WLAN Pi M4
Use case
Modular, PoE powered, Wi-Fi 6E capable WLAN Pi. more affordable than the WLAN Pi Pro.
What is it?
Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4 (CM4) is the brains of a raspberry pi 4 but without any of the IO ports, instead we start with a 'carrier board' possessing the desired IO ports and we add a CM4 to it.
The board we are testing with the WLAN Pi CE is manufactured by 'Mcuzone', can be purchased from AliExpress here, the solution is still to be validated. We don't recommend ordering one just yet.
Parts
Sandisk Edge or similar 32 GB or larger micro SD card - From $10.99
Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4 (we recommend one with built-in Wi-Fi, so we can use the bluetooth module)
Mediatek MT7921K or MT7922 (Wi-Fi 6E module)
antennas
Waveshare screen and buttons
GPIO riser
We have identified two Mcuzone carrier boards of interest!
$76 + $12 (shipping) Total $88 USD
Pros
PoE power input
Type-C power (limited, see below)
40-pin GPIO (requires pin header) for display connection
Bluetooth works on MediaTek adapters (USB bus is internally connected to M.2 slot)
Slightly smaller than the WLAN Pi Pro carrier board
Cons
No OTG - you can't establish data connection between your laptop and the board via USB
No Real Time Clock (RTC)
Potentially limited type-C options, varied results in testing regarding power from Macbook Type-C to Type-C or PD charger
Only one M.2 slot for Wi-Fi adapters
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