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 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.

Specifically, regulations require outdoor products that support the 6G Hz 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 Deco 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, Deco may not get the location information, please place Deco in a more open location and wait for Deco to locate successfully.

3. Deco 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.

4. 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. Deco AFC may not work in this case.

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

Note：

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.