OpenWRT On MikroTik HAP Ac2: A Comprehensive Guide

Embarking on the journey of flashing OpenWRT onto your MikroTik hAP ac2 opens up a realm of possibilities, transforming your device into a highly customizable and versatile network appliance. This comprehensive guide will walk you through each step, ensuring a smooth and successful installation process. Before we dive in, let's understand why you might consider this endeavor and what benefits it brings to the table.

Why OpenWRT on MikroTik hAP ac2?

The MikroTik hAP ac2 is a solid piece of hardware, but its stock firmware might not cater to everyone's needs. OpenWRT, on the other hand, is a Linux-based open-source firmware that offers unparalleled flexibility and control. Think of it as replacing the operating system on your computer – you're essentially unlocking the full potential of your hardware. Let's explore some key advantages:

Customization: OpenWRT allows you to tailor your router's functionality to your exact requirements. Want to set up advanced traffic shaping, run a VPN server, or install custom packages? OpenWRT makes it all possible.
Security: With regular updates and a vibrant community, OpenWRT often addresses security vulnerabilities faster than the stock firmware. You'll have access to the latest security patches and features, keeping your network safe and sound.
Features: OpenWRT boasts a vast library of packages that extend the functionality of your router. From advanced routing protocols to network monitoring tools, you can add features that are simply not available on the stock firmware.
Performance: In some cases, OpenWRT can even improve the performance of your router. By removing bloatware and optimizing the system, you can squeeze out extra performance and stability.

By flashing OpenWRT, you're not just upgrading your router's firmware; you're unlocking a world of possibilities and gaining complete control over your network. So, if you're ready to take the plunge, let's move on to the next step: preparation.

Prerequisites

Before we begin flashing OpenWRT onto your MikroTik hAP ac2, let's make sure you have everything you need. This preparation is crucial for a smooth and successful installation. Think of it as gathering your tools before starting a DIY project. Here's what you'll need:

MikroTik hAP ac2: Obviously, you'll need the router itself. Make sure it's in good working condition and that you have access to its web interface (WebFig) or WinBox.
OpenWRT Firmware: Download the correct OpenWRT firmware image for your hAP ac2 from the official OpenWRT website. Important: Double-check that you're downloading the correct version for your specific model to avoid bricking your device. Look for the "ath79/mikrotik" target.
Ethernet Cable: A reliable Ethernet cable is essential for connecting your computer to the router during the flashing process. Avoid using Wi-Fi, as it can be unstable and lead to errors.
TFTP Server Software: You'll need a TFTP (Trivial File Transfer Protocol) server to upload the OpenWRT firmware to the router. There are many free TFTP server software options available for Windows, macOS, and Linux. Some popular choices include TFTPD32/TFTPD64 for Windows and atftpd for Linux.
Computer: A computer running Windows, macOS, or Linux is required to download the firmware, run the TFTP server, and interact with the router.
WinBox (Optional): While not strictly necessary, WinBox is a graphical configuration tool for MikroTik devices that can be helpful for initial configuration and troubleshooting.
Backup Configuration: Before making any changes, back up your current MikroTik configuration. This will allow you to restore your router to its previous state if anything goes wrong.
Patience: Flashing firmware can be a delicate process, so be patient and follow the instructions carefully. Avoid interrupting the process, as this can brick your device.

With these prerequisites in hand, you're well-prepared to embark on the OpenWRT flashing adventure. Remember, taking the time to gather everything you need beforehand will save you headaches and frustration down the road.

Step-by-Step Installation Guide

Now that you're prepared, let's dive into the heart of the matter: flashing OpenWRT onto your MikroTik hAP ac2. This process involves several steps, each requiring careful attention to detail. Follow these instructions closely to ensure a successful installation:

Step 1: Configure Your Computer

First, you need to configure your computer's network settings to communicate with the router in failsafe mode. This involves assigning a static IP address to your computer's Ethernet adapter. Here's how to do it:

Windows:
1. Go to Control Panel > Network and Internet > Network and Sharing Center.
2. Click on "Change adapter settings."
3. Right-click on your Ethernet adapter and select "Properties."
4. Select "Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)" and click "Properties."
5. Choose "Use the following IP address" and enter the following settings:
  - IP address: 192.168.1.10
  - Subnet mask: 255.255.255.0
  - Default gateway: Leave blank.
6. Click "OK" to save the changes.
macOS:
1. Go to System Preferences > Network.
2. Select your Ethernet adapter.
3. Choose "Configure IPv4" and select "Manually."
4. Enter the following settings:
  - IP address: 192.168.1.10
  - Subnet mask: 255.255.255.0
  - Router: Leave blank.
5. Click "Apply" to save the changes.
Linux:
1. Use your distribution's network configuration tool to assign a static IP address to your Ethernet adapter. The specific steps will vary depending on your distribution.
2. Use the following settings:
  - IP address: 192.168.1.10
  - Subnet mask: 255.255.255.0
  - Gateway: Leave blank.

Step 2: Set Up TFTP Server

Next, you need to set up your TFTP server to serve the OpenWRT firmware image. Here's how to do it:

Install your chosen TFTP server software (e.g., TFTPD32/TFTPD64 for Windows, atftpd for Linux).
Configure the TFTP server to use the directory where you saved the OpenWRT firmware image as the root directory.
Ensure that the TFTP server is running and listening for connections.

Step 3: Boot into MikroTik RouterBOOT

Now, you need to boot your MikroTik hAP ac2 into RouterBOOT, which is the bootloader that allows you to upload the firmware. Here's how to do it:

Disconnect the power cable from your MikroTik hAP ac2.
Connect your computer to one of the Ethernet ports on the hAP ac2 (preferably port 1).
Press and hold the reset button on the hAP ac2.
While holding the reset button, reconnect the power cable to the hAP ac2.
Continue holding the reset button until the ACT LED starts flashing. This usually takes about 10-15 seconds.
Release the reset button. The hAP ac2 is now in RouterBOOT mode.

Step 4: Upload OpenWRT via TFTP

With the hAP ac2 in RouterBOOT mode and your TFTP server running, you can now upload the OpenWRT firmware image. The process varies depending on your RouterBOOT version:

Newer RouterBOOT versions:
1. Open a web browser and navigate to http://192.168.1.1. This should bring you to the RouterBOOT web interface.
2. In the "Upload file" section, select the OpenWRT firmware image you downloaded.
3. Click the "Upgrade" button to start the flashing process.
Older RouterBOOT versions:
1. Open a terminal or command prompt on your computer.
2. Use the tftp command to upload the firmware image. The exact command will vary depending on your TFTP client, but it will generally look like this:
```
tftp 192.168.1.1
put openwrt-firmware.bin
```
  Replace openwrt-firmware.bin with the actual name of your OpenWRT firmware file.

Step 5: Wait for the Flashing Process to Complete

Once you've started the flashing process, be patient and wait for it to complete. This can take several minutes. Do not interrupt the process, as this can brick your device. The hAP ac2 will reboot automatically once the flashing is complete.

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Step 6: Access OpenWRT

After the hAP ac2 reboots, it should be running OpenWRT. You can access the OpenWRT web interface (LuCI) by navigating to http://192.168.1.1 in your web browser. You may need to clear your browser's cache or try a different browser if you're having trouble accessing the interface.

Congratulations! You've successfully flashed OpenWRT onto your MikroTik hAP ac2. Now you can start exploring the vast array of features and customization options that OpenWRT offers.

Post-Installation Configuration

Now that you've successfully installed OpenWRT on your MikroTik hAP ac2, it's time to configure it to your liking. This involves setting up your network interfaces, configuring Wi-Fi, and installing any additional packages you need. Here are some essential post-installation configuration steps:

1. Set a Root Password

The first thing you should do after installing OpenWRT is to set a root password. This will prevent unauthorized access to your router. You can do this through the LuCI web interface or via SSH.

LuCI:
1. Navigate to System > Administration.
2. Enter a strong password in the "Password" and "Confirmation" fields.
3. Click "Save & Apply."
SSH:
1. Open a terminal or command prompt and SSH into your router using the default IP address (192.168.1.1) and the username "root".
2. Type the passwd command and follow the prompts to set a new password.

2. Configure Network Interfaces

Next, you need to configure your network interfaces to connect to the internet and your local network. This involves setting up your WAN (Wide Area Network) interface for internet access and your LAN (Local Area Network) interface for your local network.

WAN:
1. Navigate to Network > Interfaces.
2. Click "Edit" on the WAN interface.
3. Configure the WAN interface according to your internet connection type (e.g., DHCP, static IP, PPPoE).
4. Click "Save & Apply."
LAN:
1. Navigate to Network > Interfaces.
2. Click "Edit" on the LAN interface.
3. Configure the LAN interface with a static IP address and subnet mask for your local network (e.g., 192.168.1.1/24).
4. Click "Save & Apply."

3. Configure Wi-Fi

If you want to use Wi-Fi, you need to configure the wireless settings. This involves setting up your Wi-Fi network name (SSID), password, and security settings.

Navigate to Network > Wireless.
Click "Edit" on the wireless interface.
Enter your desired Wi-Fi network name (SSID) in the "ESSID" field.
Choose a security mode (e.g., WPA2-PSK) and enter a strong password in the "Key" field.
Click "Save & Apply."

4. Install Additional Packages

One of the great things about OpenWRT is its vast library of packages. You can install additional packages to extend the functionality of your router. To install packages, you need to update the package list and then install the desired packages.

Navigate to System > Software.
Click "Update lists..." to update the package list.
Enter the name of the package you want to install in the "Download and install package" field and click "OK."

5. Explore OpenWRT Features

Now that you've configured the basic settings, take some time to explore the various features and customization options that OpenWRT offers. Experiment with different settings and packages to tailor your router to your specific needs.

Troubleshooting

While the flashing process is generally straightforward, you might encounter some issues along the way. Here are some common problems and their solutions:

Cannot access RouterBOOT web interface:
- Make sure your computer's IP address is configured correctly (192.168.1.10).
- Try clearing your browser's cache or using a different browser.
- Ensure that the hAP ac2 is actually in RouterBOOT mode (ACT LED flashing).
TFTP upload fails:
- Double-check that the TFTP server is running and configured correctly.
- Verify that the OpenWRT firmware image is in the TFTP server's root directory.
- Make sure there are no firewall rules blocking TFTP traffic.
Router is bricked:
- If the flashing process is interrupted or fails, your router might be bricked. In this case, you might need to use a serial console to recover the device. This is an advanced procedure and requires specialized hardware and knowledge.

Conclusion

Flashing OpenWRT onto your MikroTik hAP ac2 can seem daunting at first, but with careful preparation and attention to detail, it's a rewarding experience. You'll gain access to a wealth of features and customization options, transforming your router into a powerful and versatile network appliance. Remember to back up your configuration, follow the instructions carefully, and be patient throughout the process. With OpenWRT, you're in control of your network!