TP-Link settles with the FCC over risky WiFi router power levels
And you'll be allowed to install unofficial firmware.
![](https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/GBzGnMjqRpRsCI4.g9RtWg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTY0MA--/https://o.aolcdn.com/hss/storage/midas/a8427b071a908f664f8d0a8c9c0dc8c3/204149110/tplink1.jpg)
When the FCC said it was cracking down on WiFi routers that can operate at power levels that might cause interference, it wasn't kidding around. TP-Link has agreed to a settlement with the FCC that will have the company both keep its router power levels in check and shell out a relatively small $200,000 fine. As with Linksys, though, it's not asking TP-Link to block unofficial firmware that could break the rules. Just the opposite, in fact -- TP-Link has agreed to talk to both open source teams (think OpenWrt) and wireless chipset makers to enable third-party firmware that abides by FCC guidelines. While this isn't exactly a back-breaking penalty for TP-Link, it could serve as a warning to other router makers that might veer from the straight and narrow.