ASUS RT-N12: OpenWrt Compatibility Report

ASUS RT-N12 router
Image: OpenWrt Table of Hardware, CC BY-SA 4.0

The ASUS RT-N12 was supported by OpenWrt from 17.01.0 on the bcm47xx/mips74k target, but its last supported release has reached end of life. Its WiFi 4 (N) wireless on the b43 driver rates limited for open-source driver support (0.35/1.0), installation is rated moderate, and it is no longer sold new. Its wireless does not work correctly under OpenWrt, so it is listed here for reference rather than as a recommendation.

Drivers: Limited (0.35) WiFi 4 (N) Install: moderate

Hardware data and retail listings last checked .

Known broken wireless support. This device's WiFi does not work properly on OpenWrt. It is listed here for reference; do not buy it expecting working wireless.
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-N12, which is no longer sold new. See current alternatives for devices you can still buy today.

Specifications

SoC Broadcom BCM5357
CPU 1 core @ 300 MHz
RAM 32 MB
Flash 8 MB
Ethernet ports 5
WiFi generation WiFi 4 (N)
Radios 2.4GHz: b/g/n
WLAN hardware Broadcom BCM5357
WLAN driver b43
OpenWrt target bcm47xx / mips74k
Package architecture mipsel_74kc
Current release EOL
Supported since 17.01.0
Install difficulty moderate
Power supply 9 VDC, 1.0A
Device type Home router
Estimated throughput 37 Mbps
Availability discontinued

Installing OpenWrt on the RT-N12

Installation on this device is rated moderate. Expect to use a recovery mode, TFTP or a vendor tool rather than a plain web upload.

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-N12 ships in several hardware revisions with different chipsets. Match the version printed on your device label before flashing.

Version Target Current release WLAN hardware
C1 shown above bcm47xx/mips74k EOL Broadcom BCM5357
B1 bcm47xx/mips74k EOL Broadcom BCM5357
D1 bcm47xx/mips74k EOL Broadcom BCM5357C0
A1 bcm47xx/mips74k EOL Broadcom BCM4716

Still sold and well supported

GL.iNet GL-X300B (Collie)

WiFi 4 (N) Drivers: Excellent $126

KuWFi CPE830(D)

WiFi 4 (N) Drivers: Excellent

YunCore CPE830(D)

WiFi 4 (N) Drivers: Excellent

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