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- Most European countries do not publish their licence use.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
- What is AFC:
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:
- 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
