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the radio cannot be software defined (and user modifiable) for type acceptance and regulatory reasons

• deleted 5y ago
  [deleted]
• ac29 5y ago
  In what country? The FCC certainly allows SDR to be certified. "User modifiable" is sufficiently broad as to be nearly meaningless.
  • someguydave 5y ago
    https://softwarefreedom.org/resources/2007/fcc-sdr-whitepaper.html https://softwarefreedom.org/resources/2007/fcc-sdr-whitepape...
    • ac29 5y ago
      Here's the actual text on restrictions for SDR: https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/47/2.944 https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/47/2.944 The FCC defines SDR here extremely broadly, any radio which "frequency range, modulation type or maximum output power (either radiated or conducted)" can be changed. This describes a substantial portion of radios - including many if not most WiFi access points. They are legal and many US companies design, manufacture, and/or sell these types of radios (I work for one of them).
      • someguydave 5y ago
        Absolutely they are legal to sell, but you have to go through type acceptance under part 15, and then you need to make it so the user cannot modify them. “ The rules require any manufacturer certifying a device under the new process to take steps to prevent “unauthorized” changes to the software on the device that might alter its radio frequency and power parameters in a way that takes it out of compliance with the regulations known as FCC Part 15 regulations.” Test equipment is exempt because it is not licensed as an intentional emitter under part 15.