Messages in this thread | | | Date | Thu, 11 Mar 2004 17:45:51 -0500 | From | Bill Davidsen <> | Subject | Re: [Announce] Intel PRO/Wireless 2100 802.11b driver |
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vda wrote:
> *FLAME ALERT* > /me is slowly getting mad about his prism54 11g hardware > and its firmware, with neither firmware authors nor documentation > for this pile of silicon crap nowhere in sight > > What's so cool about having binary firmware? Bugs are bugs, > and you won't be able to even see bugs, less fix, in it. > I don't like being at the mercy of firmware authors.
There are two common reasons for binary firmware: 1 - it runs on some sort of a state machine implemented in an ASIC or other device for which you have no manuals or assembler. 2 - since these devices are regulated all to hell by the FCC and other non-technical groups balancing technical advice with political pressure, a user might code the device out of spec, causing some manner of legal hassle.
I don't know if (1) applies here, but I'd bet (2) is applicable.
Let's be happy that we have a driver and treat the device as a black box. There are people paid to know enought details to write firmware, I'm happy to treat NICs and CD/DVD burners with the "buy good and update firmware at the first problem." Keeping the old firmaware of course.
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