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TP-LINK Won't Sell Reprogrammable Routers in U.S., Blames FCC Firmware Rules

posted by cmn32480 on Sunday March 13 2016, @09:46AM   Printer-friendly
from the apparently-we-don't-own-the-hardware dept.

takyon writes:

The Federal Communication Commission's (FCC) rules on Wi-Fi router firmware are having an effect on the market:

Network gear maker TP-Link will no longer allow people to install customized firmware on its Wi-Fi routers in the US – and the FCC is to blame. In a brief statement and FAQ posted this week, TP-Link – which is based in Shenzhen, China – said the FCC's revised rules on radio-based equipment makes user reprogrammable firmware illegal in America, and therefore it cannot sell in the US routers that can be re-flashed by their owners.

"Devices sold in the United States will have firmware and wireless settings that ensure compliance with local laws and regulations related to transmission power," TP-Link said. "As a result of these necessary changes, users are not able to flash the current generation of open-source, third-party firmware."

[...] The FCC earlier backed off a bit on the matter, but maintains it will not allow devices that can be re-flashed to operate outside authorized radio frequency bands. TP-Link, however, said that the FCC rules as they stand will not allow it to offer people the ability to reprogram their router firmware.

"The FCC requires all manufacturers to prevent users from having any direct ability to change RF [radio frequency] parameters (frequency limits, output power, country codes, etc)," TP-Link stated. "In order to keep our products compliant with these implemented regulations, TP-LINK is distributing devices that feature country-specific firmware."

Previously: New FCC Rules Could Ban WiFi Router Firmware Modification
FCC Clarifies Position on WiFi Routers: Okay to Modify OS but Not Radio Firmware

Original Submission

 
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  • (Score: 5, Insightful) by JoeMerchant on Sunday March 13 2016, @01:15PM

    by JoeMerchant (3937) on Sunday March 13 2016, @01:15PM (#317617)

    Manufacturers have had long-standing work arounds for FCC compliance in the US - for instance: handheld radios have been manufactured with multiple band restrictions in software, and "jumpers" on the PCB control which bands are active. Since the FCC makes "user reprogrammable" radios illegal, the jumpers are replaced with surface mounted 0402 resistors, remove or replace the right resistors and get the region restrictions you desire, including none.

    Same could be done on routers - remove an 0402 and get reprogrammability back... if TP Link wanted to.

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