Hey guys! Today, we're diving into the exciting world of installing OpenWRT on a Mikrotik hAP ac2 router. This guide will walk you through each step, making the process as smooth as possible. Whether you're a seasoned network guru or just starting out, you'll find something useful here. So, let's get started and unlock the full potential of your hAP ac2!

Why OpenWRT on Mikrotik hAP ac2?

Before we jump into the installation, let's talk about why you might want to replace the default RouterOS with OpenWRT. The Mikrotik hAP ac2 is a fantastic piece of hardware, but OpenWRT opens up a whole new world of possibilities.

One of the biggest advantages is customization. RouterOS is powerful, but it can be a bit restrictive. OpenWRT, on the other hand, allows you to tweak almost every aspect of your router's software. You can install custom packages, configure advanced network settings, and even create your own scripts to automate tasks. Think of it as turning your router into a super-powered, highly personalized device.

Flexibility is another key benefit. OpenWRT supports a vast array of packages, allowing you to add features like VPN servers, ad blockers, dynamic DNS clients, and much more. You're not limited to the features that Mikrotik provides out of the box. This makes your router incredibly versatile and adaptable to your specific needs. Imagine being able to block ads network-wide, or setting up a secure VPN connection with just a few clicks. OpenWRT makes it all possible.

Open Source nature of OpenWRT is also a major draw for many users. Because the code is open source, it's constantly being improved and updated by a large community of developers. This means you benefit from the latest security patches, bug fixes, and feature enhancements. You're also not locked into a single vendor's ecosystem. If you ever decide to switch routers, your OpenWRT knowledge will still be valuable.

Finally, performance can be a significant factor. In some cases, OpenWRT can provide better performance than RouterOS, especially on older hardware. It's often more lightweight and efficient, which can translate to faster speeds and lower latency. This can be particularly noticeable if you're running resource-intensive applications on your router.

Prerequisites

Okay, before we get our hands dirty, let's make sure you have everything you need. This is like gathering your ingredients before you start cooking – essential for a successful outcome!

First, you'll need a Mikrotik hAP ac2 router, obviously! Make sure it's in good working condition and that you have access to its web interface or Winbox.

Next, download the correct OpenWRT image for your device. You can find this on the OpenWRT website. Make sure you download the image specifically designed for the Mikrotik hAP ac2. Using the wrong image can brick your device, so double-check! The file name will typically include "hap ac2" or "RB962UiGS-5HacT2HnT".

You'll also need a TFTP server application installed on your computer. This is what we’ll use to push the OpenWRT image to the router. There are several free TFTP server applications available for Windows, macOS, and Linux. Some popular choices include Tftpd64 (Windows), TFTP Server (macOS), and atftp (Linux).

A network cable is essential for connecting your computer directly to the router. Wi-Fi won't work for this process, so make sure you have a reliable Ethernet cable on hand.

Winbox is a Mikrotik utility that provides a GUI for configuring RouterOS. While not strictly required, it can be helpful for verifying the router's configuration and for recovering from potential issues. You can download Winbox from the Mikrotik website.

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, you'll need patience! Flashing a router can be a bit nerve-wracking, so take your time, follow the instructions carefully, and don't panic if things don't go perfectly the first time.

Step-by-Step Installation Guide

Alright, let's get to the main event: installing OpenWRT on your Mikrotik hAP ac2. Follow these steps carefully, and you'll be up and running in no time.

1. Configure Your Computer's IP Address:

   • To communicate with the router during the flashing process, you need to set a static IP address on your computer. Configure your network adapter with the following settings:
     • IP Address: 192.168.1.10
     • Netmask: 255.255.255.0
     • Gateway: 192.168.1.1 (This might not be strictly necessary, but it's a good practice)
   • Disable any other network connections (Wi-Fi, other Ethernet adapters) to avoid conflicts.

2. Set Up TFTP Server:

   • Install and configure your TFTP server application.
   • Set the TFTP server's root directory to the folder where you saved the OpenWRT image.
   • Verify that the TFTP server is running and listening for connections.

3. Connect to the Router:

   • Connect your computer to one of the Ethernet ports on the Mikrotik hAP ac2 (preferably port 1).
   • Make sure the router is powered on.

4. Enter RouterBOOT:

   • This is the trickiest part. You need to interrupt the router's normal boot process and enter RouterBOOT, which is a minimal bootloader that allows you to upload a new firmware image.
   • Power off the router.
   • Press and hold the reset button on the router (usually located on the back or bottom of the device).
   • Power on the router while continuing to hold the reset button.
   • Keep holding the reset button until you see activity on your computer's network adapter (e.g., the link light flashes) or until the TFTP server indicates that a connection has been established. This usually takes about 15-20 seconds. Release the reset button.

5. Upload the OpenWRT Image:

   • Open a web browser and navigate to http://192.168.1.1. This should bring you to the RouterBOOT interface.
   • In the RouterBOOT interface, you'll see a field labeled "File Name". Enter the name of the OpenWRT image file that you downloaded.
   • Click the "Upgrade" button.
   • The router will now download the OpenWRT image from your TFTP server and flash it to the flash memory. This process can take several minutes, so be patient and don't interrupt it.

6. Wait for the Router to Reboot:

   • After the flashing process is complete, the router will automatically reboot. This may take a few minutes.
   • Once the router has rebooted, it should be running OpenWRT.

7. Access OpenWRT:

   • By default, OpenWRT uses the IP address 192.168.1.1. Open a web browser and navigate to this address.
   • You may see a warning about an insecure connection. This is normal because OpenWRT doesn't have a pre-installed SSL certificate. You can safely ignore this warning.
   • You should now be greeted with the OpenWRT web interface, also known as LuCI.

Configuring OpenWRT

Now that you have OpenWRT installed, it's time to configure it to your liking. The LuCI web interface provides a user-friendly way to manage your router's settings.

• Set a Password: The first thing you should do is set a password for the root user. This will prevent unauthorized access to your router. You can do this in the System -> Administration section of the LuCI interface.
• Configure Your Network: Next, you'll need to configure your network settings, including your WAN (Internet) connection and your LAN (local network) settings. You can do this in the Network -> Interfaces section. If your ISP uses DHCP, you can usually just set your WAN interface to DHCP client. If you have a static IP address, you'll need to enter the appropriate settings.
• Set Up Wi-Fi: If you want to use the hAP ac2's Wi-Fi capabilities, you'll need to configure the wireless settings. You can do this in the Network -> Wireless section. Choose a strong password for your Wi-Fi network and enable encryption (WPA2 is recommended).
• Install Packages: One of the great things about OpenWRT is the ability to install custom packages. You can do this in the System -> Software section. Search for the packages you want to install and click the "Install" button. Some popular packages include luci-app-upnp (for UPnP support), luci-app-sqm (for Smart Queue Management), and luci-app-openvpn (for OpenVPN support).

Troubleshooting

Sometimes, things don't go as planned. Here are a few common issues you might encounter and how to resolve them.

• Router Doesn't Boot: If the router doesn't boot after flashing OpenWRT, don't panic! Try repeating the flashing process, making sure you have the correct image and that you're following the instructions carefully. You can also try using a different TFTP server application. In some cases, you may need to use a serial console to recover the router.
• Can't Access OpenWRT: If you can't access the OpenWRT web interface, make sure your computer is configured with a static IP address in the 192.168.1.0/24 network. Also, try clearing your browser's cache and cookies. If you're still having trouble, try connecting to the router using SSH (the default username is root and there is no password until you set one).
• Wi-Fi Doesn't Work: If your Wi-Fi isn't working, double-check your wireless settings in the LuCI interface. Make sure the wireless interface is enabled and that you have configured the correct SSID and password. Also, make sure your router is configured to use the correct country code.

Conclusion

So there you have it, guys! A comprehensive guide to installing OpenWRT on your Mikrotik hAP ac2. It might seem a little daunting at first, but once you get the hang of it, it's actually quite straightforward. Remember to take your time, follow the instructions carefully, and don't be afraid to experiment. With OpenWRT, you can unlock the full potential of your router and create a network that's tailored to your specific needs.

Happy flashing, and enjoy your newly upgraded router!