Introduction to Automated Frequency Coordination (AFC)
149 What is AFC?
An AFC system is a database-driven system that automatically determines a list of available frequencies and associated maximum power levels for use by standard-power RLAN(Radio local area network) devices. Standard-power RLAN devices are licence-exempt wireless devices that operate on a no-protection, no-interference basis in the 5.925-6.425 GHz and 6.525-6.875 GHz frequencybands(6GHz).
It aims at to let unlicensed Wi-Fi 7 (or 802.11be) devices to play nice in the 6 GHz band with the licensed users already occupying that band.
You can know more about the AFC on https://www.wi-fi.org/discover-wi-fi/6-ghz-afc-resources
How does AFC work?
A standard-power RLAN device need to send its geographic coordinates (latitude and longitude)，antenna height above ground level (AGL) or above mean sea level (AMSL) , manufacturer’s serial number, etc. An AFC system shall ensure that the registered standard-power RLAN device information is accurate, complete and kept up-to-date. When a registered and authenticated standard-power RLAN device contacts an AFC system to obtain a list of available frequencies, the AFC system shall provide to the standard-power RLAN device a list of available frequencies and associated maximum power levels according to the data base.
The standard-power RLAN devices need to update their power meters as well as radio frequencies in time for better performance after receiving this information.
Why AFC?
The 6GHz band is exclusibe non-federal spectrum and is host to several incumbent services operating on a primary basis, including fixed point-to-point services, Fixed-Satalite Service(FSS), Broadcast Auxiliary Service, and Cable Television Relay Service. The AFC lets unlicensed Wi-Fi 7 (or 802.11be) devices to play nice in the 6 GHz band with thees licensed users already occupying that band.
Somethings about the Deco AFC
1. This feature runs in the background, and you generally won't notice it when this feature is enabled.
2. When there are existing 6G communication services around that are occupying the channel, it is possible that the AFC functionality is limited or will be completely unusable. You will see a prompt on the app that says, “Your Deco's current channel is already at its best.”
3. The time interval for Deco to send AFC requests is determined by the AFC system. If the AFC system asks Deco to switch channels or modify the transmit power, some of the clients that cannot handle CSA (Channel Switch Announcement) correctly may disconnect and reconnect after a period of time.
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