Banana Pi BPI-R4 WiFi 7 Dual-Band WiFi Router Board with MediaTek MT7988A SoC, 2x 10GbE SFP and 4x GbE Gigabit Ethernet for NAS and Smart Home Gateway (Bundle3)

It took a bit for the driver development for the BPI-R4-NIC-BE14/MT7996 card to be stable in mainline-bound Linux kernel, but it is officially the best WiFi access point now (and will be even better once the BPI-R4-NIC-BE19/14 antenna + 4x radio WiFi module is released). Great as standalone access points (running Ubuntu 24.04/hostapd off the SSD, for LTS+unattended-upgrades), and even better as wireless bridges - I was able to replace/augment my previous MoCA 2.5Gbit setup by using 2x BPI-R4 (one as AP + other as client/bridge for satellite room connectivity as a switch).

The BPI-R4 is an excellent router for both home and office use. Wi-Fi, WPA3 Enterprise and WireGuard work well with the official OpenWRT. Recently it is also supported by the latest OpenWRT release in addition to the snapshots. It can also be used as a router + Wi-Fi access point + VPN client for branch offices, all in a single device. All the necessary equipment were included in the box, including an EU power adapter and a USB serial adapter. It also supports 5G when a 5G modem is added.

Order fulfilled fast, complete and in good shape. Even had one TTL to USB converter in the box that was really nice and handy. Keep in mind, this is a router development board, not a ready and out of the box router solution for daily use. Firmwares might be unstable and closed-source.

The Banana Pi BPI-R4 is a highly versatile board designed for advanced networking applications. It can function as an Internet router thanks to its high-performance network ports or be upgraded to a Wi-Fi 7 router with compatible modules. If you need mobile connectivity, it allow you to integrate 4G/5G modules, making it ideal for a portable wireless router. The BPI-R4 comes with a stock version pre-installed on the NAND memory, allowing for immediate use and quick functionality tests. However, for an optimal experience, I strongly recommend using a microSD card as the primary storage for the operating system. The official guides and documentation make installation straightforward, even for less experienced users, ensuring a hassle-free setup. One of the highlights of my experience was the exceptional customer support provided by WayPonDEV. Their team was not only quick to respond but also incredibly knowledgeable and professional. Over the course of more than a month, they patiently guided me through the entire process, answering all my questions and helping me choose the right product for my needs. Their support was not just courteous but also highly competent, making a real difference in my buying experience.

This board has completely exceeded my expectations in terms of both performance and versatility. As a networking enthusiast, it offers everything I need and more. First and foremost, the WiFi 7 support is a game changer. The wireless performance is outstanding, providing ultra-fast speeds across both the 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands. Whether I’m streaming 4K content or working remotely, the BPI-R4 delivers a seamless and lag-free experience. It’s fantastic to see such cutting-edge technology in a product like this. The MediaTek MT7988A SoC is a powerhouse. Running demanding applications like a NAS server and handling multiple connected devices is no issue for this router. It’s clear that a lot of thought went into the hardware, and it definitely shows in the smooth, reliable performance. The 2 x 10GbE SFP ports and 4 x Gigabit Ethernet ports are a perfect touch for anyone needing high-speed, wired connectivity. This setup is future-proof and perfect for high-throughput tasks, from large file transfers to setting up a robust home server. What I absolutely love about the BPI-R4 is the OpenWRT support. This gives me full control over my network and allows me to tailor the router to my exact needs. It’s incredibly customizable, whether it’s setting up VLANs, managing traffic, or securing my smart home devices. The flexibility is unmatched. The BPI-R4 is also the perfect solution for my Smart Home Gateway. It has no problem managing multiple devices simultaneously, offering stability and fast response times. Plus, with its security features powered by OpenWRT, I feel confident in my network’s protection. Overall, this is a highly capable, feature-rich, and customizable router that offers incredible value. If you’re looking for a powerful networking solution for home automation, NAS, or even small business needs, the Banana Pi BPI-R4 is definitely worth considering. I more than happier with my purchase !!