6 GHz Overview

Comsearch can help you minimize the risk for system degradation, or even downtime, through a 3-step process.

3-Step Process Webinar: Unlicensed 6 GHz—Updates & Implications

Supporting Your 6 GHz Network Health

In April 2020, the FCC released the Final Report and Order detailing rules for operation of unlicensed devices in the 5925–7125 MHz band, collectively the “6 GHz band.” These unlicensed operations will include a variety of high-power and low-power indoor and high-power outdoor devices including Access Points (AP) and the various client devices that will communicate with them.

These new devices present the possibility for interference with existing incumbent microwave operations. Furthermore, the rollout of some low-power indoor devices could begin as early as the end of 2020.

THE GOOD—The encouraging news is that the high-power operations will have a control mechanism known as an Automatic Frequency Coordination (AFC) system that dynamically manages frequency assignments. The AFC‘s job will be to minimize the potential for interference with microwave incumbents by analyzing the FCC’s Universal Licensing System (ULS) data for licensed and applied microwave links.

THE NOT SO GOOD—The less encouraging news is that frequency recommendations made by the AFC are only as good as the underlying data within the ULS. Comsearch constantly reviews the ULS data, and it is clear there is a significant amount of 6 GHz data that is likely erroneous. In addition, the FCC will likely issue a Public Notice requiring microwave licensees to review and update the data on your licensed systems in the ULS.

WHAT CAN BE DONE?—Comsearch can help you minimize the risk for system degradation, or even downtime, through a 3-step process of Auditing, Corrective Actions and Mitigation.