Linksys Says Yes to Open Source Firmware
Home routers will give room for custom firmware but still comply with FCC rules
The networking hardware vendor Linksys says it will allow users to install open source firmware on some of its devices. Beginning in June 2, 2016, the FCC (U.S. Federal Communication Commission) will require that device manufacturers limit the user's access to wireless router configuration settings. The primary reason behind this requirement is to ensure that users do not operate these routers beyond their licensed radio frequencies, which interferes with other services, such as FAA Doppler weather radar systems. In response to the FCC’s requirements, most vendors decided the easiest path was just to ban open source firmware on their devices.
However, Linksys chose to comply with the FCC while still giving users the ability to install custom firmware. Linksys is working with chip maker Marvell and OpenWrt developers to find a midway point between the FCC requirements and the user's rights. The company plans to separate the RF wireless data from the firmware, so even if a user installs OpenWrt, it will not allow the use of non-licensed radio frequencies. Linksys will allow custom firmware only on WRT routers; the rest of its routers will block custom firmware.
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.
News
-
TUXEDO Computers Unveils Linux Laptop Featuring AMD Ryzen CPU
This latest release is the first laptop to include the new CPU from Ryzen and Linux preinstalled.
-
XZ Gets the All-Clear
The back door xz vulnerability has been officially reverted for Fedora 40 and versions 38 and 39 were never affected.
-
Canonical Collaborates with Qualcomm on New Venture
This new joint effort is geared toward bringing Ubuntu and Ubuntu Core to Qualcomm-powered devices.
-
Kodi 21.0 Open-Source Entertainment Hub Released
After a year of development, the award-winning Kodi cross-platform, media center software is now available with many new additions and improvements.
-
Linux Usage Increases in Two Key Areas
If market share is your thing, you'll be happy to know that Linux is on the rise in two areas that, if they keep climbing, could have serious meaning for Linux's future.
-
Vulnerability Discovered in xz Libraries
An urgent alert for Fedora 40 has been posted and users should pay attention.
-
Canonical Bumps LTS Support to 12 years
If you're worried that your Ubuntu LTS release won't be supported long enough to last, Canonical has a surprise for you in the form of 12 years of security coverage.
-
Fedora 40 Beta Released Soon
With the official release of Fedora 40 coming in April, it's almost time to download the beta and see what's new.
-
New Pentesting Distribution to Compete with Kali Linux
SnoopGod is now available for your testing needs
-
Juno Computers Launches Another Linux Laptop
If you're looking for a powerhouse laptop that runs Ubuntu, the Juno Computers Neptune 17 v6 should be on your radar.