Ubiquiti NanoBeam 5AC Gen 2: OpenWrt Compatibility Report

Ubiquiti NanoBeam 5AC Gen 2 router

The Ubiquiti NanoBeam 5AC Gen 2 runs OpenWrt 25.12.0 on the ath79/generic target, and has been supported since 21.02.0. Its WiFi 5 (AC) wireless on the ath9k driver rates excellent for open-source driver support (0.85/1.0), installation is rated moderate, and it is still sold new.

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

Hardware data and retail listings last checked .

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Specifications

SoC Atheros AR9342
CPU 1 core @ 535 MHz
RAM 64 MB
Flash 16 MB
Ethernet ports 2
WiFi generation WiFi 5 (AC)
Radios 2.4GHz: b/g/n · 5GHz: a/n/ac
WLAN hardware Atheros AR9342 v3, Qualcomm Atheros QCA9880
WLAN driver ath9k, ath10k-ct
OpenWrt target ath79 / generic
Package architecture mips_24kc
Current release 25.12.0
Supported since 21.02.0
Install method U-Boot TFTP + serial recovery, see git-commit
Install difficulty moderate
Power supply PoE 24 VDC, 0.5 A
Device type Access point
Estimated throughput 66 Mbps
Availability available

Installing OpenWrt on the NanoBeam 5AC Gen 2

Installation on this device is rated moderate. Expect to use a recovery mode, TFTP or a vendor tool rather than a plain web upload. Documented methods: U-Boot TFTP + serial recovery, see git-commit.

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.