Huawei HG556a: OpenWrt Compatibility Report

Huawei HG556a router
Image: OpenWrt Table of Hardware, CC BY-SA 4.0

The Huawei HG556a runs OpenWrt 25.12.1 on the bmips/bcm6358 target, and has been supported since 14.07. Its WiFi 4 (N) wireless on the ath9k driver rates fair for open-source driver support (0.50/1.0), installation is rated easy, and it is no longer sold new.

Drivers: Fair (0.50) 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 Huawei HG556a, which is no longer sold new. See current alternatives for devices you can still buy today.

Specifications

SoC Broadcom BCM6358
CPU 2 cores @ 300 MHz
RAM 64 MB
Flash 16 MB
Ethernet ports 4
USB 3x 2.0
WiFi generation WiFi 4 (N)
Radios 2.4GHz: b/g/n
WLAN hardware Atheros AR9223
WLAN driver ath9k
OpenWrt target bmips / bcm6358
Package architecture mips_mips32
Current release 25.12.1
Supported since 14.07
Install method CFE TFTP + serial recovery, CFE web recovery, see devicepage
Install difficulty easy
Power supply 12 VDC, 2A via barrel
Device type Home router
Estimated throughput 75 Mbps
Availability discontinued

Installing OpenWrt on the HG556a

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: CFE TFTP + serial recovery, CFE web recovery, see devicepage.

Official OpenWrt device page for the HG556a

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 HG556a ships in several hardware revisions with different chipsets. Match the version printed on your device label before flashing.

Version Target Current release WLAN hardware
A shown above bmips/bcm6358 25.12.1 Atheros AR9223
B bmips/bcm6358 25.12.0 Atheros AR9223

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.