{"id":1447,"date":"2016-08-08T12:04:06","date_gmt":"2016-08-08T16:04:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/solutionsreview.com\/wireless-network\/?p=1447"},"modified":"2018-02-23T09:58:31","modified_gmt":"2018-02-23T14:58:31","slug":"tp-link-to-pay-200k-in-fcc-settlement","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/solutionsreview.com\/wireless-network\/tp-link-to-pay-200k-in-fcc-settlement\/","title":{"rendered":"TP-Link to Pay $200K in FCC Settlement"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"TP-LinkLast week, the Federal Communications Commision’s<\/a> Enforcement Bureau reached a $200,000 settlement with TP Link<\/a>, which resolved an investigation into some Wi-Fi routers that were not in full compliance with FCC rules regarding power levels. Part of that settlement requires TP-Link to adopt robust compliance measures to make sure that its current and future wireless routers are in compliance with FCC regulations. The company has also\u00a0agreed to work with the open source community and Wi-Fi chipset manufacturers to allow consumers the ability to install third party firmware on their routers.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Commission\u2019s equipment rules strike a careful balance of spurring innovation while protecting against harmful interference,\u201d said Travis LeBlanc, Chief of the Enforcement Bureau.\u00a0 \u201cWhile manufacturers of Wi-Fi routers must ensure reasonable safeguards to protect radio parameters, users are otherwise free to customize their routers and we support TP-Link\u2019s commitment to work with the open-source community and Wi-Fi chipset manufacturers to enable third-party firmware on TP-Link routers.\u201d<\/p>\n

During the Investigation , the Enforcement Bureau discovered that TP-Link marketed a number of routers that included a\u00a0user setting that violated Section 15B of the Commission’s rules and regulations. The setting allowed users to operate at power levels exceeding\u00a0the approved parameters on certain wi-fi channels. In response to the issue, TP-Link is\u00a0stopping the production and sale of all non-compliant devices and ensuring that new compliant ones will take their place.\u00a0After cooperating with the investigation, TP has agreed to a $200,000 fine and implement a compliance assurance program. TP-Link will institute processes to make sure that any products imported or marketed in the US will be in FCC compliance. This includes removing any non-compliant devices from the marketplace and offering updated downloadable versions of software on its website, so that users can bring the non-compliant devices into compliance.<\/p>\n

In addition, TP-Link will be taking steps to support innovation in third party router firmware by committing to investigate security solutions for some 5GHz band routers that would allow for the use of third party firmware while reaching the FCC’s requirements and continuing the integrity of critical radio parameters.<\/p>\n

The Commission’s rules states that devices such as routers are certified by the FCC’s Office of Engineering and Technology for use on unlicensed wireless spectrum between certain output levels. This prevents interference with other lawful wireless communications such as those on adjacent spectrum bands.<\/p>\n

Click here for the official TP-Link statement.<\/a><\/p>\n

To read the FCC’s offical statement, click here.<\/a><\/p>\n

\t\t\t

\"wireless<\/a>For information on the top 802.11ac solutions,\u00a0check out our latest Buyer’s Guide:<\/strong><\/h4>\n