In a significant development for the world of Wi-Fi, the Office of Engineering and Technology (OET) at the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has approved the Qualcomm Automated Frequency Coordination (AFC) Service to manage spectrum access for the 6 GHz band. This milestone marks the final and crucial step in enabling higher-performance, longer-range Wi-Fi connectivity and expanding the use of unlicensed devices in the 6 GHz band. 

The AFC service approval is complemented by the approval of the Qualcomm AFC Geolocation Service which includes Qualcomm Terrestrial Positioning Service (TPS), Barometer calibration service and 3D building-based elevation service. This comprehensive solution will offer a cost-effective alternative designed to fulfill regulatory geolocation requirements for Standard Power devices without the need for additional hardware, such as a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receiver.

Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. has been instrumental in advancing the expansion of Wi-Fi into the 6 GHz band, collaborating closely with regulatory bodies to develop and implement AFC, a groundbreaking spectrum sharing mechanism designed for the 6 GHz spectrum. Designated as an Automated Frequency Coordination System Administrator (AFCSA) in Canada by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) back in 2023, we notably became the world’s first AFC system operator approved for commercial operation.

As we enter a new era of possibilities, this news marks a turning point in wireless connectivity. Read on to learn more. 

AFC for Spectrum Sharing

Back in 2020, the FCC’s groundbreaking decision to allocate the 6 GHz band for unlicensed operations has revolutionized Wi-Fi and ensured that this technology can continue to evolve and meet the needs of users and devices well into the future. These spectrum decisions prioritize the protection of incumbent users in the 6 GHz band, such as mobile operators, utilities and public safety agencies, while allowing the continued operation and future expansion in the band.

To ensure coexistence with incumbents, many countries restricted Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7 devices in the 6 GHz band to Low Power Indoor operation. However, the United States and Canada have taken a step further by enabling a higher-power device class, known as Standard Power, which operates under the control of an AFC system both indoors and outdoors. AFC plays a critical role in ensuring efficient and coordinated use of the spectrum by managing frequency and power level access for 6 GHz Standard Power Wi-Fi devices. This spectrum sharing mechanism is designed to effectively prevent any potential interference, safeguarding the integrity and performance of all users operating within the spectrum.

Benefits of Standard Power 6 GHz Wi-Fi operations

Standard Power can enable a higher-performance and longer-range version of 6 GHz operation and unlocks the full potential of Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7. It's an exciting development that propels Wi-Fi technology to new heights.

• Improved Connectivity Experience: Standard Power access points (APs) with AFC can realize a peak transmit power that is 63 times stronger than the Low Power Indoor operating devices. With the ability to transmit stronger signals, Standard Power APs can provide a longer range of coverage. This means that users can enjoy reliable Wi-Fi connectivity in larger areas, including areas with obstacles like walls or floors, providing a more consistent and stable connection throughout the premises. Simultaneously, this higher power transmission also boosts the throughputs achievable at a given range. The combination of increased data rates and extended range results in an improved connectivity experience for users. They can enjoy faster data speeds, reduced latency and a more stable connection, even in challenging environments.
• Outdoor operation: With AFC, Standard Power APs gain the capability to operate outdoors within the 6 GHz band. This significant advancement opens opportunities for deploying Wi-Fi networks in various outdoor settings, including wireless internet service providers (WISPs), campus environments, outdoor event venues, stadiums and municipal networks.
• New use cases: The inclusion of outdoor operation, weatherized enclosures and connectorized antennas greatly broadens the range of enterprise use cases and deployment options that were previously unavailable for 6 GHz devices. This expansion encompasses the deployment of Standard Power APs in diverse environments such as manufacturing facilities, warehouses, industrial settings and other deployments that demand ruggedized enclosures, unlocking new possibilities for connectivity and improved productivity.

Implementing Standard Power with the Qualcomm AFC Suite

To enable Standard Power Wi-Fi APs with AFC, a complete end-to-end solution is required. This solution encompasses multiple components, including an AFC agent embedded within the AP, automatic geolocation capabilities and a cloud-based AFC system that determines frequency and power availability. Qualcomm Technologies has developed all the necessary components for a comprehensive end-to-end AFC solution. The Qualcomm AFC Suite offers a ready-to-deploy AFC solution that simplifies and streamlines the implementation of Standard Power operation. This suite empowers network equipment vendors and service providers to maximize the potential of their Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7 devices by integrating Standard Power operation into their designs or upgrading existing devices already deployed in the field.

Spectrum access with Qualcomm AFC Service

The Qualcomm AFC Service is a cloud-based system, that supports scalability to millions of devices, while adhering to the latest industry standards for security. The service streamlines the integration and onboarding process for network equipment manufacturers by offering standard and open application programming interfaces (APIs) that facilitate seamless integration, interoperability and certification of new Standard Power Wi-Fi APs. Our AFC service, with commercial operations in both the U.S. and Canada, empowers our customers to quickly innovate and create competitive differentiation with their Standard Power devices offerings.

Meet regulatory geolocation requirements with Qualcomm AFC Geolocation Service

The Qualcomm AFC Geolocation Service offers a range of geolocation methods that can be tailored to meet the unique requirements of original equipment manufacturers and service providers. For feature-constrained devices — along with those used indoors and underground where global positioning system signals face obstructions — Qualcomm TPS, a cloud-based geolocation service, is designed to fulfill regulatory geolocation requirements without additional hardware such as a GNSS receiver, or manual intervention such as a professional installation. With this comprehensive set of features, the Qualcomm AFC Geolocation Service can enable faster time-to-market and more cost-effective development of Standard Power devices.

Enabling an intelligently connected future

The FCC's approval of the Qualcomm AFC Service marks the culmination of a significant journey in developing and introducing this innovative and future-proof spectrum sharing mechanism, ultimately enhancing connectivity experiences for Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7. This milestone also paves the way for the expansion of AFC and AFC-like systems into other regions, where numerous countries and regulatory agencies, such as Brazil, CEPT (European Conference of Postal and Telecommunications Administration), Australia, Korea, Colombia, Saudi Arabia and more, have shown interest. Qualcomm Technologies is actively engaged with regulators worldwide and prepared to scale operations as spectrum sharing gains traction globally.