Linksys EA8500: OpenWrt Compatibility Report
The Linksys EA8500 runs OpenWrt 24.10.4 on the ipq806x/generic target, and has been supported since 17.01.0. Its WiFi 5 (AC) wireless on the ath10k driver rates good for open-source driver support (0.70/1.0), installation is rated easy, and it is no longer sold new.
Hardware data and retail listings last checked .
Where to buy
We have no current retail listing for the Linksys EA8500, which is no longer sold new. See current alternatives for devices you can still buy today.
Specifications
| SoC | Qualcomm Atheros IPQ8064 |
|---|---|
| CPU | 2 cores @ 1400 MHz |
| RAM | 512 MB |
| Flash | 128 MB (NAND) |
| Ethernet ports | 5 |
| USB | 1x 2.0, 1x 3.0 |
| WiFi generation | WiFi 5 (AC) |
| Radios | 2.4GHz: b/g/n · 5GHz: a/n/ac |
| WLAN hardware | 2x Qualcomm Atheros QCA9980 |
| WLAN driver | ath10k, ath10k-ct |
| OpenWrt target | ipq806x / generic |
| Package architecture | arm_cortex-a15_neon-vfpv4 |
| Current release | 24.10.4 |
| Supported since | 17.01.0 |
| Install method | GUI OEM, U-Boot TFTP recovery, U-Boot TFTP + serial recovery, see devicepage, see forum |
| Install difficulty | easy |
| Power supply | 12 VDC, 3.5A via barrel |
| Device type | Home router |
| Estimated throughput | 489 Mbps |
| Availability | discontinued |
Installing OpenWrt on the EA8500
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: GUI OEM, U-Boot TFTP recovery, U-Boot TFTP + serial recovery, see devicepage, see forum.
Official OpenWrt device page for the EA8500
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
MikroTik RB962UiGS-5HacT2HnT (hAP ac)
Ubiquiti UniFi UK-Ultra
Not sure which fits? Take the 60-second quiz.