Analyzing the capabilities of this particular single-board computer reveals its strengths and weaknesses, particularly in networking-focused applications. The Orange Pi R2S is built around the Rockchip RK3328 processor, which is a capable quad-core ARM Cortex-A53 CPU. This provides sufficient processing power for common tasks expected of a mini-router or network appliance.
A key feature is its dual Gigabit Ethernet ports. Performance testing shows that these ports can achieve near full Gigabit speeds for routing and basic network tasks. The throughput is generally stable, making it suitable for home or small office networking needs. When configured as a simple router or basic firewall, the device handles typical internet traffic without significant bottlenecks, especially when dealing with standard browsing and streaming.
However, when pushing the device with more demanding tasks like deep packet inspection, VPN tunneling (especially high-speed encrypted connections), or running multiple complex network services simultaneously, the CPU can become a limitation. Benchmarks indicate that its performance in these scenarios is adequate for light to moderate loads but may struggle under heavy stress compared to more powerful x86-based systems or higher-end ARM devices.
Storage performance relies on microSD cards, which are inherently slower than eMMC or NVMe options found on other boards. While sufficient for the operating system and basic logs, this is not ideal for applications requiring high-speed disk I/O.
Power consumption is relatively low, which is a significant advantage for a device intended to run continuously.
In summary, the Orange Pi R2S excels as a cost-effective Gigabit network appliance, particularly as a router or firewall for typical internet use. Its dual Ethernet ports are a major plus, delivering solid network performance within the limits of the RK3328 CPU. While not a powerhouse for demanding computational tasks or complex network services under heavy load, it offers excellent value for its intended purpose.
Source: https://www.linuxlinks.com/benchmarking-orangepi-r2s-single-board-computer/
