6GHz PSD & AFC with Chuck Lukaszewski

In this episode, we have Chuck Lukaszewski, VP of Wireless Strategy & Standards for HPE, to talk about two technical aspects of 6GHz:

• Power Spectral Density (PSD)
• Automated Frequency Coordination (AFC)

On top of explaining these technical concepts, Chuck gives tones of useful information on 6GHz regulations for both the US and Europe.

Podcast Content

6GHz Status

• Quick recap of the status
• Draft and Order outcome

Power Spectral Density (PSD

• Power Spectral Density
  • What is PSD: It tells us how the power is distributed in frequency (dbm/MHz)
  • Why did we decided to change the way we regulate transmission power in 6Ghz (EIRP vs PSD)
    • Be able to use wider channel without lowering the SNR
  • How does it work in practise – The math behind it
  • Europe will not use PSD (23 or 24dBm EIRP for LPI)
    • SNR issue for larger channels
    • Also less channels
    • Allow the portable devices at 14dBm EIRP from the very beginning

Automated Frequency Coordination

• Automated Frequency Coordination
  • What is AFC:
    • Use of a spectrum database (ULS)
    • Incumbent locations (big dishes)
    • Figure the pattern of that transmitter
    • Where it is in space
    • Frequencies available at this locations
    • AFC Operators will manage the spectrum database
  • Why do we need it for some communications on 6GHz
    • Used for outdoor communications or indoor high power communications
  • Explain how it is different from DFS
    • AFC is a preemptive protocol
    • Every 24h it has to check
  • How does it work?
    • AFC returns the list of available frequencies and the max power to use
    • APs will have GPS inside to report location
    • AP manager needs to know where the APs are
    • Campus AP
      • You are already connected to internet
      • Securely via secured protocols
    • Point-to-Point
      • Initial operations in 5GHz to contact the database
  • AFC equipment will not be available at day 1
    • The process is not defined yet for the incumbents
    • Some more testings have to be done
  • AFC is only enable in 2 UNII bands
    • UNII-5 & UNII-7
  • No outdoor operations on 6GHz in Europe
    • Most European countries do not publish their licence use.
    • No data base in European so no AFC possible in Europe
    • Maybe: Light licensing type of model will be used
  • AFC to comply with international rules for Canada and Mexico
    • Probably follow the FCC after April 23rd

Links & Resources

• FCC Document: 6GHz Report and Order and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
• All FCC documents related to 6GHz: https://www.fcc.gov/ecfs/search/filings?proceedings_name=18-295&sort=date_disseminated,DESC
• Chuck’s Aruba Blog Articles on 6GHz:
  • https://blogs.arubanetworks.com/spectrum/fccs-6-ghz-move-will-push-usa-ahead-of-the-world-in-wireless/
  • https://blogs.arubanetworks.com/spectrum/the-6-ghz-band-say-goodbye-to-the-stone-age-of-wi-fi/
• HPE 6GHz Roundtable with Chuck Lukaszewski and other influencers: https://www.dropbox.com/s/45w0gklv58ic7vi/6GHzRoundtable1_edited_14202004.mp4?dl=0
• WirelessLAN Pros Podcast Episode 194: Who’s Ready for 6GHz? A Discussion on the Future of Wi-Fi with Chuck Lukaszewski