ports.
- 128 MB SPI NAND and 16 MB SPI NOR flash ensure that the onboard system is indestructible.
- M.2 2242/2230 interface supports NVMe SSD (PCIe Gen 2 x1).
- RTC.
- Support for Power over Ethernet (PoE) network power.
Hardware specifications
| Parameter | Specs |
|---|---|
| SoC | Siflowe SF21H8898 4 core RISC-V @ 1.25GHz |
| RAM | 512MB DDR3 |
| Storage | 128 MB SPI NAND flash is used in U-Boot and Linux systems. |
| 16 MB SPI NOR flash, for U-Boot and Linux systems, write-protected by default (refresh can be enabled by jumper). | |
| The M.2 2242 interface supports NVMe SSD (PCIe Gen 2 x1) | |
| Network | 1 x 2.5GbE RJ45 port |
| 5 x Gigabit RJ45 ports | |
| USB | Use the USB Type-C (device, console) port of the UART to USB chip |
| 1x USB 2.0 Type-A USB host port | |
| PCIE | M.2 key-B, supported rates PCIe gen 2 x1, can be used to connect SSD hard drives, 5G modules, etc. |
| MINI PCIE, Supported Rates PCIe gen 2 x1; can be used to connect a Wi-Fi module, wired network card, etc. | |
| Extension | MikroBUS expansion module socket |
| Debug | Console connected via USB-C port or 3-pin connector |
| RTC | Support for on-board RTC real-time clock |
| Others | Reset and user buttons |
| Boot choice: NAND (normal) or NOR (reset). | |
| (I2C interface) RTC, backup battery holder with CR1220 button battery | |
| support add 802.3at/af PoE module | |
| Size | 148 x 100.5 mm |
A closer look at the board interfaces
Hardware
The Siflowe SF21H8898, developed by Siflower Communications—an esteemed Chinese leader in high-performance System on Chip (SoC) solutions for industrial and enterprise applications—stands out as a formidable 4-core, 64-bit RISC-V processor operating at 1.25 GHz. Designed specifically for demanding industrial environments, it incorporates a robust network processing accelerator that enables L2/L3 hardware processing, supports a dual-stack of IPv4/IPv6, and theoretically can deliver an impressive 20Gbps switching capacity.
The RV2 comes with 512MB of integrated DDR3 memory, 128MB of SPI NAND, and 16MB of SPI NOR flash, designed for consistent performance across different applications. It includes various connectivity options such as USB 2.0, PCIe 2.0, SPI, UART, I2C, and PWM interfaces. Additionally, it features a 2.5GbE WAN port and five Gigabit LAN ports, with support for IEEE 1588 PTP for time synchronization. Powered by the Siflowe SF21H8898, which is used in devices like the Banana Pi BPI-RV2, the RV2 can serve as a versatile option for enterprise and industrial gateway applications, including home use.
Opinions and insights.
Using a RISC-V chip architecture is appealing. This device promises good performance for individuals seeking a low-cost, open-source router powered by OpenWrt. Additionally, it boasts impressive energy efficiency and features an M.2 Key-M slot, allowing for the integration of 4G and 5G modem modules for those who require high-speed connectivity.
The PoE (Power over Ethernet) module is integrated onto the board, facilitating effortless connections for multiple end devices in both industrial and office environments. Furthermore, the mPCIe slot allows users to boost connectivity options by incorporating a Wi-Fi NIC card. While the modest 512MB RAM may raise concerns about performance, it hinges on how well the operating system is optimized.
Price and Availability
The product is currently in its early stages, showing great promise. Although we don’t have the final pricing for the board yet, we invite you to explore the Banana Pi AliExpress store to stay updated on the latest news and discover a wide range of other cool products it offers.
