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U.S. FCC Approves Unlicensed Use of 6 GHz Band, Allowing Wi-Fi 6E

posted by martyb on Sunday April 26 2020, @01:01AM   Printer-friendly
from the getting-bits-from-here-to-there dept.

takyon writes:

The FCC ratified Wi-Fi 6E this morning (Thursday April 23):

During the Federal Communications Commission's monthly meeting today, it ratified unlicensed use of the 6GHz radio frequency spectrum in the USA. This decision opens the way for the proposed Wi-Fi 6E standard to move forward.

[...] Although the FCC was widely expected to unanimously ratify unlicensed use of 6GHz spectrum in general, the associated usage rules were less certain. Until today, the 6GHz spectrum was for licensed use only—but that doesn't mean it isn't already in use.

Licensed use of the 6GHz spectrum includes point-to-point microwave backhaul (used by commercial wireless providers), telephone and utility communication, and control links. It also includes Cable Television Relay Links—which are mobile links used by newscasters doing onsite live reporting—and radio astronomy.

The truly excellent news for Wi-Fi 6E backers—and future users—is that the FCC has ratified unlicensed use of the entire 1.2GHz spectrum for low-power indoor devices. Separating unlicensed outdoor and high-powered usage from indoor and low power allows for the maximum utility of spectrum in the most common (and most crowded) Wi-Fi environments, while preserving the utility of incumbent licensed users.

[...] With usable rules for unlicensed 6GHz spectrum use defined, we broadly expect to see Wi-Fi 6E devices beginning to become available to consumers in late 2020 or early 2021.

Previously: Wi-Fi Alliance Announces Wi-Fi 6E for Devices Operating in the 6 GHz Band
The FCC Sets a Vote for Expanding Wi-Fi into the 6GHz Band

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  • (Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Sunday April 26 2020, @05:01AM (1 child)

    by Anonymous Coward on Sunday April 26 2020, @05:01AM (#987198)

    In your case, I'd probably run cable behind the walls. Then you can connect your PC to a cable outlet and install a WAP in a good place so that you can connect from a couple of rooms. If it matters to you, you could install another WAP on another floor if you need it.

  • (Score: 2) by hendrikboom on Monday April 27 2020, @04:31AM

    by hendrikboom (1125) Subscriber Badge on Monday April 27 2020, @04:31AM (#987452) Homepage Journal

    I remember drawing ethernet cables through my old house. The trick was to avoid as much damage as possible.