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Hidden Networks in TP-Link Routers

jahed.dev

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Re: Hidden Networks in TP-Link Routers

#71

Post by 3np »

TechBro8615 wrote: post #45
3np wrote: post #39

A bit of a tangent, but I recently discovered GL.iNet[0] and ordered a couple of routers and hotspots. HK vendor for network devices running forked OpenWRT with a bunch of extras and customization. I haven't had the time to dive deep enough into all of the code yet, but so far I'm very optimistic. Not perfect; some of the more interesting functionality (like site-to-site VPN) is tied to a proprietary closed SaaS with…

I’ve got one of those, it’s pretty nice. Last I checked (multiple years ago) it phoned home to a .cn address by default. I don’t remember the details – please verify for yourself.

I will! Without the cloud stuff, the only thing I found so far was stuff like this, which I remove myself but is fully understandable - if you want to do zeroconf connectivity-checking on devices used in Mainland China you don't have much options otherwise. 8.8.8.8 certainly won't work.

https://github.com/gl-inet/gli-pub/blob/326341dc5c14a256562e...

Re: Hidden Networks in TP-Link Routers

#73

Post by heresie-dabord »

louloulou wrote: post #10

Not sure what they mean by "build my own router", it's easy enough to flash open firmware on a lot of tp-link models. https://download1.dd-wrt.com/dd-wrtv2/downloads/betas/2021/1...

Build a Debian $latest firewall on an x86 box with two NICs (one upstream, one downstream/intranet). You don't need much CPU power for a router.

To downstream, connect a good switch with port mirroring. (You might want to be able to capture traffic.)

Connect a wireless router as an access point or do double-NAT.

Let the AP be a dispensable component, not the main component of your network.

Re: Hidden Networks in TP-Link Routers

#74

Post by throwaway180118 »

encryptluks2 wrote: post #18

Many TP-Link products are absolutely terrible. Their Mesh products at Costco, you have to use an app on your phone to manage them and they are tied to an online account so presumably they are shipping your network info back to China. They won't even let you change your login email address once you've registered.

Not only does their Deco mesh force you to use their cloud app, but there's no 2FA.

Re: Hidden Networks in TP-Link Routers

#78

Post by R0b0t1 »

msla wrote: post #34
azinman2 wrote: post #19

Earlier quoted context omitted.

The author touched on right of repair. I’d love to see a law requiring all devices to either be supported, or if being sunset, being required by law to provide tools/source/schematics to take over the device and extend its utility beyond the manufacturer’s willingness. Particularly a last firmware that disables anything requiring phoning home to continue to function. We saw that with OnHub recently, when after only 6…

"Right of repair" being focused on hardware is a neat little trick to enforce the illusion that changing software is beyond your rights as a consumer. Yes, you can fix the antenna when it breaks, and focus on how hard the fight was to get the right to fix the hardware you own... which you don't own as long as the company uses software to control what the hardware can and cannot do. But you sure physically own those m…

I had no idea it was focused on hardware. It applies to software too.
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