The News: Federated Wireless, a provider of private wireless and shared spectrum solutions, highlighted the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) public notice initiating the certification process for Automatic Frequency Coordination (AFC) systems in the 6 GHz band, including Federated Wireless’ existing commercial-grade solution. Read the full Press Release on the Federated Wireless website.
Federated Wireless Readies Wireless Ecosystem for AFC Benefits
Analyst Take: Federated Wireless raised its market profile by spotlighting the FCC’s decision to begin certifying AFC systems in the 6 GHz band. The move follows a 5-year technical process shepherded by Federated Wireless and its partners, in accord with the FCC, to enable the shared use of the 6 GHz band. Federated Wireless has already signed commercial agreements with enterprise WLAN access point (AP) suppliers that represent half of the global enterprise outdoor AP market segment.
For background, when the FCC started opening the 6 GHz band for unlicensed Wi-Fi operation, it generated broad ecosystem support because the frequency band can deliver faster connectivity speeds and improved capacity in relation to widely deployed 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Wi-Fi. Specifically, the 6 GHz band was initially made available for Wi-Fi 6E and is ready to support the emerging Wi-Fi 7. Of concern, the 6 GHz channels are already used by other technologies operating in the band, such as fixed satellite services across the cable and broadcast industries.
Federated Wireless Persistently Broadens Ecosystem Support for AFC
As a result, the FCC needed to safeguard by implementing substantial restrictions for Wi-Fi applications so that onboarding unlicensed users of Wi-Fi would not disrupt current services. The FCC’s priorities dovetailed with Federated Wireless’ collaboration with partners and the unlicensed wireless ecosystem, since 2018, to develop an AFC system that ensures Wi-Fi 6 and 5G New Radio Unlicensed (NR-U) compatibility in the 6 GHz band.
I find that Federated Wireless’ portfolio development focus on AFC system interworking and adoption easement, using partner inputs, further bolsters its ecosystem influence with unlicensed equipment vendors, operators, incumbent licensees, and related standards organizations. Specifically, in August 2022, Federated Wireless worked with partners HPE Aruba and CITC to demonstrated live AFC system management of the 6 GHz spectrum and standard power Wi-Fi devices.
Such progress is important because outdoor or standard APs have a greater chance of interfering with existing 6 GHz users in proximity. To make sure outdoor/standard power APs do not disrupt established services, the FCC fomented the AFC approach to prevent interference issues. Now through AFC, a standard power AP will check into a registered database to confirm that its operation will not disrupt a registered user. As such, standard power APs will necessarily use an AFC service to protect occupant 6 GHz operations from unwanted RF interference. Organizations, such as Federated Wireless, that provide an AFC service are categorized as an AFC provider.
Key Takeaway: Federated Wireless Readies AFC for Prime Time
Of key importance, the AFC provider administers a database of existing 6 GHz operations, including key data such as geolocation, frequencies, power levels, and antenna coverage. The AFC database can be built from the existing FCC database in which users are required to register their transmitters. As a result, outdoor/standard power 6 GHz Wi-Fi can be deployed when an AFC service is in place.
From my view, that is why when the FCC conditionally approved Federated Wireless to be an authorized AFC system operator for the United States in November 2022, it demonstrated the company’s ecosystem prowess and confirmed tangible progress. Now that commercial AFC services are imminent, I believe Federated Wireless plays an instrumental role in driving the competitive advantages of the 6 GHz band across the private wireless ecosystem.
Disclosure: The Futurum Group is a research and advisory firm that engages or has engaged in research, analysis, and advisory services with many technology companies, including those mentioned in this article. The author does not hold any equity positions with any company mentioned in this article.
Analysis and opinions expressed herein are specific to the analyst individually and data and other information that might have been provided for validation, not those of The Futurum Group as a whole.
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Author Information
Ron is an experienced, customer-focused research expert and analyst, with over 20 years of experience in the digital and IT transformation markets, working with businesses to drive consistent revenue and sales growth.
Ron holds a Master of Arts in Public Policy from University of Nevada — Las Vegas and a Bachelor of Arts in political science/government from William and Mary.
