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Re:Hidden Networks in TP-Link Routers by GekkePrutser on Tuesday December 21, 2021 @09:25PM (#29644867)
Yeah I used to get TP-Link because they were so well supported by openwrt and dd-wrt. But lately they've really become consumer hostile like with their smart plugs, removing local control functions so they can no longer be used with home automation systems :(

For WiFi I moved to unifi but they're also becoming more difficult to work with. They are making it harder to use their stuff locally without their cloud service and to use the docker controller instead of their hardware.

So when I replace it I'll have to look for yet another supplier.. Why do companies always have to turn evil.

Re:Hidden Networks in TP-Link Routers by hiptobecubic on Tuesday December 21, 2021 @10:35PM (#29645339)
In general, margins in hardware manufacturing are low. Companies will generally do anything they can to increase demand, and establishing a "moat" is a great way to inflate demand. "I have some stuff, but it only works with other stuff from this same company" sucks for us as buyers, but it's obviously great for the seller.

This is also why literally every company ever says that repairing anything they sell will void the warranty unless you also buy all the parts from them unless the law expressly forbids them from doing so.

Re:Hidden Networks in TP-Link Routers by nickff on Tuesday December 21, 2021 @11:45PM (#29645688)
>” This is also why literally every company ever says that repairing anything they sell will void the warranty unless you also buy all the parts from them unless the law expressly forbids them from doing so.”

No, manufacturers do that because they don’t want to have to fix products that you’ve hacked up, then guarantee the item’s safety and regulatory compliance.