OpenWrt AQC113C SetUp

Introduction to OpenWrt and the AQC113C Chipset

OpenWrt AQC113C SetUp : OpenWrt is a robust, customizable Linux-based firmware used to enhance and extend the functionality of home and enterprise network routers. Unlike traditional router software, OpenWrt allows users to access advanced features such as VLAN management, custom firewall rules, VPN integration, and support for a wide range of hardware.

The AQC113C is a high-speed 10GbE Ethernet controller developed by Marvell (formerly Aquantia), known for its multi-gigabit support, PCIe interface, and energy efficiency. Setting up the AQC113C on OpenWrt can greatly improve data throughput, especially for NAS setups, home labs, and data centers looking for next-level performance.

Hardware and Compatibility Requirements

Before you begin configuring OpenWrt with the AQC113C chipset, it’s important to ensure that both your hardware and firmware can support the installation process.

Supported Devices and Interfaces

To use the AQC113C, you’ll need a device that either comes with a built-in Aquantia port or a compatible PCIe expansion card. Some newer mini-PCs, servers, or routers with M.2/PCIe expansion slots support AQC-based NICs out of the box. Make sure your OpenWrt-supported device has a PCIe slot and driver support for the AQC113C.

Kernel and Driver Support in OpenWrt

As of Linux kernel 5.10 and later, the “atlantic” driver supports AQC107, AQC111, and AQC113 variants. However, OpenWrt builds may need manual driver inclusion during firmware compilation. Some community builds (or snapshot releases) may already include the necessary drivers, but others may require custom kernel module installation.

Necessary Tools and Files

You will likely need the following before proceeding:

• A working OpenWrt installation

• Access to SSH and LuCI Web Interface

• kmod-atlantic driver package or a custom firmware build

• A connected and powered AQC113C NIC

Installing the AQC113C Driver on OpenWrt

Getting the AQC113C chipset operational in OpenWrt requires either loading the appropriate kernel module or recompiling OpenWrt with support for the Atlantic driver.

Using Precompiled Kernel Modules

If your OpenWrt version supports it, you may install the kmod-atlantic package by connecting to your router via SSH and running the following command:

After installation, you can reboot and check whether the system detects the AQC113C NIC via:

If detected, it will show up in the interface list as something like eth1 or eth2.

Manual Driver Compilation

If your current OpenWrt build does not include Atlantic driver support, you’ll need to compile a custom OpenWrt firmware using the source code and include the atlantic kernel module during build configuration. This process involves:

• Setting up a Linux build environment

• Cloning the OpenWrt source repo

• Selecting kmod-atlantic under make menuconfig

• Compiling the firmware image with make -j$(nproc)

Verifying Interface Recognition

Once installed, use ifconfig -a or check /etc/config/network to confirm that the interface is recognized. You may assign it a static IP or configure it as a bridge depending on your network topology.

Configuring the AQC113C Interface for Networking

After successful installation, you’ll need to configure the AQC113C interface to work within your OpenWrt network.

Assigning Static IP or DHCP

Using LuCI or the terminal, navigate to the network interfaces section and assign the AQC113C interface to an existing or new zone. You can either:

• Set it to DHCP client if connecting to an upstream router

• Assign a static IP if it’s serving as a gateway, bridge, or part of a LAN extension

Edit the /etc/config/network file or use LuCI’s GUI to apply changes.

Creating VLANs and Bridges

You can use the Switch or Network → Interfaces menu to define VLAN tags for the AQC113C port. If using the interface for LAN segmentation, NAS, or multiple SSIDs, VLANs will help isolate traffic and improve performance.

You may also bridge this port with other Ethernet or Wi-Fi interfaces for seamless LAN extension.

Performance Tuning and MTU Settings

To get the most out of the AQC113C, consider increasing the MTU (Maximum Transmission Unit) size to support jumbo frames (9000 bytes) if your switches and clients support it. This can help reduce overhead and improve large file transfer speeds, especially in NAS or backup scenarios.

Example command:

Troubleshooting and Best Practices

Despite being powerful and fast, the AQC113C setup on OpenWrt may require some fine-tuning, especially for those using snapshot builds or custom firmware.

• Check dmesg logs regularly to verify driver activity and interface status

• Use ethtool ethX to test interface speed negotiation and link status

• Update OpenWrt regularly or monitor community builds that include atlantic driver patches

• Disable power-saving options if you experience random link drops

It’s also wise to keep a backup Ethernet interface for troubleshooting in case the AQC113C becomes unresponsive after firmware changes.

Final Thoughts on Using AQC113C with OpenWrt

Integrating the AQC113C Ethernet controller with OpenWrt opens the door to 10Gbps-level networking in a free, open-source environment. Whether you’re building a home lab, optimizing a NAS setup, or expanding your network with high-performance interfaces, the Gen 12 and Atlantic-powered NICs offer flexibility, speed, and cutting-edge performance.

While the setup may involve extra steps like custom driver installation or firmware building, the result is a robust and future-ready network configuration. As OpenWrt and Linux continue evolving, support for powerful hardware like the AQC113C will only improve — making it a wise choice for advanced networking enthusiasts.