Part 7: Adding a 2.5G Network Card (Optional Configuration)
Another upgrading option that might appeal to IT professionals seeking to expand their R3 router capabilities is that we didn’t have an opportunity to test it, but it should work. You can add five or more 2.5GbE Ethernet ports by using the Banana Pi M.2 Key M PCIe socket.
To make this possible, you will need to buy an M.2 M to PCI-E 4X extension adapter that costs about ~$6 on AliExpress and a 2.5G PCIe network card. For the 5V power source, you can pull the necessary voltage using the XH2.54 socket, so you will probably need to replace the connector, But it’s not too complicated.
Remember that by adding this upgrade, you will not be able to use an NVMe M.2 SSD card. Also, the metal case will not fit this type of arrangement, so you must design a new Case with holes and cuts for the network card ports. Using a 3D printer can be a good solution. Overall, It’s an option worth exploring that will give a nice upgrade boost to Banana Pi R3 router fans.
Adding a 2.5GbE PCI Express Network Card (Items list) | ||||
Item No' | Item Photo | Description | QTY | Buy Link |
1 |  | M.2 M -Key to PCI-e Adapter Card + SATA | 1 | |
2 |  | XH2.54 4PIN Terminal wire | 1 | |
3 |  | PCIe 3.0 x4 Male to Female Extension Cable | 1 | |
4 |  | 5x 2.5GbE LAN Network Card | 1 | |
5 |  | Heat Shrink Sleeving Tubing Kit | 1 | |
Tools | ||||
Soldering iron | - | For Soldering the wires | 1 | - |
AndroidPIMP.COM will not be liable or responsible for any loss or damage caused by improper wiring/assembly of the above components. | ||||
When you do recommend installing a passive (or active) heat sink to this setup? Passive cooling is I think a no brainer, it’s cheap and silent. Strange they don’t add passive heat sink to their package product, as part of the package.
“Strange they don’t add passive heat sink to their package product, as part of the package”.
They had some supply problems because of COVID.
If you have a large heatsink that will fit and cover all chips, it might be worth trying the passive cooling option. Just use a lower in height so you have the option to add a fan.
I just noticed that the “complete kit” also comes with heat sinks. Seperate heatsinks for each chip. If you buy a large heatsink, that will work as well, BUT keep in mind that the chips have different heights, meaning you should use different heat pads (1.5 mm and 0.5 mm) to have a good coverage of the heat sink on the different chips. I did read about performance issues on forum.banana-pi.org forum, when you don’t cool the chips enough. Especially with passive cooling, it might still be a good idea to add additional vent holes manually in the casing. Since… Read more »
So use 1.5-2 mm thermal pads. Nothing will happen. They are elastic, so it does not matter if you are using the highest type for all chips. It’s not rocket science. I agree about the vent holes. You can drill a few holes.. or you can also glue a small fan to the bottom of the case. And maybe use the GPIO header pins as a power source. Just to get the hot air out of the case.
Actually there is a fan header connnector on the R3 board. Which can do PWM.
Kindly Try it, and let me know if it works well.
you can email me with the info. Thanks
Ps. also add a link to the package deal of the Banana Pi BPI-R3? https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005004886608696.html.
Since you mentioned the single board computer only on your last page.
Thanks. I added the link for the complete kit.
Which version of PCIe does the board support?
According to MediaTek website >> M.2 M-Key PCIe interface (2-lane PCIe 2.0)
Is there any nas software or docker image that will handle those multiple hdds ? Exampme if i want to raid, zfs or btrfs
1) OpenWrt has NAS support.
2) You can also try CasaOS.
3) OpenMediaVault should run on Debian.
I don’t get what is about the ONTi SFP. It is suposed to be a GPON ONT? In aliexpress I see that it comes in pairs (Tx 1310 and Rx 1550 the first one and other with Tx 1550 and 1310), like a pair which is meant to be connected together.
https://es.aliexpress.com/item/4000265957277.html?spm=a2g0o.productlist.main.17.5893oPf4oPf4kf&algo_pvid=54d3e4cb-00c6-4269-8acb-3ae1e2c40f54&algo_exp_id=54d3e4cb-00c6-4269-8acb-3ae1e2c40f54-8&pdp_npi=4%40dis%21ARS%217735.49%213867.74%21%21%2122.10%21%21%402132a26216964772264216569ed485%2110000001076765699%21sea%21AR%214647643211%21AB&curPageLogUid=VmCG7Kwqm2TR
This module is not compatible with GPON technology.
If the module information / specifications do not indicate it’s a GPON compliance, then it is safe to say that it is not GPON compliant.
Did you use anything to glue the copper-made sheet plates on chips?
I used a thermal silicone adhesive plaster.