OpenWiFi Compatible Access Point Firmware License

Three Ways to Flash OpenWiFi Firmware

Choose the method that matches your AP's current state and hardware platform. Click a card to jump to the full step-by-step guide.

METHOD 01 - Install via UBoot

The primary method for factory-fresh APs or devices without a running OS. Uses a TFTP server to deliver the image directly into NAND flash via the U-Boot bootloader console. Suited to Qualcomm-based APS.

• 1 Set up a TFTP server

  Place the OpenWiFi firmware binary in the TFTP root directory. Use a short, accessible filename to avoid command-line errors. Ensure the TFTP server is reachable on the same network segment as the AP.

• 2 Connect to the AP via serial port

  Some APs expose a serial port by default — USB or RJ45. If yours does not, open the AP enclosure and connect DuPont jumper wires to the serial header on the main board. Use settings:115200 baud, 8N1. Wire TTL Tx → AP Rx, TTL Rx → AP Tx, GND ↔ GND, VCC 3.3 V ↔ VCC 3.3 V.

• 3 Interrupt boot to enter the U-Boot console

  Power on the AP and press any key quickly when prompted to stop the autoboot countdown and drop into the U-Boot command prompt.

• 4 Download firmware via TFTP and flash

  For Qualcomm-based APs, run the commands shown in the terminal opposite. The AP will reboot into OpenWiFi automatically.

METHOD 02 - Install via Upgrade via Old AP System

For APs already running a Linux-based AP OS. Copy the new firmware package to the device over the network using scp, then trigger the upgrade with a single sysupgrade command. No disassembly needed.

• 1 Obtain the firmware .tar file

  Contact Asteraix support to receive the sysupgrade-compatible image for your AP model.

• 2 Copy firmware to the AP

  Use scp to transfer the file directly to the AP's filesystem. Ensure SSH access is available.

• 3 Run sysupgrade

  Execute the command shown. The -F flag forces the upgrade regardless of compatibility checks. The AP will reboot automatically.

METHOD 03 - MTK Serial Boot Menu

For MediaTek-based APs that expose an interactive boot menu over the serial port. Navigate the U-Boot menu to select the TFTP upgrade option and provide network details. The device downloads and flashes the image automatically.

• 1 Place image on TFTP server

  Use a short filename such as fw.bin to avoid MTK menu input limitations.

• 2 Connect via serial and enter the U-Boot boot menu

  Interrupt boot to access the MTK interactive menu. Select Upgrade firmware.

• 3 Select TFTP load method and enter network info

  Choose option 0 – TFTP client. Enter the AP IP, TFTP server IP, netmask, and filename (fw.bin).

• 4 Wait for download and flash to complete

  The AP transfers the image, writes it to flash, and reboots into OpenWiFi automatically.

Serial Port Connection Guide

Required for U-Boot and MTK serial-menu methods. Follow the wiring table below to connect your TTL adapter to the AP's serial header.

Serial settings: 115200 baud · 8N1

⚠ Cross Tx and Rx. Connect the adapter's Tx to the AP's Rx and vice versa — this is a common wiring mistake. Use 3.3 V logic levels only; 5 V may damage the AP's serial header.

Locating the serial port on your AP

• USB Serial (exposed)-- Some APs ship with a USB serial port accessible from the outside — plug in directly, no disassembly required.

• RJ45 Serial (exposed) -- Others use an RJ45 connector on the housing as a console port. Use a rollover cable with an RJ45-to-DB9 adapter.

• Internal header (requires opening) -- If no external serial port is present, open the AP enclosure and use DuPont jumper wires on the PCB serial header. Refer to the board silk-screen for Tx/Rx/GND labels.

Already Have These APs? We Have the Firmware.

Beyond Asteraix's own OpenWiFi AP lineup, we provide ready-to-flash images for the following third-party models.

For hardware not on our pre-validated list, Asteraix's firmware engineering team will assess the chipset platform, source the appropriate OpenWiFi board support package, compile a model-specific image, and deliver it ready for flashing — so your team can skip the toolchain setup entirely.

After flashing, all AP models — regardless of original manufacturer — appear identically within the ACC controller dashboard.

• Unified device inventory across mixed-vendor APs

• Identical configuration templates applied to any onboarded model

• Real-time health monitoring: CPU, memory, radio status, firmware version

• Remote firmware push from ACC to all managed APs