CM4-WRT-A: Raspberry Pi CM4 Router Baseboard with NVME Support

The CM4-WRT-A is a Raspberry Pi CM4 carrier board that can be used to create a router capable of supporting WiFi 6/6E as well as a 4G/5G backup connection. Currently sold on Tindie https://www.tindie.com/products/mytechcatalog/rpi-cm4-router-baseboard-with-nvme/

Specifications

• Two PCIe M.2 Key M slots for NVME SSDs. Adapters will be made available soon (if the market does not currently offer any) to convert the middle slot into a M.2 Key B or Mini PCI-E (mPCIe) slot so as to support an optional 4G/5G modem for those who need one.
• One PCIe M.2 Key E connector for a WIFI 6/6E adapter.
• Two 1GBit Ethernet connectors: ETH0 the default LAN interface, and ETH1 typically used as the WAN interface.
• 5V PWM fan connectors: J17 and J18 (next to the CM4). The other two connectors are reserved for special GPIO functions, such as CM4 reset switch and CM4 Boot to USB Mass Storage mode.
• One Raspberry Pi Pico RP2040 micro-controller performs PWM fan control, board temperature sensor monitoring and watchdog functions.
• A six-pin header (J12) provides access to the CM4's UART0 and I2C bus. An OLED screen can be connected to this header and mounted into an updated version of the case.
• One USB 2.0 port connected to the CM4, can be used in both device and host mode.
• One USB1.1 port connected the RPi Pico, can be used in both device and host mode.
• Power Input: 12V DC. A power supply with a 5.5 X 2.1mm female barrel connector (center positive) and enough power for all the attached peripherals (36W minimum). A good power supply with sufficient power is critical.
• Dimensions: 147.4 x 91.0 mm

3D Printed Case for the CM4-WRT-A Baseboard

There is a 3D printed case available for the CM4-WRT-A baseboard. The files for which are available in the CM4-WRT-A GitHub repo: https://github.com/MyTechCatalog/cm4-wrt-a/tree/main/case 

Video

I have a video that goes over the setup procedure, or you can skip to the next article: