The recent action by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in issuing a public notice to kickstart the certification process for Automatic Frequency Coordination (AFC) systems in the 6 GHz band signifies a noteworthy advancement in the landscape of wireless communication. This development is intriguing because it marks the first instance where Wi-Fi and cellular signals are deliberately designed to coexist harmoniously within the same frequency band. Traditionally, Wi-Fi and cellular networks have operated in distinct frequency ranges. Yet, the surge in data demand and the rapid proliferation of Internet of Things (IoT) devices have amplified the urgency for additional spectrum resources. The decision to permit Wi-Fi and cellular systems to share the 6 GHz band underscores the FCC’s recognition of the need to adopt strategies to optimize spectrum utilization and accommodate the evolving connectivity requirements.
Furthermore, the FCC’s endorsement of the AFC mechanism within the 6 GHz band indicates the growing acceptance of dynamic spectrum sharing as an effective solution to address the scarcity of available frequencies. Similar in concept to the Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS) 3.5 GHz band’s Spectrum Access System (SAS), which orchestrates user access within the “Innovation Band” for cellular devices, the AFC will perform a comparable role in the 6 GHz realm. This innovative mechanism guarantees the coexistence and interference-free operation of Wi-Fi 6E, Wi-Fi 7, and 5G NR-U (New Radio Unlicensed) devices alongside existing users. By enabling devices to function up to 63 times their current power limits, the AFC substantially augments coverage areas and enhances throughput capabilities, enabling a more robust wireless experience.
Check out this article on how expanded use of unlicensed spectrum improves the economic viability of additional private network use cases.
“This is a significant and material step towards the opening of the 6 GHz band to shared use for standard power outdoor uses in conjunction with AFC system protections of 6 GHz licensees,” said Richard Bernhardt, Senior Director of Spectrum and Industry at WISPA and chair of the WInnForum Functional Specifications Working Group.
The FCC voted in 2020 to allow the 6 GHz band (1200 MHz wide) to be used for unlicensed use, dramatically increasing the spectrum available for Wi-Fi usage. Previously, Wi-Fi was limited to roughly 400 MHz in the 2.4 and 5.0 bands. In November 2002, several WInnForum members, including Google, Federated Wireless, and Qualcomm, were granted conditional approval to operate AFC systems. Since then, other companies have been approved, including Broadcom and Key Bridge Wireless.
This week’s announcement requires AFC systems to undergo both lab testing and trials, which must be accessible to the public for at least 45 days.
“WInnForum is delighted that our efforts to address the interests of all 6 GHz ecosystem players, including incumbents, AFC applicants, operators, and AFC device and access point manufacturers,” said Dr. Masoud Olfat, VP of Technology & Ecosystem Development at Federated Wireless and Chair of the WInnForum Test and Certification Task Group. “
The process to enable shared usage of the 6 GHz band has taken five years by the FCC and the industry. “The 6 GHz band is a major opportunity for enhanced Wi-Fi performance across America and ultimately around the world,” said Federated Wireless CTO Kurt Schaubach.
The FCC’s groundbreaking move to coordinate Wi-Fi and cellular signals with the same 6 GHz band looks hopeful for the future of US wireless connectivity and the promise of shared spectrum technologies. As the mobile landscape continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how this collaborative approach will play a role in accelerating the adoption of hybrid Wi-Fi and 5G private wireless networks by enterprises and governments.
Here is a link to the public notice issued by FCC.
