ASUS RT-AC59U: OpenWrt Compatibility Report

The ASUS RT-AC59U runs OpenWrt 24.10.5 on the ath79/generic target, and has been supported since 24.10.0. Its WiFi 5 (AC) wireless on the ath10k-ct driver rates good for open-source driver support (0.75/1.0), installation is rated moderate, and it is no longer sold new.

Drivers: Good (0.75) WiFi 5 (AC) Install: moderate

Hardware data and retail listings last checked .

Discontinued. This model is no longer sold new, so this page is kept as a reference for people who already own one. See current alternatives.

Where to buy

We have no current retail listing for the ASUS RT-AC59U, which is no longer sold new. See current alternatives for devices you can still buy today.

Specifications

SoC Qualcomm QCN5502
CPU 1 core @ 775 MHz
RAM 128 MB
Flash 32 MB
Ethernet ports 5
USB 1x 2.0
WiFi generation WiFi 5 (AC)
Radios 2.4GHz: b/g/n · 5GHz: a/n/ac
WLAN hardware Qualcomm QCN5502, Qualcomm Atheros QCA9888
WLAN driver ath10k-ct
OpenWrt target ath79 / generic
Package architecture mips_24kc
Current release 24.10.5
Supported since 24.10.0
Install method TFTP generic, see git-commit
Install difficulty moderate
Power supply 12 VDC, 1.5A via barrel
Device type Home router
Estimated throughput 96 Mbps
Availability discontinued

Installing OpenWrt on the RT-AC59U

Installation on this device is rated moderate. Expect to use a recovery mode, TFTP or a vendor tool rather than a plain web upload. Documented methods: TFTP generic, see git-commit.

Flashing third-party firmware can brick a router and usually voids the warranty. Always check that the firmware image matches your exact hardware version.

Hardware versions

The RT-AC59U ships in several hardware revisions with different chipsets. Match the version printed on your device label before flashing.

Version Target Current release WLAN hardware
V2 shown above ath79/generic 24.10.5 Qualcomm QCN5502, Qualcomm Atheros QCA9888
Base version ath79/generic 25.12.2 Qualcomm QCN5502, Qualcomm Atheros QCA9888

Still sold and well supported

Ruckus R500

WiFi 5 (AC) Drivers: Excellent $173

MikroTik RB962UiGS-5HacT2HnT (hAP ac)

WiFi 5 (AC) Drivers: Excellent $115

Ubiquiti UniFi UK-Ultra

WiFi 5 (AC) Drivers: Excellent $100

Not sure which fits? Take the 60-second quiz.