Embedded Wireless Balin: OpenWrt Compatibility Report

The Embedded Wireless Balin runs OpenWrt 25.12.2 on the ath79/generic target, and has been supported since 18.06.0. Its WiFi 4 (N) 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 4 (N) 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 Embedded Wireless Balin, which is no longer sold new. See current alternatives for devices you can still buy today.

Specifications

SoC Atheros AR9344
CPU 1 core @ 560 MHz
RAM 64 MB
Flash 16 MB
Ethernet ports 3
USB 1x 2.0
WiFi generation WiFi 4 (N)
Radios 2.4GHz: b/g/n · 5GHz: a/n
WLAN hardware Atheros AR9344
WLAN driver ath9k
OpenWrt target ath79 / generic
Package architecture mips_24kc
Current release 25.12.2
Supported since 18.06.0
Install method Sysupgrade, see git-commit
Install difficulty easy
Device type Home router
Estimated throughput 70 Mbps
Availability discontinued

Installing OpenWrt on the Balin

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: Sysupgrade, 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

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.