NETGEAR R6100: OpenWrt Compatibility Report

NETGEAR R6100 router
Image: OpenWrt Table of Hardware, CC BY-SA 4.0

The NETGEAR R6100 runs OpenWrt 25.12.0 on the ath79/nand target, and has been supported since 15.05. Its WiFi 5 (AC) wireless on the ath9k driver rates excellent for open-source driver support (0.85/1.0), installation is rated easy, and it is still sold new.

Drivers: Excellent (0.85) WiFi 5 (AC) Install: easy

Hardware data and retail listings last checked .

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Specifications

SoC Atheros AR9344
CPU 1 core @ 560 MHz
RAM 128 MB
Flash 128 MB (NAND)
Ethernet ports 5
USB 1x 2.0
WiFi generation WiFi 5 (AC)
Radios 2.4GHz: b/g/n · 5GHz: a/n/ac
WLAN hardware Atheros AR9344, Qualcomm Atheros QCA9882-2R4E
WLAN driver ath9k, ath10k-ct
OpenWrt target ath79 / nand
Package architecture mips_24kc
Current release 25.12.0
Supported since 15.05
Install method GUI OEM, U-Boot TFTP recovery
Install difficulty easy
Power supply 12 VDC, 1.5A
Device type Access point
Estimated throughput 70 Mbps
Availability available

Installing OpenWrt on the R6100

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.

Flashing third-party firmware can brick a router and usually voids the warranty. Always check that the firmware image matches your exact hardware version.

Other routers to consider

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.