Originally Posted by
nibose
The token is a session key generated using digital certificate issued by VW, instead of the unlock code we use. This digital certificate is similar to what we use when browsing the internet (secure sites) or authenticating VPNs etc.
It is possible for Ross-Tech or other vendors to work with VW and have the certificates generated for their software, though, the cost may increase multifold.
VCDS can have its private/public keypair while VW has theirs.
@nibose: I'm admittedly racking up an old post - but our understanding of SFD has increased in the intervening period!!
In theory, I suspect that your "private/public keypair" suggestion is doable - but in this instance and because the new SFD protocols are ALL about VW (or more correctly, VAG) having complete control of ANY changes to the modules in the car, I very much doubt that third party vendors like VCDS will be allowed to have their own "private/public keypair".
As I understand the solutions from VCP and VCDS (currently in Beta release), an official VW/VAG TOKEN is needed to seed any modification session when using the device on a SFD protected vehicle. To get a TOKEN (which is then inputted into the diagnostic cable), the user needs a GEKO account from VW/VAG - which ain't cheap and they have other restrictions like a Business registration number.
I've been made aware of a German company that currently sells "Apps" (much like OBD11 Apps) for SFD cars - at a discounted cost of €30 each. But, I suspect that the seller is wheeling TOKENS from their GEKO account to App buyers. If I'm correct, this is a breach of the GEKO account license and I don't expect the activity to last long before VW/VAG legal takes action!
At the heart of this matter (about how third party diagnostic device manufacturers will be allowed to interface with the new protocol) is the over-riding business objective of VW/VAG.
Or, said brutally - having developed SFD restrictions and having invested in the necessary infrastructure to make it work- VW/VAG will allow third party vendors to interface only in a way that's in the best interest of the German shareholders!! Most definitely and without any offense intended, it's nonsense (and it's naive in the extreme) to believe that VW/VAG will allow third party cable manufacturers to negate SFD restrictions, or to bypass the strict- validation process by using their own "private/public keypairs" - IMO, of course!
An agreement by VW/VAG allowing third party vendors to sell a solution that waters-down SFD restrictions can't possibly happen because it's the tail-wagging-the-dog!! Again, it simply doesn't make commercial sense from the parent company's perspective!!
So, bottom line:
- For professional users who can justify GEKO costs, there will be an SFD alternative - but this alternative ONLY applies to purchasing the official ODIS tool!
- For mk 8 owners who are enthusiasts (like most everyone on this forum -I suspect), there will be no viable equivalent facility to the devices that have been enjoyed on previous vehicles- alas. For these folk (without GEKO access), the best that can be expected from diagnostic cables is a dumb fault code reader-alas!
Don
Last edited by DV52; 17-07-2021 at 02:22 PM.
Please don't PM to ask questions about coding, or vehicle repairs. The better place to deal with these matters is on-line, in the forum proper. That way you get the benefit of the expertise of the wider forum! Thank you.
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