The next step of Wi-Fi evolution

Wi-Fi technology has been incredibly innovative, its worldwide economic value is projected to be around $5 trillion USD by 2025. Wi-Fi has changed how we interact and share information. From its creation to the most recent versions, Wi-Fi has constantly surpassed limits in speed and availability.

This article examines the considerable advancements heralded by the emergence of Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7 technologies and their radio compliance regulations.

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These latest developments on Wi-Fi were enabled with the release of spectrum and standards from both the FCC (FCC15.247 rules update) and ISED (RSS-248 standard release), where Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7 devices can now access the UNII-5 to UNII-8 bands, which adds 1.2 GHz of contiguous spectrum (5925MHz to 7125MHz)  for Wi-Fi operations, enabling gigabit speeds, lower latency, and higher capacity.  However, these new bands for Wi-Fi are not a greenfield spectrum, and Wi-Fi devices must use a novel mechanism called Automated Frequency Coordination (AFC) system, which dynamically assigns available frequencies and power levels based on geographic location and the presence of protected incumbents.

The Journey to Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7

The evolution of Wi-Fi began with the release of the first 802.11 protocol in 1997, which saw updates like 802.11b & 802.11a in 1999 and continued to evolve until the introduction of 802.11ax at the end of 2019. Over two decades, Wi-Fi operated on approximately 600 MHz of non-continuous spectrum, supporting billions of devices. This changed with the FCC’s 2020 release and ISED’s 2021 release, which added 1.2 GHz of continuous spectrum for Wi-Fi 6/6E, and the later development of Wi-Fi 7.

The main drivers for the advancement of Wi-Fi technology have been:

• The demand for higher data rates and increased bandwidth.
• The need to manage increased user density to prevent network congestion.
• The Internet of Things (IoT) is pushing for lower latency connections.
• Improvements in antenna design, which have enhanced signal propagation and coverage. These factors have collectively pushed the boundaries of Wi-Fi technology, leading to the development of more advanced and efficient wireless communication standards that meet the growing demands of modern connectivity.

Table 1.- Wi-Fi Mode(s)/Year/ BW/ Data Rate(S)

Navigating the spectrum

We have praised Wi-Fi6E and Wi-Fi7 for their amazing features, such as the superhighway, huge bandwidth, greater performance, more security, enhanced user experiences, and so on. It sounds perfect, right?

Most of this is true, but there are also some challenges and limitations with any innovative technology, and one important aspect is coexistence with registered users working in the same 6GHz frequency range.

The reality with the Wi-Fi6E and Wi-Fi7 operating in the 6GHZ Band: The 6Ghz band is not an empty space in the radio spectrum waiting to be filled. There are already many existing users (Fixed communications, Mobile communications, and Fixed Satellite Services S-E and E-S).

To prevent overcrowding the Spectrum and ensure Co-existence between the newly added 6GHz spectrum for Unlicensed operation, the FCC, ISED, and other agencies have imposed some significant rules and conditions for proper operation. For situations where there is possible interference with existing 6GHz incumbents, the Wireless Innovation Forum and Wi-Fi Alliance, in coordination with the FCC and ISED, worked together and created a mechanism to coordinate the spectrum use to avoid interference issues. For 6 GHz operation, this mechanism is called an Automated Frequency Coordination (AFC) System. The basic idea in WiFi6E and Wi-Fi7  is that a new wireless device (Only applicable for Standard Power Access point and Fixed Client Devices due their higher transmitting power levels) will check a registered database to verify its operation will not affect a registered user where the AFC system automatically determines and provides lists of frequencies that are available for use by Standard Power Access Points and Fixed Client Devices operating in the 5.925-6.425 GHz (UNII-5) and 6.525-6.875 GHz bands (UNII-7).

Radio testing Requirements and Standards for USA and Canada.

Test requirements / standards for Canada

In the USA, Wi-Fi6E and Wi-Fi7 devices that use the 6Ghz band (5925-7125 MHz) must follow the regulations of FCC Title 47 Subpart E. This subpart covers the rules for Unlicensed National Information Infrastructure (U-NII) devices that operate in the 5.15-5.35 GHz, 5.47-5.895 GHz bands, and 5.925-7.125 GHz bands. This means that the same standard that applies to Wi-Fi 5GHZ bands and all the technical requirements (from Power Limits “Clause a” to Device Security “Clause i”) also applies to the new 6GHz band.

The additional/new requirements for the 6GHz band are only appliable for Standard Power Access Point (AFC Controlled) and Fixed Client Device (AFC Controlled), and they are described in clauses (k), (l), (m) & (n).

Out of the 16 Sub-sections in section (k) of the standard, which covers “Automated Frequency coordination (AFC) System,” only Sub-Sections 1, 8, and 9 are relevant to End User Devices such as “Standard Power Access Point and Fixed Client Device.” The other Sub-Sections only pertain to AFC Systems.  Sections (l), (m), and (n) of the standard specify the incumbent protection requirements by AFC System for (l) Fixed Microwave Services, (m) Radio Astronomy Services & (n) Fixed-Satellite Services.

The relevant Standard for Canada (ISED) is RSS-248. This Standard establishes the regulations for Radio Local Area Network (RLAN) Devices Operating in the 5925-7125 MHz Band, and it was designed specifically for the 6GHz bands that are used by Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi7 devices.  If we compare RSS-248 and FCC 15.407 requirements, we can see that all Testing required by RSS-248 is also required by FCC 15.407, but RSS-248 Issue 2 does not include Very Low Power Devices (Which FCC 15.407 standard recently added).

Tables 2 to 5 in this article provide a detailed summary of the new regulatory requirements for Standard Power Access Point and Fixed Client Devices when working in the 6GHz band of WiFi6E and Wi-Fi7.

Table 2.- Clause (a) Power Limits

Table 3.- Clauses (b) to (i)

Table 4.- Clause (k) -Summary- and subclause 1

Table 5.- Clause (k) sub-section 8

Conclusion

In this article, we have examined the latest developments in Wi-Fi technology, with a specific focus on spectrum access and radio compliance. We explored the exciting innovations in Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7, as well as the challenges and opportunities associated with accessing the 6 GHz band through Automated Frequency Coordination (AFC). These advancements promise faster, more reliable, and versatile wireless networks, catering to a wide range of applications across diverse domains.

Table 6.- Clause (k) sub-section 9

However, it is essential to recognize that as technology evolves, so do the regulatory complexities. Remaining informed about the latest compliance requirements is crucial for seamless integration and optimal performance. Wi-Fi’s journey toward a smarter, interconnected world continues, and we trust that this article has offered valuable insights into its future.

Source: Nemko

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Juan M. Gonzalez is global director for the Center of Excellence within Nemko Group, specialists in finding solutions for Wi-Fi 6E and 7 testing and compliance. For more info contact: juan.gonzalez@nemko.com