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Linksys and the GPL, Again

Posted by michael on from the unclear-on-the-concept dept.

Rob Flickenger writes "While poking around on the Linksys WRT54G (one of the new Linux 2.4.5 based APs) at a SeattleWireless Hack Night session, we noticed a number of binaries in their firmware (including Zebra, PPP 2.4.1, and iptables to name three) that are released under the GPL, some of which are obviously modified. The question is, where is the source code to Linksys' modifications? Their "GPL Code Center" has the packages, but they are the pristine distributions, without any changes whatsoever. I've asked Linksys for clarification, but given Linksys' customer service reputation, I highly encourage other interested parties to ask them as well. More details are up on my weblog on oreillynet.com."

3 of 443 comments (clear)

  1. How does Cisco relate to this by neye_eve · · Score: 5, Interesting

    They just bought linksys, right? So wouldn't this take an increasingly interesting turn if it's Cisco violating the GPL instead of "just" Linksys. heh, go after the deep pockets :-)

    1. Re:How does Cisco relate to this by TedCheshireAcad · · Score: 5, Interesting

      Havent thought about this before, but if the Linksys router uses Linux 2.4.x, and Cisco owns Linksys, then Cisco can join the fight against SCO. If SCO is claiming that kernel 2.4.x infringes on its IP, then Linksys/Cisco should be fighting not to pay ~$700 per router they've sold.

  2. Not GPL Violation-RTFC by dnoyeb · · Score: 5, Interesting

    It appears that the posters assumed violation of the GPL was because the router used files from non-standard locations. Further, it appears that said file locations can be specified in a 'conf' file. Finally, it appears as a result of this that the claim of GPL violation by Linksys is in error.

    Also, the claim that Broadcom may need to release their source also seems to be in error due to the fact that their modified GCC has not been publicly released, and the only one that can claim the right to examine said source code of the GCC modifications is Linksys.

    RTFA-and the comments that follow...