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Yes. OpenWrt lists the Ubiquiti EdgeRouter 4 (ER-4) as supported and provides model-specific installation and upgrade images. Installing it is not a web-interface upgrade, however: plan on serial-console and bootloader access, and check the current OpenWrt support notes before choosing an image. The ER-4 is a wired router with no built-in Wi-Fi.
Is the EdgeRouter 4 compatible with OpenWrt?
OpenWrt’s EdgeRouter 4 device record identifies the exact model, says support began with OpenWrt 21.02.0, and lists release 24.10.5 with separate initramfs and sysupgrade images in the record retrieved on October 4, 2026. Release listings can change, so confirm the current model page and image selector before downloading.
There is an important qualification: OpenWrt’s broader EdgeRouter family page reports a support issue, says a fix is available in snapshots after July 10, 2025, and says a 24.10 backport was being worked on. The available documentation does not establish whether that family-level warning applies in the same way to the ER-4-specific 24.10.5 image. Check the current issue notes and release information rather than assuming that a listed stable image is trouble-free.
What hardware does the ER-4 provide?
OpenWrt identifies the ER-4 as an Octeon/generic device using a Cavium CN7130 processor and U-Boot bootloader. Its hardware record lists four 1 GHz cores, 1,024 MB of RAM, three 1 Gbit Ethernet ports, one 1 Gbit SFP interface, and USB 3.0. These are specifications, not measured throughput results.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
- Wired routing: Three Ethernet ports and an SFP interface make it a wired-router option.
- Wireless: The device record lists no WLAN hardware. Use a separate wireless access point if you need Wi-Fi.
- SFP: Do not assume every module will work. Ubiquiti’s ER-4 Quick Start Guide points to its SFP compatibility information; verify a module against the intended fiber or link setup.
What is required to install OpenWrt?
The ER-4 does not have an OpenWrt installation path through the Ubiquiti web interface. OpenWrt’s EdgeRouter installation guidance describes booting a temporary image through a serial-console-based process, using USB or TFTP/recovery methods, and then writing the installed sysupgrade image. This is a firmware replacement involving bootloader access, not a one-click EdgeOS upgrade.
- A compatible serial console cable: The general guide specifies Cisco-standard-compatible RJ45 console wiring, 115200 baud, 8 data bits, no parity, and 1 stop bit (8N1). The port uses true RS-232 signaling; USB-to-TTL adapters are not compatible. Verify both RS-232 signaling and the pinout before connecting a USB-to-RS-232 console cable.
- The correct images: The ER-4 device record distinguishes an initramfs-kernel image for the temporary first boot/install step from a squashfs sysupgrade archive for installation or upgrade. Select images for the exact ER-4 model, not another EdgeRouter.
- A recovery plan: Read the current model-specific installation and recovery instructions before changing firmware. The ER-4 page includes older version-specific command examples and is marked as under construction in the retrieved documentation, so do not copy those commands without confirming they still match the current image and procedure.
How to approach an ER-4 installation safely
- Review support status. Read the ER-4 device page and the family-level EdgeRouter page for current release notes, issue status, and any model-specific qualifications.
- Match the images to the procedure. Confirm the current initramfs and sysupgrade filenames on the ER-4 record. Follow the current ER-4 installation instructions for the selected recovery route; do not substitute images or commands from another model or an old release.
- Set up the console correctly. Connect with a Cisco-compatible RJ45 console cable that uses true RS-232 levels. Configure the terminal for 115200 baud, 8N1. Do not connect a USB-to-TTL adapter to the console port.
- Use the current boot and recovery steps. The exact procedure depends on the selected USB or TFTP/recovery method. Follow the current OpenWrt model instructions for booting the temporary image and writing the sysupgrade archive.
- Verify operation before relying on the router. Confirm that the installed system boots and that the required network interfaces and SFP module work in your setup before putting the device into service.
Is the ER-4 a good fit for an OpenWrt project?
The ER-4 is worth considering if you want a wired router with an SFP interface and are comfortable using a serial console and bootloader-oriented installation or recovery steps. It is not an all-in-one Wi-Fi router: plan on a separate access point for wireless service.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
For a comparison with another OpenWrt device, check the exact model’s current support and release target, port and SFP layout, built-in radios, recovery access, and hardware headroom for your intended routing and packages. The specifications above do not establish real-world throughput or a controlled performance comparison.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
