Hello OpenWRT developers,
I'm running OpenWRT 24.10.1, r28597-0425664679 on a Linksys EA8300 (IPQ4019). While setting the correct country code (GB) and verifying via iw reg get that the device is using DFS-ETSI, I’ve observed that Wi-Fi channels 149–165 (UNII-3 band) are still available and can be used — e.g., channel 157 was in active use.
Example Output from iw reg get:
(5725 - 5850 @ 80), (N/A, 23), (N/A), NO-OUTDOOR
Concern
The UK regulator Ofcom does not permit any Wi-Fi usage in the 5725–5850 MHz band under Interface Requirement IR 2006, even for indoor use. This spectrum is reserved for fixed links and other licensed services — Wi-Fi operation is not permitted at all.
However, OpenWRT (via wireless-regdb) seems to permit this band indoors due to the absence of a NO-IR flag. This may result in unintentional non-compliance for users in the UK, especially when using channel auto.
Suggestion
To align OpenWRT with Ofcom regulations, please consider modifying the GB regulatory entry to:
Mark the 5725–5850 MHz range as NO-IR or DISABLED
Ensure these channels are excluded from automatic channel selection
This would prevent OpenWRT from using channels 149–165 in GB and bring the system into full compliance.
Additional Info
Device: Linksys EA8300
Platform: IPQ4019 (ath10k)
Firmware: OpenWRT 24.10.1 (snapshot)
Reg domain: GB: DFS-ETSI (verified via iw reg get)
Country setting: 'GB' enforced in /etc/config/wireless
Everything else in OpenWRT’s GB reg domain appears compliant — this is the only outstanding discrepancy I've identified.
Thanks for maintaining such an excellent project — happy to help test or verify any updates!
Best
Qixil