D-Link DIR-842: OpenWrt Compatibility Report

The D-Link DIR-842 runs OpenWrt 25.12.2 on the ath79/generic target, and has been supported since 21.02.0. Its WiFi 5 (AC) wireless on the ath9k driver rates excellent for open-source driver support (0.85/1.0), installation is rated easy, and it is no longer sold new.

Drivers: Excellent (0.85) WiFi 5 (AC) Install: easy

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 D-Link DIR-842, which is no longer sold new. See current alternatives for devices you can still buy today.

Specifications

SoC Qualcomm Atheros QCA9563
CPU 1 core @ 750 MHz
RAM 128 MB
Flash 16 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 Atheros QCA9563, Qualcomm Atheros QCA9888
WLAN driver ath9k, ath10k-ct
OpenWrt target ath79 / generic
Package architecture mips_24kc
Current release 25.12.2
Supported since 21.02.0
Install method GUI OEM, see git-commit
Install difficulty easy
Power supply 12 VDC, 1.0A via barrel
Device type Home router
Estimated throughput 93 Mbps
Availability discontinued

Installing OpenWrt on the DIR-842

Installation on this device is rated easy. You can flash it from the stock web interface without opening the case or using a serial cable. Documented methods: GUI OEM, see git-commit.

Official OpenWrt device page for the DIR-842

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 DIR-842 ships in several hardware revisions with different chipsets. Match the version printed on your device label before flashing.

Version Target Current release WLAN hardware
C2 shown above ath79/generic 25.12.2 Qualcomm Atheros QCA9563, Qualcomm Atheros QCA9888
C3 ath79/generic 25.12.2 Qualcomm Atheros QCA9563, Qualcomm Atheros QCA9888
C1 ath79/generic 25.12.2 Qualcomm Atheros QCA9563, 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.