TP-Link TL-WR1043ND: OpenWrt Compatibility Report

TP-Link TL-WR1043ND router
Image: OpenWrt Table of Hardware, CC BY-SA 4.0

The TP-Link TL-WR1043ND runs OpenWrt 25.12.1 on the ath79/generic target, and has been supported since 14.07. Its WiFi 4 (N) 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 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 TP-Link TL-WR1043ND, 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 64 MB
Flash 8 MB
Ethernet ports 5
USB 1x 2.0
WiFi generation WiFi 4 (N)
Radios 2.4GHz: b/g/n
WLAN hardware Qualcomm Atheros QCA9558
WLAN driver ath9k
OpenWrt target ath79 / generic
Package architecture mips_24kc
Current release 25.12.1
Supported since 14.07
Install method GUI OEM, U-Boot TFTP recovery, U-Boot TFTP + serial recovery
Install difficulty easy
Power supply 12 VDC, 1.5A
Device type Home router
Estimated throughput 90 Mbps
Availability discontinued

Installing OpenWrt on the TL-WR1043ND

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.

Official OpenWrt device page for the TL-WR1043ND

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 TL-WR1043ND ships in several hardware revisions with different chipsets. Match the version printed on your device label before flashing.

Version Target Current release WLAN hardware
V2 shown above ath79/generic 25.12.1 Qualcomm Atheros QCA9558
V4 ath79/generic 25.12.1 Qualcomm Atheros QCA9563
V1 ath79/generic EOL Atheros AR9103

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.