NETGEAR WNDR4500: OpenWrt Compatibility Report

The NETGEAR WNDR4500 runs OpenWrt 25.12.0 on the ath79/nand target, and has been supported since 21.02.0. Its WiFi 4 (N) wireless on the ath9k driver rates excellent for open-source driver support (0.85/1.0), installation is rated hard, and it is no longer sold new.

Drivers: Excellent (0.85) WiFi 4 (N) Install: hard

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 NETGEAR WNDR4500, which is no longer sold new. See current alternatives for devices you can still buy today.

Specifications

SoC Qualcomm Atheros QCA9563
CPU 1 core @ 750 MHz
RAM 128 MB
Flash 128 MB (NAND)
Ethernet ports 5
WiFi generation WiFi 4 (N)
Radios 2.4GHz: b/g/n · 5GHz: a/n
WLAN hardware Qualcomm Atheros QCA9563, Atheros AR9580
WLAN driver ath9k
OpenWrt target ath79 / nand
Package architecture mips_24kc
Current release 25.12.0
Supported since 21.02.0
Install method see devicepage
Install difficulty hard
Power supply 12 VDC, 1.5 A
Device type Home router
Estimated throughput 93 Mbps
Availability discontinued

Installing OpenWrt on the WNDR4500

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: see devicepage.

See device page to avoid bricking router.

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

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