Fortinet FAP-421E: OpenWrt Compatibility Report

The Fortinet FAP-421E runs OpenWrt 24.10.4 on the ipq806x/generic target, and has been supported since 24.10.0. Its WiFi 5 (AC) wireless on the ath10k-ct driver rates good for open-source driver support (0.70/1.0), installation is rated hard, and we have no current US retail listing for it.

Drivers: Good (0.70) WiFi 5 (AC) Install: hard

Hardware data and retail listings last checked .

Where to buy

We have no current retail listing for the Fortinet FAP-421E. See current alternatives for devices we already have links for.

Not finding a listing does not mean you cannot buy one. Our retail links come from hand research rather than a live stock feed, so this device may well still be on sale somewhere we have not checked yet.

Specifications

SoC Qualcomm Atheros IPQ8064
CPU 2 cores @ 1400 MHz
RAM 256 MB
Flash 128 MB (NAND)
Ethernet ports 2
USB 1x 2.0
WiFi generation WiFi 5 (AC)
Radios 2.4GHz: b/g/n · 5GHz: a/n/ac
WLAN hardware 2x Qualcomm Atheros QCA9980
WLAN driver ath10k-ct
OpenWrt target ipq806x / generic
Package architecture arm_cortex-a15_neon-vfpv4
Current release 24.10.4
Supported since 24.10.0
Install method U-Boot TFTP + serial recovery, see git-commit
Install difficulty hard
Power supply PoE+ 802.3at, Max. 24W; 12 VDC, 3A
Device type Access point
Estimated throughput 489 Mbps
Availability available

Installing OpenWrt on the FAP-421E

Installation on this device is rated hard. Expect serial console access, soldering or another advanced recovery path. Read the device page carefully before you start. Documented methods: U-Boot TFTP + serial recovery, see git-commit.

Interrupt boot process from Serial Console, When Help is displayed, press "K", Enter Password "fap22b1!$" in order to access real u-boot console.

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

Not sure which fits? Take the 60-second quiz.