- Maybe you missed it? Review of the Banana Pi R4.
- Banana Pi R4 Upgrade Announcement: Overview and Key Features.
The popular Banana Pi R4 router board has recently received a significant upgrade with the announcement of an 8GB RAM option. This enhancement positions the R4 as a competitive choice for various networking applications, especially in homes and small businesses that demand high-performance routing capabilities.
Banana Pi R4 [4 GB RAM Edition]
Banana Pi R4 Specifications
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Processor | MediaTek MT7988A (Filogic 880), quad-core ARM Cortex-A73 CPU running at up to 1.8 GHz. |
| RAM | 4 GB/8 GB of LPDDR4X memory, offering high-speed multitasking capabilities. |
| Storage | Built-in 8 GB eMMC. MicroSD card slot. 128 MB SPI NAND flash. |
| Networking | – Two 10GbE SFP+ cages for high-speed fiber-optic connections. |
| – Four 1GbE RJ-45 network ports for wired Ethernet connectivity. | |
| USB Ports | – One USB 3.2 port for high-speed data transfer. |
| – One USB-C port for both power input and data exchange. | |
| Expansion Slots | – M.2 Key-B slot supporting USB 3.2 and PCIe 3.0 for 4G/5G cellular modules. |
| – M.2 Key-M slot supporting PCIe 3.0 for NVMe SSD storage. | |
| Wi-Fi Support | – Two miniPCIe slots supporting PCIe 3.0 for Wi-Fi 7 network interface cards (NICs). |
| GPIO Header | 26-pin GPIO header for connecting sensors and other peripherals. |
| Power Supply | – Supports either 12V 5.2A or 19V 3.2A input via DC jack. |
| – Alternative power input via USB-C (19V). | |
| Cooling | Passive heatsink and optional fan for active cooling, ensuring thermal efficiency. |
| Operating System | Supports OpenWrt, Ubuntu, and other Linux distributions for flexibility in software use. |
| Dimensions | Compact form factor of 100.5 mm × 148 mm, making it suitable for various enclosures. |
| Use Cases | Ideal for applications like high-speed networking, routers, home automation, and NAS devices. |
The new upgraded R4 board
Key Takeaways: Why should you buy the upgraded edition?
- The primary feature of the Banana Pi R4 is its ability to handle multiple simultaneous connections while efficiently routing traffic. With the additional RAM, users can expect improved performance when running resource-intensive applications or handling large data transfers. This upgrade is particularly beneficial for users who engage in activities such as gaming, streaming, or running virtual machines.
- In terms of hardware specifications, the Banana Pi R4 features a powerful quad-core ARM Cortex-A73 processor, with a MediaTek MT7988A (Filogic 880) that supports advanced networking features. The newly enhanced RAM addition allows for better multitasking, enabling users to operate more applications concurrently without experiencing slowdowns.
- The router board features dual 10G SFP+ cages alongside four RJ-45 type Ethernet ports, offering exceptional versatility for both wired and wireless connectivity. Additionally, users can opt for a separate Wi-Fi expansion board that supports the cutting-edge Wi-Fi 7 standard, ensuring high-speed wireless networking that perfectly complements modern smart devices.
- The open-source nature of the Banana Pi R4 allows for community-driven development, meaning that users can optimize their setups with customized firmware and applications. This adaptability appeals to tech enthusiasts and professionals who prefer tailored solutions over off-the-shelf products.
- Running multiple containers at the same time: With 8 GB of RAM, the R4 is capable of creating and running containers and virtual machines (VMs). For example, you could host a small-scale web server, a database, and a caching service, all on the same board.
- 4G/5G Modem connectivity: The Banana Pi R4 supports 4G/5G modem modules, providing versatility for high-speed connectivity. This feature enhances the board’s functionality by allowing support of both 4G and 5G networks.The models are connected through the M.2 Key-B slot, which is compatible with USB 3.2 and PCIe 3.0 interfaces.
Concluding Thoughts
In terms of software support, the R4 is compatible with various Linux-based operating systems, such as OpenWrt, making it suitable for a broad range of networking tasks. The upgrade to 8GB of RAM positions the Banana Pi R4 as a versatile option in the increasingly crowded router market.
Overall, the 8GB RAM upgrade is a game-changer that enhances the value proposition of the Banana Pi R4, making it an attractive choice for those looking to build robust network infrastructure. With its unique features and strong performance, the Banana Pi R4 is set to enhance user experience in a tech-driven world.
Where to Order
The new updated version of the R4 router board is new available in stock. The Price for the R4 model with 4GB of RAM is $94, while the 8GB variant is priced at around $104 so the gap in price isn’t that big and worth the investment. Having said that, we highly recommend checking other cool products offered by SinoVoIP (Store link posted below).
