Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/1476549
10 I ICT TODAY used to restrict the amount of radiation power from wireless devices and their antennas. Standard power for indoor/outdoor use (limited to UNII-5 and UNII-7 bands) are permitted without restrictions for indoor use. How- ever, outdoor use requires AFC guidance. Low power indoor (LPI) mode for indoor use only (limited to UNII-6 and UNII-8 band), a very low power (VLP) mode to be further defined, and client power that is typically 6 dB lower than the WAP to which it is attached. Automated Frequency Coordination (AFC) The 6 GHz band has long been used by incumbent oper- ators, such as utility companies, public safety agencies, common carriers, and fixed satellite services (FSS) TV broadcasters. In an effort to not interfere with these existing users, a plan for spectrum use for outdoor deploy- ments was put in place. The Wi-Fi Alliance, along with the U.S. FCC, developed a system known as automated frequency coordination (AFC), which manages spectrum usage requests for outdoor environments. This achievement follows the publication of the AFC System to AFC Device Interface Specification by the Wi-Fi Alliance. The focus is to ensure that the incumbents do not experience unfavorable interference from other unlicensed systems. The key component to consider is the power radiated from WAPs and antennas. The FCC defines four types of device classifications with very different transmit power rules. These power rules are related to power emitted from WAPs defined as equiva- lent isotropic radiated power (EIRP). The EIRP is generally Planning for a robust infrastructure that will support future generations of wireless now means considering new technologies that can improve performance capabilities, update the cabling infrastructure, and modernize wireless access point (WAP) installation methods. The Wi-Fi Alliance recently added two additional elements necessary for AFC system implementation: The AFC System Reference Model and AFC Device Compli- ance Test Plan. This guidance helps enable unlicensed devices in the 6 GHz band to operate outdoors so that they do not interfere with existing equipment already operating in the 6 GHz spectrum. Facility owners and ICT professionals involved in the design and imple- mentation of outdoor Wi-Fi networks are urged to monitor the development of AFC and similar systems to inform their decision on extending their Wi-Fi 6E network outdoors. Wi-Fi 6/6E Industry Outlook The industry is experiencing a rapid shift toward Wi-Fi 6 to support mission-critical data and help to alleviate network saturation. Wi-Fi 6 has become the preferred standard for most enterprise networks with Wi-Fi 6E gaining unprecedented momentum. The Wi-Fi Alliance has certified more than 400 Wi-Fi 6E devices ranging from laptops to consumer and enterprise WAPs, smart phones, and smart TVs. According to the Wi-Fi Alliance, supply constraints are anticipated to bounce back at the end of 2022, driving rapid deployment of both Wi-Fi 6 and 6E WAPs. 1 Looking at the continuing evolution of Wi-Fi technologies, it is important to address the cabling infrastructure to support next-gen Wi-Fi's increased power and bandwidth. Today's installations fund tomorrow's technologies. As a result, a robust, reliable, and adaptable ICT infrastructure that will support the next generation of wireless and Wi-Fi-enabled devices is critical. With Wi-Fi evolving, ICT professionals need to reconceptualize their ICT infrastructure in preparation for emerging wireless bandwidth demands.