The RV2 is a top performer while remaining budget-friendly, offering useful features such as the Key-B M.2 socket, which is compatible with 4G/5G modem cards and can also be used to install NVMe SSDs.
Overall, this device emerges as the perfect option for anyone seeking an affordable, mid-range router. Let’s delve into its advantages and disadvantages.
- Super cost-effective.
- Good performance.
- PoE Module Support (Optional).
- USB 2.0 Type-A USB host port.
- Official OpenWrt mainline support.
- Ethernet ports: 1x 2.5 GbE + 5x 1 GbE.
- Easy serial UART access (via USB cable).
- mPCIe socket (for WiFi module).
- M.2 Key-B Socket.
- RTC with backup battery holder (CR1220)
- Boot selection: NAND (default) or NOR (jumper).
- No additional 2.5GbE ports.
- Limited RAM (512MB)
- Maybe you missed it? Banana Pi OpenWrt One Router Board
- Banana Pi RV2 Review: First impression and a closer look at the new router board.
Part I: Product introduction
Banana Pi BPI-RV2: An OpenWrt 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 router board features a Siflower SF21H8898 chip, which is built on the RISC-V architecture. 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).
- 1x 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 |
| 1x WAN + 4x 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 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.
General Opinion 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.
