So, you're thinking about flashing your MikroTik hAP ac2 with OpenWRT? Awesome! This guide will walk you through the process. We'll cover everything you need to know to get OpenWRT running on your device, opening up a world of customization and advanced features. Let's dive in!

    Why OpenWRT on a MikroTik hAP ac2?

    Before we get started, let's talk about why you might want to do this. The MikroTik hAP ac2 is a solid piece of hardware, but its default RouterOS, while powerful, can be a bit complex for some users. OpenWRT, on the other hand, offers a more streamlined and open-source experience.

    • Customization: OpenWRT is incredibly customizable, allowing you to tweak virtually every aspect of your router's behavior. Want to set up a VPN server? Easy. Need to configure advanced firewall rules? No problem. OpenWRT gives you the tools to do it all.
    • Package Management: OpenWRT has a robust package management system, allowing you to install a wide variety of software packages. From network monitoring tools to multimedia servers, you can easily extend the functionality of your router.
    • Community Support: OpenWRT has a large and active community, so you're never alone. If you run into trouble, you can find help on the OpenWRT forums, wiki, and other online resources.
    • Open Source: OpenWRT is open-source software, meaning that its source code is freely available. This allows you to inspect the code, modify it, and redistribute it. Open source promotes transparency and collaboration, leading to better software.

    Prerequisites

    Before you begin, make sure you have the following:

    • MikroTik hAP ac2: Obviously, you'll need the router itself.
    • Ethernet Cable: For connecting your computer to the router.
    • Computer: With a web browser and a TFTP client (more on this later).
    • OpenWRT Firmware: Download the correct OpenWRT firmware for your device from the OpenWRT website. Make sure you download the factory image.
    • Patience: Flashing a router can be a bit tricky, so be patient and follow the instructions carefully.

    Step-by-Step Guide

    Alright, let's get down to business. Here's how to flash your MikroTik hAP ac2 with OpenWRT:

    Step 1: Prepare Your Computer

    First, you'll need to configure your computer's network settings. This is because you'll need to communicate with the router while it's in bootloader mode. Set a static IP address on your computer's Ethernet adapter. A good choice is 192.168.1.10 with a netmask of 255.255.255.0. Leave the gateway and DNS settings blank.

    Step 2: Download and Set Up TFTP Server

    TFTP (Trivial File Transfer Protocol) is a simple protocol for transferring files. We'll use it to upload the OpenWRT firmware to the router. There are many TFTP server programs available for Windows, macOS, and Linux. Some popular choices include TFTPd32/TFTPd64 (Windows), TftpServer (macOS), and atftpd (Linux).

    1. Download and Install: Download and install a TFTP server on your computer.
    2. Configure: Configure the TFTP server to use a directory on your computer as its root directory. This is where you'll place the OpenWRT firmware file.
    3. Place Firmware: Copy the OpenWRT firmware file (the factory image you downloaded earlier) into the TFTP server's root directory.

    Step 3: Boot the MikroTik into Bootloader Mode

    Now comes the tricky part. You need to boot the MikroTik hAP ac2 into its bootloader mode. This is done by holding down the reset button while powering on the device.

    1. Disconnect Power: Disconnect the power cable from the MikroTik hAP ac2.
    2. Press and Hold Reset: Press and hold the reset button on the back of the device. The reset button is usually a small, recessed button that requires a pen or paperclip to press.
    3. Reconnect Power: While holding the reset button, reconnect the power cable to the MikroTik hAP ac2.
    4. Wait for Activity: Continue holding the reset button until you see activity on the Ethernet port connected to your computer. This usually takes about 5-10 seconds. The activity might be a blinking light or a message in your network connection settings.
    5. Release Reset: Once you see activity, release the reset button. The MikroTik hAP ac2 is now in bootloader mode.

    Step 4: Upload the Firmware via TFTP

    Now that the router is in bootloader mode, you can upload the OpenWRT firmware using the TFTP client.

    1. Open Command Prompt/Terminal: Open a command prompt (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) on your computer.

    2. Use TFTP Command: Use the TFTP command to upload the firmware to the router. The exact command will vary depending on your TFTP client. Here's an example:

    tftp -i 192.168.1.1 put openwrt-your-version-factory.bin ```

    Replace `192.168.1.1` with the router's IP address (which is usually `192.168.1.1` in bootloader mode) and `openwrt-your-version-factory.bin` with the actual name of your OpenWRT firmware file.
    1. Wait for Upload: Wait for the firmware to upload. This may take a few minutes. You should see progress messages in the command prompt/terminal.

    Step 5: Wait for Flashing to Complete

    Once the firmware has been uploaded, the MikroTik hAP ac2 will automatically begin flashing it. This process can take several minutes. Do not interrupt the process, as this could damage your device.

    You'll know the flashing is complete when the router reboots and you can access the OpenWRT web interface (LuCI) at 192.168.1.1 in your web browser. If it doesn't show up, give it some time. If it still doesn't show up, you may need to set a static IP address on your computer again, as the router may not be handing out DHCP addresses yet.

    Step 6: Configure OpenWRT

    Once you can access the LuCI web interface, you can start configuring OpenWRT. The first thing you'll want to do is set a password for the root user. This will prevent unauthorized access to your router.

    1. Access LuCI: Open your web browser and go to 192.168.1.1.
    2. Set Root Password: You'll be prompted to set a password for the root user. Choose a strong password and remember it.
    3. Configure Network: Configure your network settings, such as your WAN connection (DHCP, static IP, PPPoE, etc.) and your Wi-Fi settings (SSID, password, etc.).

    Troubleshooting

    Flashing a router can be tricky, and things don't always go according to plan. Here are some common problems and their solutions:

    • Cannot Access Bootloader: If you can't get the router into bootloader mode, try again. Make sure you're holding the reset button correctly and that you're waiting for activity on the Ethernet port before releasing the button. Try different timings for holding the reset button.
    • TFTP Upload Fails: If the TFTP upload fails, make sure your computer's network settings are correct and that the TFTP server is configured properly. Also, make sure the OpenWRT firmware file is in the TFTP server's root directory and that you're using the correct filename in the TFTP command. Check firewall settings that may be interfering with TFTP.
    • Router Won't Boot: If the router won't boot after flashing, it's possible that the flashing process was interrupted or that the firmware is corrupted. Try flashing the firmware again. If that doesn't work, you may need to use a serial console to recover the device. Check the OpenWRT wiki for instructions on serial recovery.
    • No Internet Connection: If you can access the LuCI web interface but you don't have an internet connection, check your WAN settings. Make sure you've configured your connection type (DHCP, static IP, PPPoE, etc.) correctly and that you've entered the correct information (IP address, gateway, DNS servers, etc.).

    Important Considerations

    Before you go ahead and flash your MikroTik hAP ac2, here are a few things to keep in mind:

    • Warranty: Flashing your router with OpenWRT may void your warranty. Check with MikroTik to be sure.
    • Risk: Flashing a router is always a risky process. If something goes wrong, you could brick your device. Make sure you understand the risks before you begin and that you're comfortable with the possibility of damaging your router. Ensure you have the correct firmware image for your exact model.
    • Research: Before you start, do your research. Read the OpenWRT wiki, the MikroTik documentation, and any other relevant resources. The more you know, the better prepared you'll be.

    Conclusion

    Flashing your MikroTik hAP ac2 with OpenWRT can be a rewarding experience. It gives you more control over your router and opens up a world of customization options. However, it's important to understand the risks involved and to follow the instructions carefully. With a little patience and effort, you can transform your MikroTik hAP ac2 into a powerful and versatile networking device. Good luck, and have fun!

    Remember to always double-check the firmware version and hardware compatibility before flashing any device. Incorrect firmware can lead to a bricked device, so proceed with caution!

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