Tech enthusiasts and Raspberry Pi tinkerers, take note—Radxa has just unveiled a powerful new accessory that transforms single-board computers into versatile networking powerhouses. The Radxa Dual 2.5G Router HAT brings two blazing-fast 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet ports and NVMe SSD expansion to devices like the Raspberry Pi 5, opening doors for DIY routers, network-attached storage (NAS), and high-performance edge computing projects.
What’s in the Box?
The compact HAT (Hardware Attached on Top) leverages the Raspberry Pi 5’s PCIe interface to deliver dual 2.5G Ethernet connectivity—a significant leap over the Pi’s built-in 1G port. This means users can now handle multi-gigabit network traffic for tasks like firewall setups, VPN servers, or even small office routers. But Radxa didn’t stop there: the board also includes an M.2 slot for NVMe SSDs, allowing for speedy storage expansion without relying on USB bottlenecks.
According to early coverage by Liliputing, the HAT is compatible with other single-board PCs featuring PCIe 2.0 or 3.0 interfaces, making it a flexible choice for projects beyond the Raspberry Pi ecosystem.
Why It Matters
For hobbyists and professionals alike, the Dual 2.5G Router HAT solves two critical pain points: network speed and storage limitations. With 2.5G Ethernet, data transfers and local network throughput can reach up to 2.5 times faster than traditional Gigabit connections. Paired with NVMe storage, this setup is ideal for hosting media servers, backing up large datasets, or running bandwidth-heavy applications.
CNX Software highlighted the HAT’s potential as a budget-friendly alternative to commercial routers, especially for users seeking customization. Open-source software like OpenWRT or pfSense can turn the Pi into a feature-rich network gateway, complete with traffic monitoring and advanced security controls.
Technical Details and Setup
Radxa’s official documentation outlines straightforward installation steps, though some DIY assembly is required. The HAT draws power directly from the Raspberry Pi, but users should ensure adequate cooling under heavy loads. The NVMe slot supports PCIe Gen3 x1, offering theoretical speeds up to 985 MB/s—ample for most storage needs.
Availability and Pricing
The Radxa Dual 2.5G Router HAT is now available through select retailers. You can purchase it directly from Arace.tech or global marketplaces like AliExpress. For faster shipping in the U.S., check out the Amazon listing (affiliate link). Pricing starts at around 60, depending on the seller—a steal for those looking to future-proof their Pi projects.
Final Thoughts
With its blend of high-speed networking and storage expansion, Radxa’s latest HAT is a game-changer for Raspberry Pi enthusiasts. Whether you’re building a compact homelab server or a robust network appliance, this accessory proves that big performance can come in small packages.
