Banana Pi OpenWrt One PCBA - MT7981B Wi-Fi 6 Router Board
The Banana Pi OpenWrt One PCBA is the bare board version of the first official development board created with the OpenWrt community. The official Banana Pi OpenWrt One documentation describes the platform as an OpenWrt-focused router board based on the MediaTek MT7981B Filogic 820 SoC and MediaTek MT7976C dual-band Wi-Fi 6 chipset. It combines 1GB DDR4, dual flash devices for safer recovery, dual Ethernet, NVMe expansion, and rich debug and expansion features in a board layout designed for router development, learning, and embedded networking projects.
OpenWrt's own hardware information and the official OpenWrt One wiki page highlight 1 x 2.5Gbit WAN, 1 x 1Gbit LAN, 256 MiB NAND, 16 MiB NOR for recovery, USB 2.0, USB-C serial console, and Power over Ethernet support. Banana Pi also publishes the official OpenWrt One HowTo plus open hardware files on the OpenWrt One hardware portal. For related hardware, you can also review the Banana Pi OpenWrt One (full kit) and the PD30W for BPI-R4/OpenWrt One power accessory.
Technical Specifications
| Product Type | OpenWrt community router board PCBA / bare board |
| 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. OpenWrt Learning and Router Development
Use the OpenWrt One PCBA as a hands-on platform for learning OpenWrt, testing packages, building custom firmware, and exploring router internals on official community hardware.
2. Wi-Fi 6 Access Point and Gateway Prototyping
The combination of dual-band Wi-Fi 6, 2.5GbE WAN, and Gigabit LAN makes the board 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 board also fits lab appliances, IoT gateways, and storage-aware edge services.
Packing List
- 1 x Banana Pi OpenWrt One PCBA
FAQ
Q: What does PCBA mean in this listing?
A: It refers to the bare OpenWrt One board assembly rather than a bundled full kit with added accessories.
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: Is it ready for OpenWrt out of the box?
A: The OpenWrt One is designed as official OpenWrt hardware and ships with OpenWrt support and recovery-oriented hardware design.
Q: What kinds of projects suit this board?
A: It is well suited to OpenWrt learning, custom router firmware work, Wi-Fi 6 gateways, IoT networking, and embedded edge appliances.