Last week, I looked at Wi-Fi 6, 6E and 7 and how the standards were going to have a gap where 6 and 7 would be following different guidelines. If I am reading this right, there may be a faster return to the common standard because of the adoption of Automated Frequency Coordination (AFC). AFC is a regulatory-driven spectrum management system designed to facilitate the use of unlicensed wireless devices, like Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7 access points, at standard power levels in the 6 GHz frequency band, while ensuring protection for incumbent licensed services, like fixed microwave links and satellite ground stations.
The Wireless Broadband Alliance Services (a subsidiary of the Wireless Broadband Alliance) has announced the commercial launch of WBA Services AFC, enabling the deployment of standard power Wi-Fi devices in the 6 GHz band.
My contact wants me to “note that this is a separate company.” (Feels like divestiture all over again.)
Purpose and Functionality
The primary objective of AFC is to prevent interference between new unlicensed devices and existing licensed users operating in the 6 GHz band (5.925-7.125 GHz). To achieve this, AFC systems dynamically allocate frequencies and permissible power levels to unlicensed devices based on their geographic location and the presence of incumbent services. Before initiating transmission, a standard-power access point must query an AFC system to obtain a list of available frequencies and associated power constraints. This ensures that the device operates only on frequencies that are safe and permissible at its specific location.
The launch of WBA Services AFC reflects the organization’s goal to advance global Wi-Fi innovation, delivering faster, more dependable, and more secure wireless connectivity. By enabling standard power devices in the 6 GHz band, WBA Services is unlocking a critical new spectrum resource for high-performance use cases such as enterprise networking, smart city infrastructure, industrial IoT, and immersive experiences like AR/VR. AFC enables more efficient use of the spectrum, benefiting not only infrastructure providers and service providers, but the millions of end users and businesses that rely on seamless, wireless broadband and low-latency access in homes, offices, stadiums, and public spaces.
Regulatory Context
In the United States, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) mandates the use of AFC systems for standard-power unlicensed devices operating in the 6 GHz band. Similarly, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) enforces comparable requirements. These regulations are particularly pertinent for outdoor deployments and high-ceiling indoor environments, where higher transmission power is necessary. The AFC framework is analogous to the Spectrum Access System (SAS) employed in the Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS) band, which also manages dynamic spectrum sharing to protect incumbent users.
The WBA Services AFC is based on the OpenAFC open source specification and provides infrastructure manufacturers, service providers, and enterprises with dynamic frequency and power management based on device location and local spectrum conditions. This ensures compliance with regulatory requirements while maximizing spectrum availability and performance.
“As the demand for high-speed, low-latency wireless connectivity grows, the 6 GHz band represents a critical resource. Our AFC service empowers the ecosystem to harness this band responsibly and effectively,” said Tiago Rodrigues, CEO of Wireless Broadband Alliance Services. “This is another great example of how WBA members’ work on AFC and across our working groups is leading the industry, driving new innovations and business opportunities for Wi-Fi technologies including Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7 in a wide range of industrial, commercial and consumer use cases.”
AFC at the core of the 6 GHz opportunity
The AFC framework is vital for enabling standard power and outdoor Wi-Fi operations in the 6 GHz band. Devices query the WBA Services AFC to determine which frequencies and power levels are permitted at their location. This enables real-time, interference-free spectrum use for high-performance deployments in enterprise campuses, public venues, and dense urban environments, without the need for additional spectrum licenses.
WBA Services AFC delivers:
- Cloud-based coordination – Devices communicate directly with the WBA Services AFC to receive latest frequency guidance.
- Standards-compliant operations – Fully aligned with the Open AFC Specification, ensuring interoperability and regulatory compliance.
- Dynamic channel and power management – The service provides each device with approved frequencies and transmit power levels based on its location and surrounding environment.
How WBA Services AFC solution works with devices
- Location detection – Before transmitting, a standard-power device or proxy determines its location.
- Querying WBA Services AFC – The device sends this location (and other technical data) to the WBA Services AFC.
- Channel availability check – The WBA Services AFC system checks a database of licensed incumbents/operations and calculates which frequencies are available to use in that specific location to maximize the use of the spectrum.
- Authorization to transmit – The device receives a list of approved frequencies and power levels for operation.
- Regular updates – Devices must check in with the AFC system at least once per day to stay current.
Now here is a gotcha! If you read last week’s article, you’ll remember that labeling a device “6G capable” does not mean that it has access to the 6 GHz spectrum. So, even though it says 6G, it was not going to markedly improve performance. If the use of AFC is a given, then I would say that proper labeling like “AFC capable” or some sort of logo would help consumers identify the “good 6G.” I recognize it does not solve the problem of the early adoption of 7G, but it makes 6 more understandable. It may also curtail the demand for 7G adoption.
Operational Mechanism
AFC systems operate as cloud-based services that maintain comprehensive databases of incumbent services and their operational parameters. When an unlicensed device seeks to operate, it communicates its location and technical specifications to the AFC system. The system then consults its database to determine which frequencies are available at that location and at what power levels, ensuring that the device's operation will not cause harmful interference. This process allows for real-time, location-specific spectrum management, enabling efficient and safe utilization of the 6 GHz band.
Advantages of AFC Systems
- Enhanced Spectrum Utilization – By dynamically allocating frequencies based on real-time data, AFC systems maximize the efficient use of the 6 GHz spectrum, allowing for higher data throughput and reduced latency.
- Interference Protection – AFC ensures that unlicensed devices do not interfere with incumbent services, maintaining the integrity and reliability of critical communications infrastructure.
- Support for Advanced Technologies – The implementation of AFC is crucial for the deployment of next-generation wireless technologies, such as Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7, which require access to wider frequency bands and higher power levels.
- Regulatory Compliance – AFC systems automate the process of ensuring that unlicensed devices comply with regulatory requirements, simplifying the deployment process for manufacturers and network operators.
Let me agree that “Automated Frequency Coordination represents a significant advancement in spectrum management, enabling the safe and efficient operation of unlicensed devices in the 6 GHz band.” By dynamically coordinating frequency usage and power levels, AFC systems protect incumbent services while supporting the deployment of high-performance wireless technologies. As the demand for wireless connectivity continues to grow, AFC will play a pivotal role in facilitating the expansion and evolution of wireless networks.
Edited by
Erik Linask
