The Journey of the OpenWrt One
The OpenWrt One WiFi 6 router by Banana Pi has successfully transitioned from its initial announcement in January 2024 through to sampling in April, and is now available for retail to end-users. This innovative product represents the first board designed by Banana Pi in collaboration with the OpenWrt open-source community, with crucial support from Mediatek. The commitment of Banana Pi to this project ensures a robust manufacturing and distribution process for the router board.
Technical Specifications and Performance
The OpenWrt One utilizes Mediatek’s MT7981B (Filogic 820) SoC and MT7976C dual-band WiFi 6 chipset, delivering outstanding connectivity with 2×2 2.4 GHz and 3×3 5 GHz capabilities. It is powered by a dual-core Cortex-A53 processor operating at 1.3 GHz, along with 1 GB of DDR4 RAM and 256 MB of SPI NAND flash storage. Additionally, the router boasts 16 MB of protected storage for system backups and integrated M.2 2230/2242 NVMe PCIe 2×1 ports for external storage options.
Connectivity and User Experience
The OpenWrt One WiFi 6 router features comprehensive connectivity options including 1x Gigabit RJ45 and 1x 2.5GbE RJ45 ports, as well as a USB 2.0 Type-A host port and a USB Type-C port. The router package includes the assembled board with a heatsink in a durable metal case, three antennas, and an external power supply, ensuring users experience premium performance and reliability. Furthermore, a portion of the income generated from the sales will support OpenWrt’s hosting, conferences, and direct contributions to the Software Freedom Conservancy (SFC), showcasing Banana Pi’s dedication to the open-source community.
