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of Banana Pi BPI-WiFi6 Mini is a small computer board designed for use as a DIY wireless router supporting open-source software. It has the same processor and wireless chips as the larger BPI-WiFi6 router launched earlier this year. However, as the name suggests, the new “mini” model packs those components into a tiny package measuring just 65 x 65mm (about 2.56 inches x 2.56 inches).
There are some trade-offs: the small model only has two Gigabit Ethernet ports (one WAN and one LAN), making it less useful than a wired router. However, the small model does have one other special feature: it has an M.2 B-Key slot and a nano SIM card reader for use with an optional 4G LTE or 5G NR cellular modem (sold separately). The BPI-WiFi6 can be purchased on AliExpress for around $30 + shipping.
The BPI-WiFi6 Mini is powered by a 1.2 GHz Triductor TR6560 ARM Cortex-A9 dual-core processor and a TR5220 chip that supports WiFi 6. It has 128 MB of DDR3 memory, 128 MB of SPI NAND Flash storage, a USB 3.0 Type-C port for power, a USB 3.0 Type-A port for data, interfaces for 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz antennas, an optional fan, and a UART interface for debugging.
Banana Pi has confirmed that the board is compatible with the Quectecl RM500U 5G module, but it may also work with other 4G or 5G modules.
Those looking for something a bit more powerful and versatile in the same form factor might want to consider the BPI-R3 Mini, which offers two 2.5GbE Ethernet ports, two M.2 connectors, a faster processor, and much more memory and storage. However, this little router board currently sells for $75, making it more than double the price of the new BPI-WiFi6.
However, because the two boards are the same size and shape, Banana Pi says that a case made for one should work with the other.
Via Banana Pi Forums
