Answer: Attachment 594280 D01 Configuration Control provides guidance on permissible options and restrictions on configuration controls for devices not approved as Software Defined Radios.
Further, the Commission revised (FCC 14-30, ET Docket No. 13-39) the rules (effective June 2, 2014) for U-NII devices operating under Part 15 rules to require all devices to implement software security to ensure that the devices operate as authorized and cannot be modified. Attachment 594280 D02 UNII Device Security provides guidance on the information that must be provided in the application filing to show that proper security is implemented in the device.
The Commission has established a transition period as follows:
- New devices will be permitted to be approved under the old rules for until June 1, 2015.
- Starting June 2, 2016, permissive changes will not be permitted for devices approved under the old rules, unless they meet the requirements of the new rules.
- All devices partially or completely approved under the old rules cannot be marketed starting June 2, 2016 unless they meet the requirements of the new rules in all the bands of operation.
- Applications for devices for approval under the new rules must apply all of the applicable test procedures for such devices and provide software security documentation as discussed in the guidance 594280 D02 U-NII Device Security. This also applies to all applications for new devices and applications for permissive changes of previously approved devices under the new rules. Further SDR devices must also provide software security documentation as discussed in the guidance 594280 D02 U-NII Device Security and KDB Publication 442812.
- For further information on transition rules and requirements for permissive changes of already approved devices refer to KDB Publication 926956.
Note: Effective January 1, 2015 equipment authorization applications for all new Wi-Fi Client devices capable of operating on Channels 12 and 13 (in 2.4 GHz band under Part 15 rules) must demonstrate compliance with the guidance in 594280 D01 Configuration Control. Wi-Fi Client devices capable of operating on Channels 12 and 13 approved prior to that date and otherwise relying on passive scanning modes may be marketed without modification after that date. |