Introduction to Automated Frequency Coordination (AFC)

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 license-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 frequency bands(6GHz).

It aims to let unlicensed Wi-Fi 6 (802.11e) & Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) devices play nice in the 6 GHz band with the licensed users already occupying that band.

You can learn more about the AFC at https://www.wi-fi.org/discover-wi-fi/6-ghz-afc-resources.

How does AFC work?

A standard-power RLAN device needs 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 the standard-power RLAN device with a list of available frequencies and associated maximum power levels according to the database.

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 an exclusive 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 6 (802.11e) & Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) devices play nice in the 6 GHz band with these licensed users already occupying that band.

Specifically, regulations require outdoor products that support the 6GHz band to obtain AFC information before enabling 6GHz Wi-Fi, so if you have a TP-Link outdoor product in use, you can only turn on 6GHz Wi-Fi after enabling AFC.

Why is the TP-Link gateway AFC not running correctly?

1. AFC may not be supported in your area; please check the local AFC regulations.

2. If there are few Wi-Fi signals around, the TP-Link gateway may not get the location information; please place the TP-Link gateway in a more open location and wait for the TP-Link gateway to locate successfully.

3. The TP-Link gateway's location information comes from your mobile phone. Please enable GPS on your mobile phone and move to a window to get a good GPS signal.

4. TP-Link gateway AFC will not work properly if your Internet connection is not available or if current server is unresponsive. Please check your internet connection first or wait for some time and retry.

5. Subject to the influence of nearby base stations, radio and television broadcasting, and other communication services, the available channels and power may be limited or even completely unavailable in some areas. TP-Link gateway AFC may not work in this case.

6. This feature runs in the background, and you generally won't notice it when this feature is enabled.

Note：

The time interval for TP-Link gateway to send AFC requests is determined by the AFC system. If the AFC system asks TP-Link gateway 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.