OpenWrt boots from flash
Supported installation path writes the kernel and root filesystem into the Realtek flash.
OpenWrt community port
OpenWrt for Alcatel LINKHUB HH71VM
This project publishes an OpenWrt port for the Realtek subsystem of the Alcatel LINKHUB HH71VM, running on the router’s RTL8197FS and RTL8812FE hardware with a permanent flash install path and public source documentation.
What is this?
OpenWrt on the Realtek side of the HH71VM
The HH71VM is an Alcatel LINKHUB router with a separate Realtek side and a Qualcomm modem side. This project replaces the stock Realtek firmware with an OpenWrt port for that Realtek subsystem while preserving the separate Qualcomm modem stack and its mobile-data functions.
The supported deployment is a permanent installation into the Realtek SPI flash. The router boots OpenWrt on its own and keeps its settings across power cycles. Loading a build into RAM remains available as an optional dry run for testing or UART-based evaluation, but permanent flash installation is the normal path for use.
Current status
What works on the reference HH71VM
Ethernet
Ethernet and the external gigabit PHY are working on the reference hardware.
2.4 GHz Wi‑Fi
RTL8197FS networking is working through the OpenWrt netifd/UCI integration.
5 GHz Wi‑Fi
RTL8812FE is working on the reference device in the current build.
Mobile Internet
Qualcomm USB mux and RNDIS WAN support are part of the working setup.
LuCI and modem controls
LuCI, the HH71VM theme, and modem-control pages are included in the port.
SMS support
Reading and handling SMS is implemented and supported in the reference setup.
sysupgrade / rollback
Firmware updates and rollback to a saved stock backup are part of the documented workflow.
Hardware
Reference hardware and compatibility
The project’s reference hardware is the Alcatel LINKHUB HH71VM with the Realtek side based on RTL8197FS and the 5 GHz radio based on RTL8812FE. The port was developed and verified on one physical HH71VM, and the repository explicitly states that other HH71VM board revisions, regional variants, and carrier variants remain unverified.
Before installing, read the current known issues and treat compatibility reports as hardware-specific evidence rather than guaranteed support for every unit.
Get started
OpenWrt installation and project links
Download firmware
Download HH71VM OpenWrt firmware
Latest production flash bundle
Install
HH71VM OpenWrt installation guide
Permanent install steps and recovery notes
Known issues
View current HH71VM known issues
Compatibility and limitation notes
Build from source
Build HH71VM OpenWrt from source
Source provenance and rebuild instructions
Releases
HH71VM OpenWrt releases
Immutable firmware and source assets
Repository
Open the HH71VM GitHub repository
Source, issues, downloads, and project docs
Installation safety
Read the full installation guide before flashing
This is firmware flashing, and the project documentation strongly recommends taking a stock backup before installation. The installer reads the original flash contents of the router and saves them so the stock firmware can be restored; a donor image from a different HH71VM is not a safe substitute for recovery.
Follow the complete guide in the project repository before continuing: HH71VM OpenWrt flash installation guide.
FAQ
Common questions from HH71VM owners
Does OpenWrt support the Alcatel LINKHUB HH71VM?
Yes. This repository publishes an OpenWrt port for the Realtek subsystem of the Alcatel LINKHUB HH71VM and documents the supported flash-install workflow.
Does the HH71VM mobile modem work with OpenWrt?
The Qualcomm modem subsystem remains separate from the Realtek side, and the port integrates with it for mobile Internet, modem control, and SMS support on the reference device.
Can OpenWrt be installed permanently on the HH71VM?
Yes. The supported deployment is a permanent installation into the Realtek SPI flash, and the router then boots OpenWrt on its own with settings preserved across power cycles.
Can the stock HH71VM firmware be restored?
Yes, by taking your own stock backup before installation and using the documented rollback path. The repository explicitly warns against using a Realtek dump from another HH71VM for recovery.
Which Wi‑Fi chipsets are used by the supported HH71VM?
The reference hardware uses the Realtek RTL8197FS radio for 2.4 GHz and RTL8812FE for 5 GHz.
Project
Open-source work for the HH71VM community
This is an open-source project focused on the HH71VM router’s Realtek subsystem and the supporting hardware, firmware, modem integration, and documentation around it. The primary public project home is the GitHub repository, which also hosts the releases, installation guide, known-issue notes, and source/build documentation.