Zyxel Networks Access Points Now Support OpenWrt-based Customized Software

Zyxel_CSO

Zyxel Networks understands that advanced users—such as ISPs, system integrators, and networking professionals—often require greater flexibility to tailor network behavior to their specific needs. In the past, developing custom firmware such as OpenWrt-based software for Zyxel Networks access points often required users to rely on unofficial workarounds or bypass the original firmware—an approach that could be complex, inconsistent, and potentially risky.

With this new approach, developers can now create and develop OpenWrt-based software directly on Zyxel Networks hardware through a standardized and secure method, eliminating the need to search for firmware vulnerabilities or rely on unofficial modification paths.

OpenWrt-based Customized Software Supported Models

The following Zyxel Networks access point models support OpenWrt-based customized software. After upgrading to the supported firmware versions, users can enable the capability to replace the factory-installed firmware with their own customized software.

Model Name	Supported Firmware
NWA130BE	V7.30
NWA50BE	V7.30
NWA55BE	V7.30
NWA240BE	V7.30
NWA210BE	V7.30
NWA30BE	V7.30
NWA55AX PRO	V7.10
NWA55AX PTP	V7.10

If you would like to learn more about Zyxel Networks’ OpenWrt support and how to get started with OpenWrt development, please click here.

Important Notice on Warranty

Please note that installing customized or third-party firmware is not covered under Zyxel Networks’ product warranty. Once the original firmware is replaced, Zyxel Networks will not provide warranty service, technical support, or liability for any issues arising from the use of customized firmware.

This initiative reflects Zyxel Networks’ commitment to openness and flexibility—empowering advanced users with more control, while maintaining clear boundaries on support and warranty responsibilities.

Asgatlat

hi,

Are the NWA90BE and NWA90BE PRO will be qualify later ?

Zyxel_Melen

Hi @Asgatlat

After clarifying, I confirm that we don't have new plan for further models.

Art3327

This is a great news but I don't get why it is impossible to flash back the original firmware if someone wanted to

Zyxel_Melen

Hi @Art3327

The reason flashing back to the original Zyxel firmware isn't possibly comes down to firmware signing and security architecture.

Zyxel's original firmware uses a cryptographic signing mechanism — meaning the bootloader only accepts firmware images that are verified with Zyxel's private key. Once you replace it with OpenWrt-based customized software, the secure boot chain is broken, and the device can no longer validate or accept the original signed firmware package through normal flashing methods.