NanoPi R2S as Soft Router

NanoPi R2S  as Soft Router by Flashing OpenWRT. It comes with two Gigabit Ethernet ports: one as WAN; another as LAN. also with ultra small size: 61x60x26mm (including case). 

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Specification:

• CPU: Rockchip RK3328, Quad-core Cortex-A53
• DDR4 RAM: 1GB
• Network：
  • Internal 10/100/1000M Ethernet Port x 1
  • USB3.0 converted 10/100/1000M Ethernet Port x 1
• USB2.0 Host: Type-A x1
• MicroSD Slot x 1
• MicroUSB: power input and USB Slave
• Debug Serial Port: 3.3V TTL, 3-pin 2.54mm pitch connector, 1500000 bauds
• LED: LED x 3
• KEY: KEY x 1 programmable
• PC Size: 55.6 x 52mm
• Power Supply: DC 5V/2A
• Temperature measuring range: 0℃ to 80℃
• OS/Software: U-boot，Ubuntu-Core，OpenWrt

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OpenWRT image for NanoPi R2S

Go to here to download the official image file of OpenWRT 

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Peformance of NanoPi R2S 

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Some Issues

It’s not that R2S is perfect and suitable for everyone. After a period of use, also found that it has the following problems:

Over-heat

Even if a metal casing is used, its temperature will fluctuate between 50 and 70 degrees under normal circumstances. If a download task is in progress, it may reach 80 degrees. High temperature has a great impact on the life of the CPU. There is still room for improvement. At present, there is a metal casing + fan solution that should be said to be better, you can consider buying this type (original plastic casing is recommended not to consider, unless it is really very light use)

Unfriendly For Newbies

If you are really a newbie, don’t know anything about basic computer network knowledge, and don’t understand the use and configuration of the OpenWRT system. Probably you will feel difficulty~ On the contrary, if you love tossing very much and are looking for a cheap software Routing, then this one is more suitable for you~

Incomplete packages

The software needs to be improved… For example, the lack of packages related to the CUPS print service seems to have problem to use printer sharing.

Conclusion

Overall , Naopi R2S is interesting device as soft router.  Its performance is moderate, but very satisfied if considering its price: Around $40. NanoPi R2S is able to be a soft router for personal uses, also could attach Docker CE to add more funs. It’s also suitable as a travel router if VPN enabled. 

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NanoPi R2S on Aliexpress.com