UniElec U7621-06 is a router / gateway based on Mediatek MT7621 dual core/Quad Thread processor, and offered either as a board only or complete system with optional WiFi and/or LTE PCIe modules.
While the board is said to run OpenWrt or firmware based on Mediatek Linux SDK , the company also mentions the board runs Breed bootloader that can be used to upgrade the firmware through a web interface. UniElec claims the router supports alternative firmware such as Padavan or PandoraBox.
UniElec U7621-06 specifications:
- SoC – Mediatek MT7621 dual-core, quad-thread MIPS1004K processor @ up to 880MHz
- System Memory – 256MB DDR3 (optional 512 MB)
- Storage – 16MB NOR Flash (optional 8/32/64MB), 1x SATA 3.0 port, 1x micro SD card slot
- Connectivity – 5x Gigabit Ports (4x LAN, 1x WAN)
- USB – 1x USB 3.0 port
- Expansion
- 2x “normal” mPCIe for 802.11ac or 802.11n WiFi module
- 1x mPCIe connector for LTE or mSATA module
- 1x 30-pin GPIO connector
- Debugging – 1x 4-pin Serial Debug Port
- Misc – Reset buttons, LEDs (power, LAN, LTE, 2x user), watchdog timer
- Power Supply – 12V@1A
- Power Consumption – 8 Watt (Max)
- Dimensions – 188.5 x 128.5 x 25 mm (aluminum alloy case)
- Certifications – CE & FCC Certified, RoHS Compliant
- Temperature Range – Operating: 0ºC to 55ºC or -20-85°C; Storage: -40ºC to 90ºC
- Humidity – Operating: 5% to 95%, Storage: Max. 90%
There’s a short discussion thread on 4PDA where they should some boot log, and other information (in Russian).
Most people who read this blog will know about OpenWrt, but I had never heard about Padavan, nor PandoraBox firmware.
The first is an open source project hosted on Bitbucket that aims to “improve the rt-n56u and other supported devices on the software part, allowing power user to take full control over their hardware”. This refers to ASUS RT-N56U router powered by Mediatek MT7621 SoC. The project is actually just called rt-n56u, and Andy Padavan is the developer.
The second is developed by a team of Chinese developer, and support various Mediatek routers. I could not find the source code, but we know it’s based on OpenWrt. You’ll find firmware for over 30 routers and evaluation boards, including PandoraBox-PBR-M1 firmware, that according to screenshots provided on Aliexpress, is the one compatible with UniElec U7621-06.
The router is sold on Aliexpress, with price starting at $41.90 with the board only without WiFi or LTE support, nor enclosure, and up to $124.80 with an MT7615 4×4 802.11ac Wave2 PCIe module, and metal enclosure. Between the two extremes, there are various options for WiFi modules, with or without enclosure. If you need LTE or mSATA, you’d have to source a compatible module separately. The manufacturer’s product page does not have much more information.
Thanks to Danman for the tip
Jean-Luc started CNX Software in 2010 as a part-time endeavor, before quitting his job as a software engineering manager, and starting to write daily news, and reviews full time later in 2011.
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