260 'Net Experts Urge FCC to Embrace Open, Transparent RF Rules

A coalition of 260 leading Internet technology experts are warning the FCC to tread carefully when it comes to updated FCC rules governing RF devices. In a filing (pdf) with the FCC, experts like Vint Cerf (co-creator of the TCP-IP protocol) and Dave Farber (former Chief Technologist of the FCC) warn the agency that the FCC's latest proposal for updated RF device guidance, as currently written, could potentially make the Internet slower, less secure and prevent users from maintaining and modifying devices they own.

As we noted back in August , the FCC was motivated to update guidance governing RF devices after the FAA complained that some illegally modified router radios operating in the unlicensed bands were interfering with terrestrial doppler weather radar (TDWR) at airports.

As such, the FCC tells DSLReports their intent is public safety, first and foremost.

"The proposed rules are intended to prevent a device from being taken out of compliance with its RF certification via third party software modifications," the FCC tells DSLReports.com via e-mail. "It is not to prevent third party modifications altogether, including from open source software." Those interested in the FCC's position should read this.

The problem is that many routers have systems-on-a-chip (SOC) where the radio isn't fully distinguishable from other hardware. As such, many engineers are worried that the rules could prompt vendors to simply lock down hardware completely to take the path of least resistance. That means that while the FCC's intentions might have been good, its updated rules would lead to vendors blocking all implementation of third-party firmware like DD-WRT, OpenWRT, or Tomato.

By requiring a bare minimum of openness in the technology at the edge of the Internet, we'll ensure that any mistakes or cheating are caught early and fixed fast.

-Vint Cerf

"While we agree with the FCC that the rules governing these devices must be updated, we believe the proposed rules laid out by the agency lack critical accountability for the device manufacturers," notes Farber.

Should vendors take said path of least resistance and lock down devices even further, the the result could be a closed ecosystem that makes it more difficult than ever to thwart hackers, protect devices, or update and correct systemic flaws like the problem of bufferbloat, which is identified via the new updated DSLReports.com speed test.

Instead, the signees argue the FCC has the perfect opportunity to embrace rules that will encourage source code transparency, ensure users maintain control of hardware they own, and prevent vendors from implementing lockdown mechanisms that forbid third-party patching.

"The FCC has an opportunity to take positive action that will increase the security and performance not only of these devices, but also influence how manufacturers develop secure Internet of Things while preserving an open Internet,” notes Jim Gettys, Chairman of the Bufferbloat Project.

Interested users should read the filing (pdf) including all recommendations, and the signee press release