Linux-Kernel Archive: Linksys WRT54G: Part 2

Linux-Kernel Archive: Linksys WRT54G: Part 2:

From: Andrew Miklas (public@mikl.as)

Date: Sun Sep 28 2003 - 18:16:29 EST

"A few months ago, I wrote to the kernel list describing the
relationship between Linksys (now business unit of Cisco Systems),
their WRT54G 802.11g wireless home gateway, and Linux. At the time,
we had recently discovered that the WRT54G was using a great deal of
software made available under the GPL, but was not giving credit to
the authors, or providing the source as required by the GPL.

After a bit of public pressure, Linksys posted their 'GPL Code Center'
[1], where they claim that 'the GPL source code contained in this
product is available for free download' [2]. Shortly after the code
center was made available, a group of developers pointed out to
Linksys that their source code, particularly their Linux kernel code,
was incomplete.

Previously, it was thought that the WRT54G source releases had only
neglected to include the source code for the various kernel modules
used to run the ethernet and wireless interfaces. However, at this
time, it is clear that the kernel proper of the WRT54G itself has had
functionality added to it. This functionality is not present in the
kernel code that Linksys has provided at their 'GPL Code Center'.

That is to say, there is code STATICALLY LINKED with the Linux kernel
running this device that is not present in the source download. This
code seems to be shared between the Broadcom ethernet and wireless
chips. It appears to be primarily responsible for configuring the
Sonics' SiliconBackplane and handling DMA transactions for both
devices."