- Maybe you missed it? Review of the Banana Pi BPI-R4 Lite.
- Banana Pi BPI-R4 Pro Overview: A brief overview of the anticipated key features.
Introducing the advanced Banana Pi BPI-R4 Pro Router
Following the successful launch of the R4 router and the SB series, the Banana Pi Team is now launched their new enhanced and more advanced edition. The new model, tentatively called the BPI-R4 Pro, is based on the MediaTek MT7988A (Filogic 880) SoC, offering impressive performance and features. To encourage community participation and ensure the product aligns with user requirements, the company has released the final specifications and photos of this router board.
Banana Pi BPI R4 Pro X8 – A complete overview of the board
Equipped with the MediaTek Filogic 880 SoC
Enhanced connectivity with WiFi 7 support
The hardware delivers a dependable network experience for both wired and wireless applications, featuring an array of connectivity options: four Gigabit Ethernet ports, two UNXGMII interfaces, four PCIe ports, and two USB 3.2 ports. The MT7988A is engineered to facilitate Wi-Fi 7 tri-band connectivity across 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz bands. It also includes a companion chip that supports an impressive 320 MHz bandwidth, 4096-QAM, MLO, MRU, and AFC capabilities.
Interfaces
The MediaTek Filogic 880 platform stands out for its scalability and boasts a range of high-speed internal and external interfaces, including 10Gbps PCI-Express, 5Gbps USB, UART, SD, SPI, PWM, GPIO, and OTP. This diversity provides developers with a wealth of opportunities for customization.
Computing power
Equipped with a robust Quad-Core CPU and a MediaTek Network Processor (NPU), the Filogic 880 boasts a powerful quad-core Arm Cortex-A73 processor with a substantial internal cache and clock speeds reaching 1.8GHz. This results in exceptional performance, achieving nearly 30K DMIPS. By leveraging the NPU to handle network-related tasks, device manufacturers are empowered to utilize CPE at no cost, enabling them to personalize operating systems, incorporate built-in services, and develop applications that expand the functionalities typically found in top-tier router and access point devices.
NPU
MediaTek-designed on-chip network processing unit (NPU) provides hardware QoS acceleration and tunnel offload engines for VLAN / PPTP / L2TP / GRE. It goes above and beyond in that it can use both Wi-Fi and Ethernet connections, ensure full-speed performance while offload the main application processor.
Equipped with Tunnel Offloading Processor System (TOPS)
In order to meet the needs of rapidly evolving tunneling applications, MT7988A is equipped with the MediaTek Tunnel Offloading Processor System (TOPS), which helps to handle various tunneling protocols. MT7988A is committed to taking network transmission performance to an advanced level by optimizing network performance with fine-tuned MediaTek TOPS ISA.
Specifications
| Category | Specification |
|---|---|
| SoC | MediaTek Filogic 880 platform |
| Processor | MediaTek MT7988A Quad-core Arm Cortex-A73, 1.8GHz |
| Memory | 4GB / 8GB DDR4 |
| Storage | 8GB eMMC Flash 256MB SPI-NAND Flash 1x Micro SD Card Slot |
| WAN Ports | 1x 10G SFP WAN 1x 2.5G RJ45 WAN (Optional with 10G SFP WAN, PoE support) |
| LAN Ports | 1x 10G SFP LAN 5x 2.5G RJ45 LAN 1x 1G RJ45 LAN 2x 1G LAN (FPC Connector) |
| Expansion Slots | 3x M.2 B-KEY (USB 3.2 for 5G Module) 2x miniPCIe (PCIe 3.0, 2-lane for Wi-Fi 7 NIC) 2x M.2 M-KEY (PCIe 3.0, 1-lane for NVMe SSD, switchable to B-KEY). |
| USB Ports | 1x USB 3.2 1x USB 2.0 1x USB Type-C (Debug Console) |
| Headers | 2x 13-PIN Header for expanding applications |
| Power Supply | Type-C PD 20V DC IN (5521) 12V/24V |
| Dimensions | 194 x 132mm |
General design updates have been made compared to the previous Banana Pi R4, including an improved case design.
In addition to the R4 Pro upgraded ports and network interfaces, the new metal case features holes for mounting a pair of fans, one on each side, including one on top which makes it easier to expel hot air from the case. Additionally, the WiFi NIC expansion card PCIe slots are conveniently located at the top of the board instead of underneath and feature a passive cooling option with a large size heatsink that covers all the NIC (network interface card) chips.
When it comes to holes for external antennas, there are plenty—about 26 in total. There are three antenna holes on each side of the case, along with an additional ten located on the rear and front sides of the enclosure.
A Detailed Look at the Banana Pi BPI-R4 Pro Metal Case Design
Detailed Overview of the Board Interfaces
![Banana Pi BPi R4 Pro 8X Interfaces [TOP View]](https://www.androidpimp.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/BPi-R4-Pro-8X-Interfaces_1.jpg.webp)
Network ports
The device features four 2.5G network ports powered by the MxL86525 chip, along with a Gigabit network port. Additionally, it includes a 1G/10G LAN network port and a 10G SFP+ interface. However, it’s important to note that these two interfaces operate on the same channel, so only one can be utilized at a time.
RT5400 PoE Module (Optional)
If you are still concerned that the network port offerings are insufficient, the R4 Pro features an FPC interface that connects to a Gigabit network port. This means it can accommodate a maximum of two 10 Gigabit network ports, four 2.5G network ports, and two Gigabit network ports—resulting in a total of eight network ports. overall, This configuration is more than capable of fulfilling most usage requirements.
Mobile network connectivity
For those who require mobile network capabilities, the Banana R4 has you covered. It features two M.2 B-Key interfaces that support PCIe3.0x1/USB3.2 channels, allowing for the installation of 4G or 5G communication modules. In addition, there is another M.2 B-Key interface dedicated solely to USB 3.2 channels for 5G modules. This design accommodates a total of three 5G communication modules. Furthermore, the device includes three SIM card slots, and for those who need additional capacity, the Banana Pi also offers an extra FPC interface for connecting an additional SIM card slot.
![Banana Pi BPi R4 Pro 8X Interfaces [Rear View]](https://www.androidpimp.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/BPi-R4-Pro-8X-Interfaces_2.jpg.webp)
Wi-Fi6 E/Wi-Fi7 module Card
Like the Banana Pi R4 design, the R4 Pro features two Mini PCIe interfaces that support the installation of Wi-Fi NICs and are compatible with Wi-Fi 6, Wi-Fi 6E, and Wi-Fi 7 modules.
Storage Options
When it comes to storage options, in addition to the onboard memory, there is a convenient MicroSD card slot. The device also features two M.2 M-Key 2280 interfaces with PCIe 3.0 x1 support.
Power Supply
The power supply port Uses a USB Type-C interface, capable of supporting a maximum of 20V. Additionally, it features a VH-2 pin interface that also supports up to 20V. For versatility, there is a 5.5×2.1mm DC interface that accommodates both 12V and 24V power supplies. Furthermore, it includes an XH-2 pin interface for power output, alongside an XH-4 pin interface that provides 5V and 12V voltage output. Lastly, it integrates a P.P.H. H.-3 pin 5V PWM fan interface, as well as a 2.54mm-4 pin 12V PWM fan interface.
Key interfaces
The CAD design images shared on the Banana Pi Forum reveal a highly promising concept featuring two M.2 Key-B slots for NVMe SSDs. The device boasts five 2.5GbE ports alongside one 1GbE RJ45 Ethernet port and two SFP+ cages, offering the flexibility to connect either an RJ45 Ethernet copper module or a fiber optic module, making it ideal for fiber internet infrastructures. While this design may still evolve, the core concept is distinctly clear. Additionally, akin to the previous R4 board series, there are two mPCIe slots available for integrating a Wi-Fi network interface card (NIC) and one USB host port.
Comparison of specifications: Banana Pi BPI-R4 Pro, Lite, and R4.
Banana Pi BPI-R4 Pro vs. Banana Pi BPI-R4 Lite vs. Banana Pi BPI-R4 | |||
Parameters | Banana Pi BPI-R4 Pro | Banana Pi BPI-R4 Lite | Banana Pi BPI-R4 |
– |  |  |  |
CPU | MediaTek MT7988 (Filogic 880) | MediaTek MT7987A (Filogic 830) | MediaTek MT7988 (Filogic 880) |
RAM Configurations | 4GB /8GB (DDR4) | 2GB /4GB (DDR4) | 4GB /8GB (DDR4) |
CPU architecture | Quad-core Cortex-A73 (64-bit SoC) | Quad-core Cortex-A53 (64-bit SoC) | Quad-core Cortex-A73 (64-bit SoC) |
Core number | 4 | 4 | 4 |
CPU Frequency (Max) | 4×1.80 GHz | 4×1.30 GHz | 4×1.80 GHz |
26 PIN GPIO Header |  | 2×8 PIN MikroBUS Header  | |
Expansion Slots | 3× M.2 Key-B USB 3.2 for 4G/5G. 2× M.2 Key-M PCIe 3.0 for NVMe SSD (2280). 2x miniPCIe 3.0 x2 lanes interfaces for Wi-Fi NIC. | 1× M.2 Key-B PCIe 3.0 for 4G/5G Modules. 2x miniPCIe 3.0 x2 lanes interfaces for Wi-Fi NIC. | 1× M.2 Key-B for 4G/5G modules. 1× M.2 Key-M PCIe 3.0 for NVMe SSD (2280). 2x miniPCIe 3.0 x2 lanes interfaces for Wi-Fi NIC. |
microSD slot | | | |
Onboard eMMC storage | 8GB | 8GB | 8GB |
SPI-NAND Flash | 256MB SPI-NAND | 256MB SPI-NAND | 128MB SPI-NAND |
SPI NOR Flash | 32MB | 32MB | 32MB |
Boot switch | | | |
USB port | 1x USB 3.2 1x USB 2.0 1x USB Typ-C PD 20V Input 1x USB Type-C Debug Console | 1x USB 3.0 1x USB Typ-C PD 20V Input 1x USB Type-C Debug Console | 1x USB 3.2 |
WiFi Support | Optional via expansion board | Optional via expansion board | Optional via expansion board |
Antennas | External Antennas + DFS Antenna (Using WiFi7 iPA NIC Module) | External Antennas + DFS Antenna (Using WiFi7 iPA NIC Module) | External Antennas + DFS Antenna (Using WiFi7 iPA NIC Module) |
3 Pin debug serial port (UART) | | | |
Buttons | 1x Boot switch 1x Reset | 1x Boot switch 1x Reset | 1x Boot switch 1x Reset |
Ethernet | 2x 10G SFP 2x 10G RJ4 4x 2.5G RJ45 LAN 1x 1G RJ45 LAN 1x 1G LAN (Onboard FPC Connector) (Note: Keep in mind that some SFP and RJ45 ports share the same controller, so only one can be active at a time.) | 1x 2.5 SFP 1x 2.5GbE Ethernet 4x 1GbE RJ45 | 2x SFP 10GbE port 4x 1GbE RJ45 Ethernet |
SIM support | x3 Nano SIM Can be used with 4G/5G cellular modules. | x3 Nano SIM Can be used with 4G/5G cellular modules. | x3 Nano SIM Can be used with 4G/5G cellular modules. |
Integrated PoE support | Optional | Optional | Optional |
PCB size | 132 x 194mm | 148 x 100.5mm | 100.5 x 148mm |
Power Interface | Type-C PD 20V | Type-C PD 20V | Type-C PD 20V |
RTC Battery | | | Interface via Connector |
OS | Ubuntu/Debian/OpenWrt | ||
Astimate Price | $165 | $75 – 81 (Bare Board) | $94 – 100 (Bare Board) |
Typical Applications
- Home/Office/Industrial Wi-Fi 7 wireless router.
- 4G/5G wireless router.
- Wireless/wired relay communication gateway.
- Home Security Gateway.
- Smart home control gateway.
- NAS gateway.
- Network communication applications.
- Industrial control and integrated communication applications.
About Banana Pi
Banana Pi is a brand of open-source single-board computers (SBCs) and hardware, made by Shenzhen SINOVOIP Company. Often compared to Raspberry Pi, they focus on providing versatile, open hardware for developers and hobbyists.
Their products include:
- SBCs: Various models with different processors (ARM, RISC-V) and features.
- Smart Routers: Like the BPI-R4 Pro, featuring Wi-Fi 6/7, 10GbE, and OpenWrt support.
- AI & IoT Boards: Designed for specialized applications.
They support diverse operating systems (Linux, Android) and also offer OEM/ODM services for custom solutions.
Banana Pi BPI-R4 Pro Price and Availability
The R4 Pro board is now up for pre-order in limited quantities on the Banana Pi online store, priced at $165.00 excluding accessories. This article will be updated with new purchase links and significant updates as they come in.
It is already on presale.
Yes, I know, thank you.
Hi, the main problem about the BPI R4 is its BE14 Wifi NIC (6 antennas and many shielding/noise problems).
In your pictures, we can clearly see the new BE19 NIC with 14 antennas: did you test it? Is it going to be released to the public this year? Thank you!
HI. Not yet, but from what I’ve heard, it should officially be released in a few weeks.
Thank you so much! Will you make a new post when the BE19 will be out? Did you have the R4 Pro for testing or these are just info from the company?
Not yet, but I’ll probably test the R4 Pro and the Wi-Fi expansion board and review them once both are ready and available.
For now, it’s just general news info.