FCC Decides DD-WRT Is OK, But Still Not Really
It came out a few months ago that the FCC was seeking to ban the ability for users to install custom/third-party firmware on their routers, specifically calling out DD-WRT. Now they’re back tracking a little; no longer is DD-WRT specifically called out, or that third-party firmware specifically banned, just that it isn’t OK unless OEMs can guarentee that these won’t do things that are illegal. That’s my read anyway, feel free to comment if I missed something important.
The Federal Communications Commission is trying to convince people that it isn’t banning third-party router firmware such as DD-WRT despite issuing guidance that sounded an awful lot like a ban.
Back in March, the FCC issued a Software Security Requirements document that said manufacturers applying for equipment authorizations should “Describe in detail how the device is protected from ‘flashing’ and the installation of third-party firmware such as DD-WRT.” Applicants also had to answer the question, “What prevents third parties from loading non-US versions of the software/firmware on the device?”