Ath79 is the successor of ar71xx

Hi all, Im trying to get a better understanding of the story: ath79 is the successor of ar71xx.
As far as I understand either ath79 or ar71xx is SoC. So, it is hardware architecture = target.

Question:
How is that possible that the hardware/router was running the software compiled under target ar71xx and all of the sudden it can run software compiled to target ath79 (as it stands here: https://openwrt.org/docs/techref/targets/ath79)?

Does that mean some routers have 2 chips ar71xx and ath79?

Two names for the same SOC.

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ar71xx = ar71xx SoC + mach files
ath79 = ar71xx SoC + dts files

Does that also mean that I should avoid any other targets than ath79?

Im asking because Im considering to buy one of these 2:

  • Netgear R6220: MediaTek MT7621ST
  • GL.iNet GL-AR750S: Qualcomm Atheros QCA9563

No it just means that if you have a router that has both ath79 and ar71xx images, you should ideally use the ath97 image.

Alright, thanks for that info.

What would be a better choice nowadays?
MT7621ST or Qualcomm Atheros QCA9563?

MT7621ST is faster and is also dual core. Though, it makes more sense to compare devices rather than SoCs.

If you want to proceed with discussing different SoCs or devices, you may want to close this topic and start another one with a suitable subject.

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