Banana Pi OpenWrt One (Full Kit) - MT7981B Wi-Fi 6 Router Development Kit
The Banana Pi OpenWrt One (full kit) is the more complete package version of the OpenWrt One platform, aimed at users who want the official OpenWrt development board with a bundle-oriented buying option rather than the bare PCBA-only SKU. The official Banana Pi OpenWrt One documentation describes the hardware as the first official development board of the OpenWrt open-source community, built around the MediaTek MT7981B Filogic 820 SoC and MediaTek MT7976C dual-band Wi-Fi 6 chipset. The platform combines 1GB DDR4, dual flash devices for safer recovery, dual Ethernet, NVMe expansion, USB-C console access, RTC support, and PoE capability in a board designed for OpenWrt development, learning, and embedded networking projects.
The official OpenWrt One wiki page highlights 1 x 2.5Gbit WAN, 1 x 1Gbit LAN, 256 MiB NAND, 16 MiB NOR for recovery, M.2 NVMe expansion, and PoE support. Banana Pi also publishes the official OpenWrt One HowTo and open hardware files on the OpenWrt One hardware portal. If you prefer the board-only version, you can also review the Banana Pi OpenWrt One PCBA; for power accessories, the PD30W for BPI-R4/OpenWrt One is also available.
Technical Specifications
| Product Type | OpenWrt community router development kit / bundled version |
| Processor | MediaTek MT7981B (Filogic 820), dual-core Cortex-A53 |
| CPU Frequency | Up to 1.3 GHz |
| Wi-Fi Chipset | MediaTek MT7976C dual-band Wi-Fi 6 |
| Wireless Configuration | 2 x 2 2.4 GHz and 3 x 3 / 2 x 2 5 GHz with zero-wait DFS support |
| System Memory | 1GB DDR4 |
| Main Flash | 256 MiB SPI NAND |
| Recovery Flash | 16 MiB SPI NOR for write-protected recovery bootloader |
| Ethernet | 1 x 2.5GbE RJ45 WAN and 1 x Gigabit Ethernet RJ45 LAN |
| Storage Expansion | M.2 2242 / 2230 socket for NVMe SSD, PCIe gen 2 x1 |
| USB | 1 x USB 2.0 Type-A host and 1 x USB Type-C device / console port |
| Expansion | MikroBUS socket for add-on modules |
| Antenna Connectors | 3 x MMCX connectors |
| RTC | Onboard RTC with CR1220 battery backup holder |
| Power Input | 15V USB-PD on USB-C; optional 802.3af / 802.3at PoE via RT5040 module |
| Board Size | 148 x 100.5 mm |
| Certifications | FCC / EC / RoHS compliance |
Board Layout & Label Guide
- MT7981B Main SoC Area - The board is built around MediaTek's Filogic 820 platform for OpenWrt development and embedded routing use.
- MT7976C Wi-Fi 6 Section - Provides integrated dual-band wireless capability with external antenna connection points.
- 2.5GbE WAN Port - The 2.5G RJ45 interface is the main high-speed WAN connection and also supports PoE power delivery on supported setups.
- 1GbE LAN Port - The Gigabit RJ45 LAN port is used for client access, testing, and standard wired networking.
- Dual Flash Design - SPI NAND stores the main system while SPI NOR provides a protected recovery path to reduce the chance of bricking.
- M.2 NVMe Slot - The 2230 / 2242 M.2 socket supports SSD expansion for logs, packages, or storage-oriented applications.
- USB and Console Ports - USB Type-A handles host peripherals while USB-C provides device and serial console access.
- MikroBUS Socket - The onboard expansion socket makes it easier to add sensors, displays, or communication modules.
- RTC and Battery Holder - Onboard RTC support with a CR1220 holder helps where timekeeping matters.
- Boot Select Switch - NAND or NOR boot selection is useful for recovery, reflashing, and low-level service workflows.
Application Scenarios
1. Faster OpenWrt Bring-Up and Learning
The full-kit version is better suited to users who want a more deployment-ready way to start with official OpenWrt hardware, without beginning from a board-only purchase.
2. Wi-Fi 6 Access Point and Gateway Development
The combination of dual-band Wi-Fi 6, 2.5GbE WAN, and Gigabit LAN makes the platform suitable for custom access-point, wireless gateway, and edge-router projects.
3. Embedded Networking and Edge Services
With NVMe expansion, dual-flash recovery design, mikroBUS, RTC, and console access, the platform also fits lab appliances, IoT gateways, and storage-aware edge services.
Packing List
- 1 x Banana Pi OpenWrt One (full kit)
FAQ
Q: What is the difference between the PCBA and the full kit?
A: The PCBA listing is the bare board, while the full-kit listing is the more complete bundle version for easier setup.
Q: Which processor does the board use?
A: It uses the MediaTek MT7981B Filogic 820 dual-core Cortex-A53 processor running at up to 1.3 GHz.
Q: How much memory and flash are onboard?
A: Official documentation lists 1GB DDR4, 256 MiB SPI NAND, and 16 MiB SPI NOR for recovery.
Q: Does it support Wi-Fi 6?
A: Yes. The board uses the MediaTek MT7976C dual-band Wi-Fi 6 chipset.
Q: Does it support Power over Ethernet?
A: Yes. Official documentation lists optional 802.3af / 802.3at PoE via the RT5040 module and PoE power over the 2.5GbE WAN connection.
Q: Can I add an SSD?
A: Yes. The board includes an M.2 2230 / 2242 socket for NVMe SSD expansion over PCIe gen 2 x1.
Q: Does the full kit change the core hardware platform?
A: No. The underlying board platform remains the same OpenWrt One hardware; the difference is the bundled sales format.
Q: What kinds of projects suit this product?
A: It is well suited to OpenWrt learning, custom router firmware work, Wi-Fi 6 gateways, IoT networking, and embedded edge appliances.