Dell SonicPoint ACe (APL26-0AE): OpenWrt Compatibility Report

The Dell SonicPoint ACe (APL26-0AE) runs OpenWrt 25.12.2 on the ath79/generic target, and has been supported since 24.10.0. Its WiFi 5 (AC) wireless on the ath9k driver rates excellent for open-source driver support (0.85/1.0), installation is rated moderate, and it is no longer sold new.

Drivers: Excellent (0.85) 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 Dell SonicPoint ACe (APL26-0AE), which is no longer sold new. See current alternatives for devices you can still buy today.

Specifications

SoC Qualcomm Atheros QCA9550
CPU 1 core @ 720 MHz
RAM 256 MB
Flash 32 MB
Ethernet ports 2
USB Yes, 1x 2.0
WiFi generation WiFi 5 (AC)
Radios 2.4GHz: b/g/n · 5GHz: a/n/ac
WLAN hardware Qualcomm Atheros QCA9550, Qualcomm Atheros QCA9890
WLAN driver ath9k, ath10k-ct
OpenWrt target ath79 / generic
Package architecture mips_24kc
Current release 25.12.2
Supported since 24.10.0
Install method see git-commit
Install difficulty moderate
Power supply 100-200VAC, 0.8A, or PoE 802.3at
Device type Access point
Estimated throughput 90 Mbps
Availability discontinued

Installing OpenWrt on the SonicPoint ACe (APL26-0AE)

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.

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

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