Looking Forward | What!? FCC Wi-Fi 6E update again?
Recently, in order to spur an eco-system of cutting-edge applications, including augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR), wearable sensors and technologies, and variety of Internet of Things devices, that will help businesses, enhance learning opportunities, advance healthcare opportunities, and bring new entertainment experiences. FCC proposes to allow very low power (VLP) devices in the Wi-Fi 6E frequency band. In less than a month, this proposal was officially approved on October 19, 2023, representing the official opening of Wi-Fi 6E VLP devices by the FCC. The FCC will next update § 15.407 and related KDB, so that manufacturers can apply for Wi-Fi 6E VLP certification.
Below is an explanation of FCC Wi-Fi 6E VLP for everyone:
>> Technical Requirements <<
According to the information released by the FCC on DOC-397315A1 (the official version may change), the technical requirements for Wi-Fi 6E VLP devices are summarized as follows:
Product type | Very Low Power Device | |
Indoor use | ○ | |
Outdoor use | ○ | |
U-NII Bands | 5 | ○ |
6 | ╳ | |
7 | ○ | |
8 | ╳ | |
Contention-based protocol | ╳ | |
AFC | ╳ | |
Module | ○ | |
Weatherized enclosure | ╳ | |
Battery power | ○ | |
Direct connection to the internet | ╳ | |
Under control of | ╳ | |
Antenna restriction | Integral | |
○ denote applicable; ╳ denote not applicables. AFC: Automated Frequency Coordination | ||
In addition to the above technical requirements, VLP devices also have the following operational restrictions:
- VLP devices are prohibited from operating on oil platforms, aircraft, and unmanned aircraft systems, except that VLP devices are permitted to operate in the 5925 - 6425 MHz bands in large aircraft while flying above 10,000 feet.
- VLP devices may not employ a fixed outdoor infrastructure. Such devices may not be mounted on outdoor structures, such as buildings or poles.
>> Test Items <<
According to the information released by the FCC on DOC-397315A1 (the official version may change), the testing items for Wi-Fi 6E VLP devices are summarized as follows:
No. | Items | Limit |
1 | Maximum e.i.r.p. | 14 dBm |
2 | Maximum Power Spectral Density (e.i.r.p.) | -5 dBm/MHz |
3 | Operation Frequency | Must prioritize operations on frequencies above 6105 MHz prior to operating on frequencies between 5925 MHz and 6105 MHz |
4 | Transmit power control (TPC) | -11 dBm/MHz (e.i.r.p.) |
The above testing items are summarized based on several clear items in the currently released information. The official version definitely needs to test more than these four items. The official version should also include testing items such as AC power line conducted emissions, radiated emission, and bandwidth.
>> Differences in Wi-Fi 6E across countries <<
According to the information released by the FCC on DOC-397315A1 (the official version may change), the differences between the FCC and ISED, CE, and JRL Wi-Fi 6E are shown in the table below:
EC | Technical requirements | FCC § 15.407 | RSS-248 Issue 2 | ETSI EN 303 687 V1.1.1 | Article 2 Paragraph 1 of Item 79 / 80 |
SP | Frequency bands (MHz) | 5925 ~ 6425 & | 5925 ~ 6425 & | - | - |
AP & Fixed Client | EIRP: 36 dBm & | EIRP: 36 dBm & | |||
Client under control of SP AP | EIRP: 30 dBm & | EIRP: 30 dBm & | |||
Special requirements | AFC | AFC | |||
LPI | Frequency bands (MHz) | 5925 ~ 7125 | 5925 ~ 7125 | 5945 ~ 6425 | 5925 ~ 6425 |
AP & Subordinate | EIRP: 30 dBm & | EIRP: 30 dBm & | EIRP: 23 dBm & | EIRP: 23 dBm & | |
Client under control of LPI AP | EIRP: 24 dBm & | EIRP: 24 dBm & | |||
Special requirements | Contention-based protocol | Contention-based protocol | Channel access mechanism, Receiver blocking & Receiver selectivity | Carrier sensing function | |
VLP | Frequency bands (MHz) | 5925 ~ 6425 & | - | 5945 ~ 6425 | 5925 ~ 6425 |
AP & Client | EIRP: 14 dBm & | EIRP: 14 dBm & | EIRP: 14 dBm & | ||
Special requirements | - | Channel access mechanism, Receiver blocking & Receiver selectivity | Carrier sensing function | ||
EC: Equipment categories; SP: Standard Power; LPI: Low Power Indoor; VLP: Very Low Power | |||||
If the manufacturer has Wi-Fi 6E VLP devices that they want to ship to the United States, they can refer to the above content to prepare in advance. After the formal update and release of FCC § 15.407 and related KDB standards, BTL will share the latest information with everyone.
BTL now has the test energy of Wi-Fi (Wi-Fi 2.4G / Wi-Fi 5G / Wi-Fi 6E & / Wi-Fi 7) in various countries，you are welcome to contact the BTL team. BTL will share the most professional and comprehensive information with you.
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