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Linksys WRT Routers Won't Block Open Source Firmware, Despite FCC Rules (arstechnica.com)

Posted by msmash on from the affinity-for-open-source dept.

The FCC requires all manufacturers to prevent users from having any direct ability to change RF parameters (frequency limits, output power, country codes, etc). The easiest way for a router manufacturer to comply with FCC's guideline is to block the open source router firmware -- which is what TP-Link has been doing. But thankfully, at least one router manufacturer doesn't think blocking the firmware is the right way to go about it. Ars Technica reports: Linksys has been collaborating with chipmaker Marvell and the makers of OpenWrt to make sure its latest WRT routers can comply with the new rules without blocking open source firmware, company officials told Ars. Linksys' effort stands in contrast with TP-Link, which said it would entirely prevent loading of open source firmware on its routers to satisfy the new Federal Communications Commission requirements. "They're named WRT... it's almost our responsibility to the open source community," Linksys router product manager Vince La Duca told Ars. Cybersecurity experts have urged the router manufacturers to not block open source firmware.

5 of 113 comments (clear)

  1. Excellent by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Excellent decision. I know what my next router will be.

    1. Re:Excellent by negRo_slim · · Score: 4, Insightful

      While I'm not sure I'll go with Linksys, I am certainly disappointed I picked up a TP Link right before all this came to light. At least I can enjoy knowing that most people only buy TP Link to flash custom firmware and their foolish decision will most likely hurt their bottom line.

      I still don't understand what lead to all this, I highly doubt putting a few more milliwatts out or using a few MHz on either side of the allotted spectrum was causing much (if any) actual harm.

      --
      On the Oregon Cost born and raised, On the beach is where I spent most of my days
    2. Re:Excellent by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 4, Insightful

      No. Fuck no. People are morons and we must not let people decide if it's OK to "[put] a few more milliwatts out" or using parts of the spectrum they're not supposed to. That's begging for localized shouting matches and overuse of allocated spectrum... where both are problems we already have.

      The FCC absolutely did the right thing here, and so is Linksys.

    3. Re:Excellent by EndlessNameless · · Score: 4, Insightful

      There is finite usable spectrum, and Wifi had to go somewhere.

      Usable spectrum in this case means:

      * not absorbed by the atmosphere
      * reasonable effective range per unit power
      * harmless to organic tissues
      * capable of penetrating typical construction materials

      If you're aware of an unallocated band that you think the FCC has overlooked, feel free to contact them to ensure the oversight is corrected.

      --

      ---
      According to the latest ruleset, this post should be modded as Vorpal Flamebait +5.
    4. Re:Excellent by danbob999 · · Score: 4, Insightful

      The problem with the new WRT routers is that they sell for twice the value of comparable hardware from other vendors. And if you look carefully, you can find models which are just as good, if not better, in running 3rd party open source firmwares such as OpenWRT.
      The original WRT54G was cheap, that's why it succeeded.