Did anybody ever confirm if standalone wireless access points are subject to this weird FCC ban thing? Because, like, you can make your own router out of an old computer.
this post was submitted on 15 Apr 2026
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The FCC ruling prohibits the sale of new models of consumer router. It doesn't forbid the continuing use of existing routers or, if I understand it right, the continued sale of models that were already on sale. So you can continue to use existing models as WAPs or routers. But when the tech and the security moves on the FCC wants the USA to be left behind.
I'm curious about standalone WAPs, not existing all-in-ones put into WAP mode. I'm guessing they just don't fall under the "consumer" umbrella even though they are pretty cheap (this netgear is $54 USD on amazon)
This is for devices sold, specifically new devices sold. Not the existence (or making of) and it only affects specifically consumer-grade devices sold explicitly for the consumer market. So it wouldn't affect universities, homelabs, or any corporation.
It is just a shake down for bribes to continue selling routers in the US, that's it.
Yeah, it's that consumer label that confuses me. Like, I doubt too many businesses are buying $54 USD Netgear WAPs, and their language specifically included SoHo stuff iirc.
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