TP-Link Archer C5 AC1200: OpenWrt Compatibility Report

TP-Link Archer C5 AC1200 router
Image: OpenWrt Table of Hardware, CC BY-SA 4.0

The TP-Link Archer C5 AC1200 runs OpenWrt 25.12.4 on the ath79/generic target, and has been supported since 14.07. 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 no longer sold new.

Drivers: Excellent (0.85) WiFi 5 (AC) 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 TP-Link Archer C5 AC1200, which is no longer sold new. See current alternatives for devices you can still buy today.

Specifications

SoC Qualcomm Atheros QCA9558
CPU 1 core @ 720 MHz
RAM 128 MB
Flash 16 MB
Ethernet ports 5
USB 2x 2.0
WiFi generation WiFi 5 (AC)
Radios 2.4GHz: b/g/n · 5GHz: a/n/ac
WLAN hardware Qualcomm Atheros QCA9558, Qualcomm Atheros QCA9880-BR4A
WLAN driver ath9k, ath10k-ct
OpenWrt target ath79 / generic
Package architecture mips_24kc
Current release 25.12.4
Supported since 14.07
Install method GUI OEM, U-Boot TFTP recovery, see devicepage
Install difficulty easy
Power supply 12 VDC, 2.5A
Device type Home router
Estimated throughput 90 Mbps
Availability discontinued

Installing OpenWrt on the Archer C5 AC1200

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, see devicepage.

For TFTP, rename -factory image to ArcherC5v1_tp_recovery.bin

Official OpenWrt device page for the Archer C5 AC1200

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 Archer C5 AC1200 ships in several hardware revisions with different chipsets. Match the version printed on your device label before flashing.

Version Target Current release WLAN hardware
V1 shown above ath79/generic 25.12.4 Qualcomm Atheros QCA9558, Qualcomm Atheros QCA9880-BR4A
V2/0 bcm53xx/generic EOL Broadcom BCM43217, Broadcom BCM4352

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.