[VicPiMakers SG] Netgear Firmware Requires Online Registration

[Mark G.]

Public service announcement.

I am now allergic to buying netgear products, if this example
of "tetherware" is true.  It is part of a managed switch.

Seems some firmware updates are going to require registration.
This opens the door to monetizing you post purchase.  If you
don't pay, your device will likely be "terminated", or reduced
in functionality.

https://kb.netgear.com/000062364/GC108P-GC108PP-Firmware-Version-1-0-5-8

Discussion here on Hacker News:

https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=24530009

It is part of some managed switch products:

https://www.netgear.com/support/product/GC108PP

Beware!  Note the subscription terms.

Long live OpenWRT (Thanks Craig!)