FCC releases public notice permitting automated frequency coordination system
Masoud Olfat of Federated Wireless
Wireless Innovation Forum (WInnForum) has announced that Federal Communications Commission (FCC), Office of Engineering and Technology (OET) released a public notice permitting testing for automated frequency coordination (AFC) systems. AFC systems manage spectrum access for 6 GHz band standard power unlicensed devices.
“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. Our efforts have yielded an extensive test plan and test harness that have been approved by FCC to execute the AFC test and certification process.” says Masoud Olfat, vice president, technology and ecosystem development at Federated Wireless and chair of WInnForum test and certification task group.
The current public notice (ET Docket No. 21-352) provides information on AFC system testing process which will require that AFC systems undergo both lab testing and public trial. As per notice, “once the conditionally approved AFC systems have successfully completed the testing process, OET will approve them for full commercial operation.”
WInnForum and Wi-Fi Alliance developed and released a set of test vectors which OET reviewed and concluded that “they effectively test functionality of AFC systems for a variety of conditions” as per notice. “We are confident that the lab test results consistent with the test vectors will provide assurance that the AFC systems have been implemented in accordance with the Commission’s rules,” report continues.
In November of 2022, WInnForum members Google, Comsearch, Sony Group, Kyrio, Nokia Innovations, Federated Wireless, Qualcomm, Plume Design and RED Technologies were granted conditional approval to operate AFC systems conditioned on each system undergoing a rigorous testing process. Additional companies approved included Broadcom, Key Bridge Wireless, Wireless Broadband Alliance and Wi-Fi Alliance.
In addition to testing, OET is requiring a public trial during which AFC systems must be accessible to public for a minimum of 45 days. FCC further permits concurrent AFC system testing and public trials.
WInnForum’s 6 GHz Committee has been very active in standards creation for 6 GHz band and recently updated 6 GHz Functional Specification (WINNF-TS-1014), which can be found here.
“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,” adds Richard Bernhardt, senior director of spectrum and industry at WISPA and chair of WInnForum functional specifications working group.
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