Part I: Product introduction

Banana Pi BPI-RV2: A new 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 cutting-edge router board features the advanced 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.

Product Introduction: A Brief Overview

Key Features

Siflower SF21H8898 4-core RISC-V processor.
Siflower NPU.
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 battery interface.
Support for Power over Ethernet (PoE) network power (Optional).

Hardware specifications

Parameter	Specs
SoC	Siflower 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
Network	1x WAN + 4x Gigabit RJ45 ports
USB	Use the USB Type-C (device, console) port of the UART to USB chip
USB	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.
PCIE	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 Banana Pi BPI-RV2 features the Siflower SF21H8898 chip, which offers reliable performance. 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 Banana Pi BPI-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.

Opinions and insights.

Using a RISC-V chip architecture is appealing. This device promises good performance for individuals seeking a very 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.