ipw(4) and iwi(4): Intel's Pro Wireless [firmware licensing problems]

[soralx at cydem.org]

> > [...]
> > For some recent information about Intel being an Open Source Fraud,
> > see http://marc.theaimsgroup.com/?l=openbsd-misc&m=115960734026283&w=2.
> 
> Probably because all you have to do is install a port and it works. :)

Not for me, it doesn't :P
Well, the interface does get created, but the 'no carrier' state persists
no matter what I do.
I blame our big uncle Intel's old habit of playing posing games for this
sad state of affairs ;) No good documentation -- no well-working hardware.
Simple as that.

> you might want to ask Theo why he complains about Intel not giving him a
> license for one binary blob (Intel wireless firmware) but complains about
> Atheros providing a binary blob that he can distribute.  Seems a bit of a

firmware is (should be) an integral part of the device, and runs only
on one CPU. Generally, noone cares about any documentation for it --
as long as it makes the device work. Thus, binary form is perfectly
acceptable

OTOH, the code which is intended to be executed by the OS must not be
distributed in only the binary form, because for some systems it will
be completely useless (even though the device itself is perfectly
functional)

> John Baldwin

[SorAlx]  ridin' VN1500-B2