HH71VM.
OpenWrt port.

  • Alcatel LINKHUB
  • Realtek RTL8197F
  • Open source

My OpenWrt port for the Alcatel LINKHUB HH71VM’s Realtek router subsystem. It supports flash installation, dual-band Wi-Fi, and integration with the separate Qualcomm modem on the reference device.

Firmware & installationRead documentation

OpenWrt on the
Realtek subsystem.

The HH71VM has a Realtek router subsystem and a separate Qualcomm modem subsystem. This port replaces the stock Realtek firmware while preserving the Qualcomm modem firmware and its mobile-data functions.

Permanent installation into the Realtek SPI flash is the normal deployment path. The router boots OpenWrt on its own, with settings preserved across power cycles. RAM boot remains an optional trial for testing and UART-based evaluation.

Target
Alcatel HH71VM
Router subsystem
RTL8197FS
5 GHz radio
RTL8812FE
Installation
Persistent SPI flash
Software baseline
OpenWrt 19.07
Modem firmware
Kept separate

What works on the reference hardware.

These capabilities are implemented and working on the reference HH71VM. Hardware revisions and carrier variants can differ; this is evidence from the reference device, rather than a promise about every router with the same label.

Tested hardware
and limitations.

Development and verification were performed on one physical Alcatel LINKHUB HH71VM with RTL8197FS and RTL8812FE. Other board revisions, regional versions, and carrier variants remain unverified.

Check the known issues before choosing a build. The port uses an older OpenWrt and Linux baseline; read the documentation’s security and setup notes for its limitations.

Read this before
installing.

Find the full installation and recovery instructions in the project documentation. The steps below are an overview; use the complete guide for the flashing commands.

  1. Check your hardware and current limitations.

    Read the compatibility notes and known issues for your device and chosen release.

  2. Read the complete flash installation guide.

    Prepare the required access and tools, and take your own stock backup before writing firmware.

  3. Use the flash bundle and follow the guide.

    Follow the exact installation and validation steps. Keep the recovery procedure and your original backup available.

Download firmwareLatest flash bundle. ZIP download hosted in the project’s GitHub releases.Installation guidePermanent installation, your stock backup, and the documented recovery path.Known issuesCompatibility, setup limitations, and hardware-specific findings.

Downloads and
documentation.

Read the project documentation for installation, recovery, and build instructions. Firmware downloads, installation tools, and source code are hosted in the public project repository.

RepositorySource code, project history, and hardware documentation.All releasesVersioned firmware bundles, source assets, and release notes.Build from sourceSource information, build requirements, and rebuild instructions.NCK generatorBrowser-local carrier unlock code calculation for the HH71VM.Report an issueReproducible bugs, hardware-specific reports, and technical questions.DiscordProject updates, questions, and discussion.

Common questions.

Does OpenWrt support the Alcatel LINKHUB HH71VM?

This project provides an OpenWrt port for the Realtek subsystem of the HH71VM, with a documented permanent flash-install workflow. It is verified on one reference HH71VM; other variants remain unverified.

Does the mobile modem still work?

The Qualcomm modem firmware stays separate. The port integrates with it for mobile Internet, modem control, and SMS on the reference device.

Can it be installed permanently?

Yes. The supported deployment writes the kernel and root filesystem to the Realtek SPI flash. OpenWrt then boots on its own and preserves settings across power cycles.

Can I restore the stock firmware?

The documented rollback workflow uses the stock backup taken from your own router before installation. A flash dump from another HH71VM is not a safe substitute.

Which Wi-Fi chipsets are used?

The reference hardware uses RTL8197FS for 2.4 GHz networking and RTL8812FE for the 5 GHz radio.

Questions or project updates?

You can ask about this port or follow my other projects on Discord.

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