TP-Link Promises Ban on Open Source Wireless Router Firmware
In a sign that device manufacturers are taking seriously the FCC's new restrictions on open source firmware, TP-Link has announced that it will no longer sell wireless routers in the U.S. that support Linux-based firmwares like DD-WRT.
In a sign that device manufacturers are taking seriously the FCC’s new restrictions on open source firmware, TP-Link has announced that it will no longer sell wireless routers in the U.S. that support Linux-based firmwares like DD-WRT.
The backstory: As we reported in September, the FCC last year introduced new rules designed to control the radio frequencies of wireless routers more strictly. The goal is to prevent routers from sending signals at frequencies or power levels for which they are not authorized, since doing so could interfere with other types of communications.
Normally, the software that comes preinstalled on your router will only let you send authorized signals. But it has long been possible to circumvent that restriction by replacing the router’s operating system with a variety of different open source firmwares, which are based on the Linux kernel.
The FCC’s new rules suggested — with a little ambiguity — that device manufacturers should prevent customers from installing third-party firmwares on their devices in order to enforce compliance with transmission regulations. And while it was uncertain at first whether companies would actually do so, the change is now coming to pass.
TP-Link has posted a statement on open source firmware that explains, in no uncertain terms, that “devices sold in the United States will have firmware and wireless settings that ensure compliance with local laws and regulations related to transmission power.” The company cited the FCC rules as the basis for its new policy.
Of course, what TP-Link is not mentioning is that it and other device manufacturers also gain a business advantage by embracing the FCC rules. While these companies have generally tolerated, and sometimes actively supported, open source router firmwares, such solutions sometimes compete with the vendors’ own products. You can, for instance, use third-party firmwares to turn almost any old, low-cost router into a “repeater,” which can strengthen the wireless signal in your house by duplicating the signal from your main router. But companies like TP-Link would prefer that you instead purchase their products for boosting wireless signals. By closing off the DIY route, these vendors stand to increase sales of their own devices.
TP-Link has not offered details on the technical aspects of its new policy. Until the next generation of routers from TP-Link and other vendors is fully rolled out, it’s hard to say how successful manufacturers will be in totally preventing the use of third-party firmwares. Hackers will hack, and history shows that it’s rarely possible to prevent device modifications by people who are willing to invest enough time in figuring out how to work around restrictions.
Still, TP-Link’s support for the FCC rules is a sign that, at a minimum, using open source firmware on wireless routers will now be much more difficult to do in a legal way. Whatever individuals put on their routers at home, the age when businesses could take advantage of open firmwares seems to be coming to an end.
No TP-Link for me…hanging
No TP-Link for me…hanging on to my Asus RT-N66U with Tomato Shibby as long as it lives. Maybe I’ll buy a new one now and keep it for the future.
This is just FUD
This is just FUD
So TP-Link comply with an ill
So TP-Link comply with an ill thought out law in the US and post a statement as to why they are having to do this.
Meanwhile thier ‘open’ products are still available globally with no such restrictions.
Anyone with an interest in purchasing such equipment in the US is likley to know how ebay works so can easily circumvent this.
I have bought TP-Link kit in the past and generally have a high opinion of it. This does not change that opinion. It just means I am less likely to consider moving to the U.S.
There is no such thing as
There is no such thing as digital security. If it has an eprom, it can be erased and reprogrammed…
An FCC ruling is not a law
An FCC ruling is not a law since only congress can make law. Is TP-Link so afraid of the government that it will do whatever the FCC dictates without question?
The FCC ruling is not Law,
The FCC ruling is not Law, Only Congress can make Law.
Sucks for TP-Link. Without
Sucks for TP-Link. Without using third-party firmware, their products are not worth buying. They are almost literally useless as shipped.
The only TP-Link product I own was specifically purchased because I could replace the worthless factory firmware with something useful. No more TL-Link sales to me.
Time for kit based routers.
Time for kit based routers. With the volume of boards like the Raspberry PI…. and wifi items that can act as AP. It should be more than possible.
A router shipping as 3+ parts case, motherboard and wifi interfaces only the wifi interfaces would have to obey FCC rules.
Depending on the rights to modify existing product had to come to the end at some point.
Also FCC regulation is starting to get a little hard with how much is becoming software defined radio.
It’s worth mentioning that
It’s worth mentioning that the FCC rules expressly do not prohibit 3rd party firmware, merely state that where 3rd party firmware is allowed, the radio parameters must be protected from being out of compliance with FCC regs.
TP-Link have just chosen the cheapest and easiest way to do this.
Newest firmware – it
Newest firmware – it rocks.
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