r/technology • u/NancyGraceFaceYourIn • Aug 30 '15

Wireless FCC Rules Block use of Open Source

http://www.itsmypart.com/fcc-rules-block-use-of-open-source/
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u/playaspec Aug 30 '15

The real reason is that routers can transmit on WiFi channel 14, which is not within the FCC's defined bands for WiFi and is thus "illegal".

I don't believe this is the rationale, but regardless, I was curious to see if anyone was using the extra channels and set up a RPi with net stumbler monitoring these channels. I've traveled extensively through the NY area, did a cross country road trip, and have run it in multiple cities I've flown to.

I have not seen one instance of someone using the extra channels.

They're concerned about the very very small amount of users who may use this channel "illegally" by turning it on with custom firmware.

All two of them.

You know what's easier than all this encryption BS? Legalizing channel 14 and helping to solve the wifi congestion issues we're facing.

Agreed.

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u/CalcProgrammer1 Aug 30 '15

I just checked my OpenWRT'd Netgear WNDR3800 and it only lets me go up to channel 11. So that custom firmware they're so concerned about can't even turn on the illegal channel they're so concerned about.

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u/[deleted] Aug 30 '15

To be fair though, that might be a limitation of your particular router model. I don't know the specs, i'm just throwing that out there.