You can keep using your existing router.

The US claims foreign-made routers pose national security risks.

In December, the Federal Communications Commission banned all future drones made in foreign countries from being imported into the United States, unless or until their maker gets an exemption. Now, the FCC has done the exact same for consumer networking gear, citing “an unacceptable risk to the national security of the United States and to the safety and security of U.S. persons.”

If you already have a Wi-Fi or wired router, you can keep on using it — and companies that have already gotten FCC radio authorization for a specific foreign-made product can continue to import that product.

But since the vast majority — if not all — consumer routers are manufactured outside the United States, the vast majority of future consumer routers are now banned. By adding all foreign-made consumer routers to its Covered List, the FCC is saying it will no longer authorize their radios, which de facto bans new devices from import into the country.

  • unmagical@lemmy.ml
    0·
    4 days ago

    The covered list notes they use the National Security Determination definition of router which is as follows:

    Routers: For the purpose of this determination, the term “Routers” is defined by National Institute of Science and Technology’s Internal Report 8425A to include consumer-grade networking devices that are primarily intended for residential use and can be installed by the customer. Routers forward data packets, most commonly Internet Protocol (IP) packets, between networked systems

    So enterprise devices (which is where an attacker would focus their attention if they were looking for large payouts or political leverage) don’t count, nor do APs or switches. That really just seems like an excuse to have a platform for the Feds to spy on their citizens.

    • DreamlandLividity@lemmy.world
      0·
      4 days ago

      Also, since when does the FCC have jurisdiction over wired routers? Like the post text explicitly says they will not authorize radios, which wired routers don’t have…

      • Malfeasant@lemmy.world
        0·
        3 days ago

        How many strictly wired routers are there anymore? (Somewhat rhetorical question, but I am a little curious)

        • LordCrom@lemmy.world
          0·
          3 days ago

          Enterprise grade routers are different from the typical consumer wifi router. In large companies, wired only routers are it. Youll have differnt ports and different media, but wifi is usually a different set of equipment.

          • Malfeasant@lemmy.world
            1·
            20 hours ago

            Yeah but I think this legislation is targeting consumer grade equipment, professional tends to be more expensive than consumers are willing to spend, so I wasn’t really considering it part of the equation.

      • Etterra@discuss.onlineEnglish
        0·
        4 days ago

        We’ll see what happens after the inevitable wave if lawsuits grinds its way through the courts.