Automated Frequency Coordination

AFC support for 6 GHz standard power mode

This topic explains the Automated Frequency Coordination (AFC) support for 6 GHz standard power mode in Cisco Catalyst IW9167EH access points, including antenna compatibility, regulatory requirements, and supported power and frequency bands.

  • The Cisco Catalyst IW9167EH access point supports multiple antenna options, including Self-Identifying Antennas (SIA), dual-band, and single-band antennas for the 6 GHz band.

  • The IW9167EH supports AFC for 6 GHz Standard Power mode, requiring the AP to obtain available frequencies and power levels from the AFC system before enabling standard power.

  • The AFC system determines available frequencies and maximum allowable power based on regulatory information (FCC for the United States and ISED for Canada). It also coordinates AP operation to avoid interference.

Reference information for AFC 6 GHz standard power mode

The AFC system response is sent to the controller, which assigns a standard power channel to the AP based on the allowed channel list. Standard Power APs coordinate through an AFC service, which uses AP location and antenna characteristics to create a propagation map and assign maximum transmission power.

  • A power cycle is mandatory after the first installation of the SIA antenna.

Table 1. Radio 6 GHz power mode support

Deployment Mode

Low Power Indoor Support

Standard Power Support

Outdoor

No

Yes

The transmission power is limited to a maximum of 36 dBm Effective Isotropic Radiated Power (EIRP), and APs must be coordinated through an AFC service. In the U.S., APs are allowed to operate in the UNII-5 frequency band (5.925 GHz to 6.425 GHz) and the UNII-7 frequency band (6.525 GHz to 6.875 GHz).

From Release 17.18.1, the -A (Canada) domain supports standard power using AFC and operates in the UNII-5, UNII-6, and UNII-7 frequency bands, which range from 5.925 GHz to 6.875 GHz.

Table 2. 6 GHz target power

Antenna Gain

Max Conducted per Path Power

(SP/AFC)

Tx x Rx Chains

Max EIRP

(SP/AFC)

20-80 MHz

160 MHz

7 dBi

17 dBm

17 dBm

4x4

30 dBm

10 dBi

10 dBm

17 dBm

4x4

33 dBm

13 dBi

13 dBm

14 dBm

4x4

36 dBm

15 dBi

15 dBm

12 dBm

4x4

36 dBm

Verify AFC status on an AP

This procedure describes how to verify the AFC request and response data, as well as the current operating power mode, on an AP using commands.

Procedure

Step 1

Use the show rrm afc command to verify the AFC request and response data on the AP.

Example:

Device# show rrm afc

Location Type: 1
Deployment Type: 2
Height: 129
Uncertainty: 5
Height Type: 0
Request Status: 5
Request Status Timestamp: 2023-08-31T06:20:17Z
Request Id Sent: 5546388983266789933
Ellipse 1: longitude: -121.935066 latitude: 37.512830 major axis: 43 minor axis:
9 orientation: 36.818100
AFC Response Request ID: 5546388983266789933
AFC Response Ruleset ID: US_47_CFR_PART_15_SUBPART_E

Step 2

Use the show controllers dot11Radio 2 | i Radio command to verify the current operating power mode.

Example:

Device# show controllers dot11Radio 2 | i Radio
Dot11Radio2     Link encap:Ethernet  HWaddr 24:16:1B:F8:06:C0
Radio Info Summary:
Radio: 6.0GHz (SP)