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New FCC Rules Could Ban WiFi Router Firmware Modification
An anonymous reader writes: Hackaday reports that the FCC is introducing new rules which ban firmware modifications for the radio systems in WiFi routers and other wireless devices operating in the 5 GHz range. The vast majority of routers are manufactured as System on Chip devices, with the radio module and CPU integrated in a single package. The new rules have the potential to effectively ban the installation of proven Open Source firmware on any WiFi router.
ThinkPenguin, the EFF, FSF, Software Freedom Law Center, Software Freedom Conservancy, OpenWRT, LibreCMC, Qualcomm, and others have created the SaveWiFi campaign, providing instructions on how to submit a formal complaint to the FCC regarding this proposed rule. The comment period is closing on September 8, 2015. Leave a comment for the FCC.
ThinkPenguin, the EFF, FSF, Software Freedom Law Center, Software Freedom Conservancy, OpenWRT, LibreCMC, Qualcomm, and others have created the SaveWiFi campaign, providing instructions on how to submit a formal complaint to the FCC regarding this proposed rule. The comment period is closing on September 8, 2015. Leave a comment for the FCC.
That I'll happily ignore.
Lawyers, MBA's, RIAA? A jedi fears not these things!
It's not "firmware updates" that's the problem, it's unauthorized firmware updates, as in not signed by the manufacturer, etc
In the words of the Prophet, "fuck that noise." It's an authorized firmware update. I , the lawful owner of this hardware, authorized it. Pencil-dick bureaucrats and corporate pigopolists have no say in the matter.
The article I read
You must be new around here. You'll learn.
Not everything that can be measured matters; Not everything that matters can be measured.
To update the firmware, you should be required to insert a Windows '95 floppy boot disk containing firmware.bin and flash.com, then press the reset button.
Seriously though: wouldn't a simple switch be sufficient?