ASUS WL-500W: OpenWrt Compatibility Report
The ASUS WL-500W was supported by OpenWrt from 10.03 on the bcm47xx/legacy 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.
Hardware data and retail listings last checked .
Where to buy
We have no current retail listing for the ASUS WL-500W, which is no longer sold new. See current alternatives for devices you can still buy today.
Specifications
| SoC | Broadcom BCM4704 |
|---|---|
| CPU | 1 core @ 264 MHz |
| RAM | 32 MB |
| Flash | 8 MB |
| Ethernet ports | 5 |
| USB | 2x 2.0 |
| WiFi generation | WiFi 4 (N) |
| Radios | 2.4GHz: b/g/n |
| WLAN hardware | Broadcom BCM4321 (mini-PCI) |
| WLAN driver | b43 |
| OpenWrt target | bcm47xx / legacy |
| Package architecture | mipsel_mips32 |
| Current release | EOL |
| Supported since | 10.03 |
| Install method | Asus Firmware Restoration tool, CFE TFTP recovery |
| Install difficulty | moderate |
| Power supply | 5 VDC, 2.5A |
| Device type | Home router |
| Estimated throughput | 33 Mbps |
| Availability | discontinued |
Installing OpenWrt on the WL-500W
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: Asus Firmware Restoration tool, CFE TFTP recovery.
Official OpenWrt device page for the WL-500W
Flashing third-party firmware can brick a router and usually voids the warranty. Always check that the firmware image matches your exact hardware version.
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