Banana Pi BPI-R4 Review: Wi-Fi 7 OpenWrt Router board with dual SFP+ ports

It’s time for the final check to make sure everything is working properly.

We have successfully identified two SSDs under Ubuntu 24.04 LTS, running Kernel 5.4.260. One drive boasts a size of 120 GB, and another with a larger capacity of 1 TB. While our M.2 SATA card accommodates a maximum of 5 SATA ports, our rack has the capacity for up to 6 SSDs. Unfortunately, this limits us to using only five drives. Nonetheless, this configuration is good, providing users with an incredibly cost-effective option to maximize their Banana Pi R4 storage capacity.

Checking if the SSDs are functioning correctly

Conclusions

The IOCrest M.2 5-port SATA adapter enables high-speed PCIe 3.0 connectivity with a dual-lane (x2) configuration. On the other hand, the Banana Pi R4 M.2 Key-M socket accommodates a single-lane (x1), and it also offers PCIe 3.0 performance with a theoretical maximum speed of approximately 970 MB/s. However, it is worth noting that actual speeds may fluctuate due to various factors, including controller quality, NAND type, and system overhead.

Even with a speed of 400 MB/s, the performance remains quite satisfactory. However, if you wish to achieve even faster read/write speeds, it would be worth considering powering the PSU board with a 12V-10A power adapter and upgrading the SATA cables.

Enhancing the design

For those passionate about 3D printing, we strongly advise creating an intricately designed case that encompasses the PSU board, HDD rack, and the Banana Pi R4 board. This remarkable case will not only exude a visually stunning appearance but also provide unparalleled protection for all these valuable components.

Banana Pi R4 NAS Configurtions | The Final Outcome

More Optional NAS Racks are available.

If you are in search of a reasonably priced NAS Rack that is also compatible with 3.5-inch drives, not just with 2.5-inch drives, this case is definitely worth exploring.

A 5 Storage Rack NAS is designed to accommodate 2.5 and 3.5-inch drives.

Setting Up the Banana Pi BE14000 Wireless NIC Expansion Card

Unboxing the Item

A closer look at the board

The Banana Pi R4 NIC Card is powered by a Mediatek chipset and is composed of three chips: MT7995AV, WT7976CN, and MT79771AN, which support the latest Wi-Fi 7 wireless technology. This remarkable card boasts IEEE802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax/be compliance, with 2.4GHz 2×2, 5GHz 3×3 3ss, and 6GHz 3×3 capabilities. Additionally, it comes equipped with three ipex sockets for easy attachment of external WIFI antennas. This expansion board is priced at around $80. It may not be an essential item, but it is definitely worth the investment if you are looking for a superfast, high bandwidth connection.

WIFI antennas

The NIC card is normally included when you purchase the full Banana Pi R4 kit. If you already have six antennas at home, you can save a few dollars by just buying the NIC card. Here’s a closer look at the antennas.

Installation

The installation process was very straightforward and hassle-free. You will need to Insert the NIC card into the PCIe 3.0 Socket, located on the back of the R4 board. The Banana Pi team has thoughtfully pre-inserted a pair of screws, ensuring that mounting the board is simple and it was.

Additionally, three thermal pads are included as part of the board accessories, aligning perfectly with the design concept, which involves utilizing the case body for efficient heat discharge.

If you want to install an NVMe card, it’s recommended to use a thermal pad that covers the chips on the card. A thermal pad with a thickness of 3 mm will provide good contact with the case.

Mounting the Banana BPI-R4-NIC-BE14 and arranging the antenna wires

The wireless connectivity capabilities of the Banana BPI-R4-NIC-BE14.

What should you expect?

Wi-Fi 7, also known as IEEE 802.11be, is the next-generation Wi-Fi standard that’s here to turbocharge our wireless experiences. So, let’s talk frequencies! Wi-Fi 7 is like a musical trio—it harmoniously utilizes three frequency bands:

• 6 GHz: This high-frequency spectrum dances between 5.925 and 7.125 GHz.

• 2.4 GHz: This band ranges from 2.400 to 2.495 GHz, providing valuable coverage, particularly over extended distances.

• 5 GHz: A dynamic band that seamlessly operates within the frequency range of 5.170 to 5.835 GHz.

Utilizing the 6GHz band

Our tri-band WiFi card module has been tested and works reliably in Israel’s 5.9GHz spectrum. It includes a built-in DFS antenna integrated on the R4 board and collaborates with the device OS Kernel to monitor radar signals. This enables it to switch to unused frequency channels, allowing Wi-Fi networks to function safely without interfering with important radar operations.

Additionally, it is crucial to acknowledge that performance can differ across various regions, and the module may automatically engage higher frequency ranges exceeding 5.925 GHz.

An updated list of countries has fully endorsed the 5925-7125 GHz frequency band as of 2024.

What are the benefits of WiFi 7?

• 320 MHz channels: The 6 GHz band offers significantly higher throughput with Wi-Fi 7’s 320 MHz channels, compared to 160 MHz in Wi-Fi 6, effectively doubling the speed.

• 4K QAM improves signal density by 20%, boosting data rates from 2.4 Gbps with 1K QAM to 5.8 Gbps. This upgrade enables flawless 4K/8K streaming, lag-free gaming, and high-quality video conferencing.

• Multi-Link Operation (MLO): Qualcomm describes MLO technology as essential for combining channels across frequency bands for better data transmission. The MLO dramatically decreases latency, reducing it from one second to an impressive 10–20 milliseconds by utilizing less congested channels.

Checking wireless network interfaces, access point names, and frequency bands.