Last year, the FCC created a new set of rules for router makers that adds a ton of restrictions for installing open source firmware. As it turns out, there are so many restrictions that router manufacturer TP-Link decided it was easiest to ban open source firmware altogether.




The new FCC rules are meant to limit interference and target third-party firmware because it allows users to modify their radio frequency parameters. While the FCC requirements don’t actually block third-party firmware, it’s much easier for a router manufacturer to comply with the ruling by blocking out custom firmware like OpenWRT or Tomato altogether than it is to test that firmware for compliance.

After June 2, 2016, TP-Link routers produced in the US will fit into these new FCC requirements, which means you will no longer be able to install custom firmware. We’ll have to wait and see if other router producers follow suit. After all, as Ars Technica points out, open source firmware can be brought into compliance with the FCC’s new rules, it just takes a little more effort.


Tp-Link block open source router firmware to comply with new FCC rule | Ars Technica

TP-Link Statement and FAW for Open Source Firmware | TP-Link

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