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CT2KCK > ALL 30.05.16 15:48l 29 Lines 1253 Bytes #999 (0) @ WW
BID : 5275_CT2KCK
Read: GUEST
Subj: Reprogrammble routers axed by TP-Link as FCC bans custom fir
Path: IW8PGT<IZ3LSV<IK6ZDE<F1OYP<IQ2LB<IR2UFV<IR0UGN<CT2KCK
Sent: 160530/1435Z 5275@CT2KCK.CTLX.PRT.EU BPQ1.4.65
Wi-Fi boxes will be locked down to stop folks installing software on
their own hardware
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 published 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 problem boils down to this: the FCC's job is to make sure devices
only operate on the radio frequencies they are licensed to use.
Equipment, such as home wireless routers, that can be reprogrammed by
their owners can be potentially configured to operate on unauthorized
frequencies – a big no-no for the FCC.
Read TheRegister article
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2016/03/11/
tplink_kills_plan_for_open_routers/
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