TP-Link blocks open source router firmware to comply with new FCC rule

[Recursion]

http://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2016/03/tp-link-blocks-open-source-router-firmware-to-comply-with-new-fcc-rule/

Networking hardware vendor TP-Link says it will prevent the loading of open source firmware on routers it sells in the United States in order to comply with new Federal Communications Commission requirements.

The FCC wants to limit interference with other devices by preventing user modifications that cause radios to operate outside their licensed RF (radio frequency) parameters. The FCC says it doesn't intend to ban the use of third-party firmware such as DD-WRT and OpenWRT; in theory, router makers can still allow loading of open source firmware as long as they also deploy controls that prevent devices from operating outside their allowed frequencies, types of modulation, power levels, and so on.

But open source users feared that hardware makers would lock third-party firmware out entirely, since that would be the easiest way to comply with the FCC requirements. The decision by TP-Link—described by the company in this FAQ—shows that those fears were justified. (Thanks to Electronic Frontier Foundation Staff Attorney Nate Cardozo for bringing it to our attention.)

TP-Link's FAQ acknowledges that the company is "limiting the functionality of its routers."

[ChromeFoundry]

1. More laws for problems that don't exist

I don't get it.

Last time I checked there was not an abundance of people configuring their routers to operate on non-standard frequencies and over-driving the output wattage of the radios. If there were, you'd see ham radio operators, airports and public emergency services turning these people in every day - but we are not.

We already have laws that define this type of transmission illegal, why the need for additional ridiculous laws?

If the fastest you can legally drive in the US is generally 75 mph (85 on a few rural Texas highways) - should we pass a law to have automotive manufacturers place strict governors on our vehicles which limits them to 75 mph? Or maybe we should have them incorporate GPS in the governor to restrict you to the speed limit for the road you are currently driving on - maybe it would force the city law enforcement to actually go after real criminals, rather than fill their coffers by ticketing drivers that speed on the 1/2 mile piece of the interstate that passes through their city.

The fact is, if someone really wants to replace their routers firmware, they will. The router manufacturers will still need to update routers with their own firmware. Hacking the update process is not that difficult.

[cantbeserious]

2. Thank You For Sharing

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