Orange Pi R2S: RISC-V Router Board with 2.5GbE x2 + 1GbE x2

Orange Pi has published the product page for the Orange Pi R2S. This SBC is designed for gateway and industrial applications, featuring the Ky X1 8-core RISC-V CPU and a total of four LAN ports. The combination of two 2.5GbE and two 1GbE ports at a price point starting from around $30 is particularly appealing for the DIY router community.

Specifications

■ Orange Pi R2S
CPU	Ky X1 8-core RISC-V AI CPU (2.0 TOPS)
Memory	2GB / 4GB / 8GB LPDDR4X
Storage	8GB eMMC (fixed)
Network	2.5GbE x2 + 1GbE x2
USB	USB 3.0 x1, USB 2.0 x1
Video Output	None (headless operation)
Power	USB-C 5V 3A
Size	79.2 x 46 x 1.6 mm
OS	OpenWrt / Ubuntu

This RISC-V router board packs an impressive 2.5GbE x2 + 1GbE x2 network configuration into a credit card-sized board.

Features

SoC/CPU

The board uses the Ky X1 (8-core RISC-V AI CPU) as its SoC. While 2.0 TOPS of AI performance is advertised, this is likely achieved through CPU-based computation rather than a dedicated NPU. The primary battlefield for this board is packet processing and gateway operations rather than AI inference. How well the 8-core RISC-V handles network loads and how optimization progresses with OpenWrt will be key to practical usability.

Network Configuration

The standout feature is undoubtedly the LAN port configuration. Physical separation of WAN/LAN is a given, but with four ports, you can also secure DMZ and management ports—more than enough for personal network experimentation. Moreover, with two of those ports supporting 2.5GbE, it can theoretically function as a multi-gigabit router. Getting this for around $30 is remarkable.

Memory and Storage

Memory options include 2GB, 4GB, and 8GB, but storage is fixed at 8GB eMMC. This is sufficient for running lightweight operating systems like OpenWrt, but 8GB feels inadequate if you want to install Ubuntu and run various server applications. Operating with external storage connected via the USB 3.0 port should be considered. The TF card slot is described as a “transfer interface,” and whether it’s bootable awaits verification on actual hardware.

External Design

At 79.2 x 46 mm, the board is extremely compact. The form factor is reminiscent of the NanoPi R2S/R4S series, allowing operation in enclosures similar to existing small routers.

Summary

The Orange Pi R2S is a product that precisely targets the niche demand for RISC-V × multi-port LAN. It’s an extremely appealing option for those who want to build a cheap multi-port router or experiment with RISC-V network devices. However, with no video output and limited storage, it’s not suitable for use as a general-purpose Linux PC. This is a toy for those who can commit to a specific use case.

Related Links

• Orange Pi R2S Product Page