D-Link DIR-853: OpenWrt Compatibility Report

D-Link DIR-853 router
Image: OpenWrt Table of Hardware, CC BY-SA 4.0

The D-Link DIR-853 runs OpenWrt 25.12.4 on the ramips/mt7621 target, and has been supported since 22.03.0. Its WiFi 5 (AC) wireless on the mt76 driver rates good for open-source driver support (0.80/1.0), installation is rated moderate, and it is still sold new.

Drivers: Good (0.80) WiFi 5 (AC) Install: moderate

Hardware data and retail listings last checked .

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Specifications

SoC MediaTek MT7621DAT
CPU 2 cores @ 880 MHz
RAM 256 MB
Flash 128 MB (NAND)
Ethernet ports 5
USB 1x 3.0
WiFi generation WiFi 5 (AC)
Radios 2.4GHz: b/g/n · 5GHz: a/n/ac
WLAN hardware MediaTek MT7615DN
WLAN driver mt76
OpenWrt target ramips / mt7621
Package architecture mipsel_24kc
Current release 25.12.4
Supported since 22.03.0
Install method see git-commit
Install difficulty moderate
Power supply 12V/1.5A DC power adapter
Device type Home router
Estimated throughput 220 Mbps
Availability available

Installing OpenWrt on the DIR-853

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: 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 DIR-853 ships in several hardware revisions with different chipsets. Match the version printed on your device label before flashing.

Version Target Current release WLAN hardware
A3 shown above ramips/mt7621 25.12.4 MediaTek MT7615DN
R1 ramips/mt7621 24.10.5 MediaTek MT7615DN
A1 ramips/mt7621 24.10.5 MediaTek MT7615DN

Other routers to consider

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.