Table of Contents

Netmodule Routers with an Hailo-8 Module

Goal

This wiki shows how to enable an Hailo-8 M.2 AI Acceleration Module in the router and use it within an LXC container. It also explains how to set up additional utilities within the container.

The background to this project

Enable the router to run its own AI modules locally, directly on the router, without having to use a hyperscaler. Your own data can be used to train the AI modules because it is not shared with third parties. The entire value chain remains under your control and can be flexibly developed further. Applications include intelligent energy management systems, dynamic traffic control systems, and production management. The AI modules can be trained and fine-tuned for their core tasks to achieve optimal results.


Modules in the router


Prerequisites

The wiki was tested with router software nrsw-image-2800-0.0.0.0.img and the LXC container with debina 13 armhf (trixie)


1. Installing the Module into the Router Hardware

An adapter is required for the Hailo-8 AI chip to be used with the router. The PCI Express interfaces are implemented as Mini PCIe on the router board. The Hailo-8 AI chip requires a Mini PCIe to M.2 M-key adapter.

The NB2800's circuit board features a DC/DC converter that supplies 3.3 volts to the two Mini-PCIe slots. The maximum output current is 6 amps. A maximum of 12 watts is available for the Mini-PCIe modules. The Hailo-8 AI chip has a maximum power consumption of less than 5 watts.

The module can be installed in slot 1 or 2 on the NB2800.

The Hailo-8 AI chip was inserted into the first slot

To ensure communication between the chip and the router, the module must be configured as Wi-Fi in the BD.

USER
=== BDINFO === bd/0/pd_module0: slot=0,caps=wlan-main:wlan-aux bd/0/pd_module1: slot=1,caps=wlan-main:wlan-aux bd/0/pd_module2: slot=2,caps=wwan-main:wwan-aux:gnss-active:voice

You can check whether the module is present via the router's console.