AFC optimization for WLAN deployment

Abstract

The embodiment of the invention relates to AFC optimization for WLAN deployment. Examples of the disclosed technology provide a method for enabling an AP to broadcast 6 GHz communications more quickly in a standard power mode while waiting for an automatic frequency coordination (AFC) response from an AFC provider. Examples may also enable APs that are unable to send AFC queries to AFC providers (e.g., because the APs are unable to obtain their own GPS coordinates) to broadcast 6 GHz communications in a standard power mode. To achieve these advantages, an example provides a method for sharing an AFC response received by a first AP in a WLAN deployment with other APs in the WLAN deployment. The other APs may then enable 6 GHz communications in a standard power mode using the shared AFC response while they wait for their own AFC responses from the AFC providers.

Description

Background Art

[0001] A computer network (sometimes referred to as a "network") can include various network devices (e.g., access points, controllers, gateways, switches, etc.) that perform various networking operations. For example, a wireless local area network (WLAN) deployment can include multiple access points (APs) that perform networking operations such as providing network access, performing authentication, routing network traffic to provide connectivity, etc. Client devices (e.g., laptops, personal computers, smartphones, etc.) connect to the network devices to exchange data with the network. The network devices and client devices can be examples of wireless communication devices that exchange wireless communication signals over the network.

[0002] The IEEE 802.11 standard provides several different radio frequency (RF) ranges (sometimes referred to herein as frequency bands) for use in WLAN communication. Examples of frequency bands include the 2.4 GHz band, the 5 GHz band, and the recently opened 6 GHz band. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) guidelines related to the wireless communication protocol for the 6 GHz band can be referred to herein as the 6 GHz standard.

[0003] Automatic frequency coordination (AFC) is a spectrum usage coordination system that consists of a registration database of frequency bands used by various types of radio frequency services in a geographic area. The FCC has approved certain companies (referred to herein as AFC providers) to provide AFC services to APs and other wireless communication devices seeking to utilize the 6 GHz band. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0004] The present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the following drawings, according to one or more various examples. The drawings are provided for illustrative purposes only and depict examples only.

[0005] Figure 1 An example network deployment is illustrated in which various examples of the present disclosure technology can be implemented.

[0006] Figures 2A - 2B An example method for sharing an AFC response received by a first AP in a WLAN deployment with other APs in the WLAN deployment according to various examples of the present disclosure technology is illustrated.

[0007] Figure 3 An example AP is depicted that shares a received AFC response with other APs in a WLAN deployment according to various examples of the present disclosure technology.

[0008] Figure 4 An example AP is depicted that uses a received collaborative AFC response packet to implement 6 GHz communication according to various examples of the present disclosure technology.

[0009] Figure 5 Depicts an example central entity according to various examples of the disclosed technology, the example central entity sharing an AFC response received by a first AP in a WLAN deployment with other APs in the WLAN deployment.

[0010] Figure 6 Depicts an example security zone geographical area according to various examples of the disclosed technology

[0011] Figure 7 Depicts a block diagram of an example computer system in which various examples described herein may be implemented.

[0012] The figures are not exhaustive and do not limit the disclosure to the exact forms disclosed. Detailed Description

[0013] In the "standard power" mode (sometimes referred to as the "outdoor power" mode), before broadcasting on the 6 GHz band, the 6 GHz standard instructs the AP to: (1) send an AFC query to an approved AFC provider; (2) receive a response to the AFC query from the AFC provider. The AFC query should include the Global Positioning System (GPS) coordinates of the querying AP. The response from the AFC provider (referred to herein as the AFC response) should indicate: (a) the channels on which the querying AP is permitted to broadcast 6 GHz communications in the standard power mode, and (b) the maximum allowable power level to be used by the querying AP when broadcasting 6 GHz communications in the standard power mode. By consulting the Universal Licensing System (ULS) to obtain the geographical locations of existing incumbents with priority rights in the 6 GHz band, the AFC provider can determine the allowable channels and the maximum allowable power level. Based on the geographical locations of such existing incumbents, the AFC provider can configure the AFC response to indicate protected geographical areas in which the querying AP is not permitted to broadcast 6 GHz communications in the standard power mode.

[0014] APs often take several minutes to collect their GPS coordinates for an AFC query, send the AFC query to the AFC provider, and receive an AFC response from the queried AFC provider. For large enterprise WLAN deployments with many querying APs, this time delay can be particularly severe. As described above, under the 6 GHz standard, an AP is generally not permitted to broadcast 6 GHz communications in the standard power mode until the AP receives an AFC response indicating the allowable channels and maximum allowable power levels. Thus, many APs experience significant delays before they can broadcast 6 GHz communications in the standard power mode. Additionally, if an AP cannot obtain accurate GPS coordinates (e.g., because the AP is indoors or its line of sight to the satellites is blocked), the AP may not be able to send a valid AFC query and, thus, may not be able to broadcast 6 GHz communications in the standard power mode because it will not be able to complete the procedures specified by the conventional 6 GHz standard.

[0015] In this context, examples of the disclosed techniques provide a method for enabling an AP to more quickly broadcast 6 GHz communications in the standard power mode while waiting for an AFC response from an AFC provider. The examples can also enable APs that are unable to send an AFC query to the AFC provider (e.g., because the AP cannot obtain its own GPS coordinates) to broadcast 6 GHz communications in the standard power mode.

[0016] To achieve these advantages, the examples provide a method for sharing an AFC response received by a first AP in a WLAN deployment with other APs in the WLAN deployment. Then, the other APs in the WLAN deployment can utilize the shared AFC response to enable 6 GHz communications in the standard power mode while they wait for their own AFC responses from the AFC provider.

[0017] For example, a first AP in a WLAN deployment can receive an AFC response from an AFC provider. The AFC response can indicate one or more allowable channels and maximum allowable power levels for broadcasting 6 GHz communications in the standard power mode. Then, the first AP can send a "cooperative AFC response packet" to neighbor APs in the WLAN deployment, the cooperative AFC response packet indicating one or more allowable channels and maximum allowable power levels for broadcasting 6 GHz communications in the standard power mode.

[0018] While waiting for their own AFC responses, neighbor APs can utilize the cooperative AFC response packet to temporarily enable 6 GHz communications in the standard power mode.

[0019] In some embodiments, the AFC response received by the first AP may also indicate information related to a protected geographic area where 6 GHz communication is not permitted to be broadcast in the standard power mode. In these embodiments, the first AP may determine a safe zone geographic area (e.g., a 2-D radius around the first AP) where 6 GHz communication is permitted to be broadcast in the standard power mode. Information related to the determined safe zone geographic area may be included in a cooperative AFC response packet sent to neighbor APs. Using this information, neighbor APs may determine whether they are located within the determined safe zone geographic area and enable 6 GHz communication in the standard power mode only if they are located within the determined safe zone geographic area. For example, a neighbor AP that receives the cooperative AFC response packet may determine whether the distance between the first AP and the neighbor AP is less than the safe zone radius around the first AP indicated in the cooperative AFC response packet. If the distance between the first AP and the neighbor AP is less than the safe zone radius, the neighbor AP may enable 6 GHz communication while waiting for its own AFC response from the AFC provider.

[0020] In some embodiments, instead of (or in addition to) sending the cooperative AFC response packet to neighbor APs, the first AP may send the cooperative AFC response packet to a central entity (e.g., a controller or a cloud-based manager) that manages the APs in the WLAN deployment. The central entity may then propagate the cooperative AFC response packet to other APs in the WLAN deployment.

[0021] As described above, examples of the disclosed techniques provide many advantages. For example, the examples enable an AP to broadcast 6 GHz communication faster in the standard power mode while waiting for an AFC response from the AFC provider. The examples may also enable APs that are unable to send an AFC query to the AFC provider (e.g., because the AP cannot obtain its own GPS coordinates) to broadcast 6 GHz communication in the standard power mode. Correlatively, by enabling APs to broadcast 6 GHz communication faster in the standard power mode (and in some cases, enabling APs that otherwise would not be able to broadcast 6 GHz communication to do so), the examples may improve the functionality of APs and increase efficiency in the field of wireless communication technologies (e.g., reduce data latency, increase the number of data transmissions, improve and expand the use of wireless communication channels, etc.).

[0022] Before describing examples of the disclosed techniques in detail, it is useful to describe an example network installation in which the examples may be implemented. Figure 1FIG. illustrates an example of a network configuration 100 that can be implemented for an organization such as an enterprise, educational institution, government entity, medical institution, or other organization. The figure illustrates an example of a configuration implemented for an organization having multiple users (or at least multiple client devices 110) and potentially multiple physical or geographical sites 102, 132, 142. The network configuration 100 can include a main site 102 that communicates with a network 120. The network configuration 100 can also include one or more remote sites 132, 142 that communicate with the network 120.

[0023] The main site 102 can include a main network (e.g., a WLAN deployment), which can be, for example, an office network, a home network, or other network installation. The main site 102 network can be a private network, such as a network that can include security and access control to restrict access to authorized users of the private network. Authorized users can include, for example, employees of a company at the main site 102, residents of a house, customers of an enterprise, and so on.

[0024] In the illustrated example, the main site 102 includes a controller 104 that communicates with the network 120. The controller 104 can provide communication of the main site 102 with the network 120, although it may not be the only point of communication with the network 120 for the main site 102. A single controller 104 is illustrated, but the main site 102 can include multiple controllers and / or multiple communication points with the network 120. In some examples, the controller 104 communicates with the network 120 through a router (not illustrated). In other examples, the controller 104 provides router functionality to devices in the main site 102.

[0025] The controller 104 can be operable to configure and manage network devices such as at the main site 102, and can also manage network devices at the remote sites 132, 142. The controller 104 can be operable to configure and / or manage switches, routers, access points, and / or client devices connected to the network. The controller 104 itself can be an access point or provide access point functionality.

[0026] The controller 104 can communicate with one or more switches 108 and / or wireless access points (APs) 106a-c. The switches 108 and wireless APs 106a-c provide network connectivity to various client devices 110a-j. Using the connection to the switch 108 or AP 106a-c, the client devices 110a-j can access network resources, including the (main site 102) network and other devices on the network 120.

[0027] Examples of client devices can include: desktop computers, laptop computers, servers, web servers, authentication servers, authentication-authorization-accounting (AAA) servers, domain name system (DNS) servers, dynamic host configuration protocol (DHCP) servers, Internet protocol (IP) servers, virtual private network (VPN) servers, network policy servers, mainframes, tablet computers, e-readers, netbook computers, televisions and similar displays (e.g., smart TVs), content receivers, set-top boxes, personal digital assistants (PDAs), mobile phones, smartphones, intelligent terminals, dumb terminals, virtual terminals, video game consoles, virtual assistants, Internet of Things (IoT) devices, and so on. Client devices can also be referred to as stations (STAs).

[0028] Within the main site 102, the switch 108 is included as an example of an access point for the network established for the wired client devices 110i-j in the main site 102. The client devices 110i-j can be connected to the switch 108 and through the switch 108 can be able to access other devices within the network configuration 100. The client devices 110i-j can also be able to access the network 120 through the switch 108. The client devices 110i-j can communicate with the switch 108 via a wired 112 connection. In the illustrated example, the switch 108 communicates with the controller 104 via a wired 112 connection, although this connection can also be wireless.

[0029] The wireless APs 106a-c are included as another example of network access points established in the main site 102 for the client devices 110a-h. The APs 106a-c can control the network access of the client devices 110a-h and can authenticate the client devices 110a-h to connect to the AP and through the AP, connect to other devices within the network configuration 100. Each of the APs 106a-c can be a combination of hardware, software, and / or firmware configured to provide wireless network connectivity to the wireless client devices 110a-h. In the illustrated example, the APs 106a-c can be managed and configured by the controller 104. The APs 106a-c communicate with the controller 104 and the network via a connection 112, which can be a wired or wireless interface.

[0030] The network configuration 100 can include one or more remote sites 132. The remote sites 132 can be located in a different physical or geographical location from the main site 102. In some cases, the remote site 132 can be located in the same geographical location as the main site 102, or may be located in the same building as the main site 102 but lack a direct connection to the network located within the main site 102. Instead, the remote site 132 can utilize a connection on a different network (e.g., network 120). Sites 132 (such asFigure 1 The site illustrated in (e.g., a satellite office, another floor or suite in a building, etc.) can be, for example, a satellite office, another floor or suite in a building, etc. The remote site 132 can include a gateway device 134 for communicating with the network 120. The gateway device 134 can be a router, a digital-analog modem, a cable modem, a digital subscriber line (DSL) modem, or some other network device configured to communicate with the network 120. The remote site 132 can also include a switch 138 and / or an AP 136 that communicate with the gateway device 134 via a wired or wireless connection. The switch 138 and the AP 136 provide connectivity to the network for various client devices 140a-d.

[0031] In various examples, the remote site 132 can communicate directly with the main site 102 such that the client devices 140a-d at the remote site 132 access network resources at the main site 102 as if the client devices 140a-d were located at the main site 102. In such an example, the remote site 132 is managed by the controller 104 at the main site 102, and the controller 104 provides the necessary connectivity, security, and accessibility that enables the remote site 132 to communicate with the main site 102. After being connected to the main site 102, the remote site 132 can act as part of a private network provided by the main site 102.

[0032] In various examples, the network configuration 100 can include one or more smaller remote sites 142 that include only a gateway device 144 for communicating with the network 120 and a wireless AP 146, through which various client devices 150a-b access the network 120. Such a remote site 142 can represent, for example, the home of a single employee or a temporary remote office. The remote site 142 can also communicate with the main site 102 such that the client devices 150a-b at the remote site 142 access network resources at the main site 102 as if the client devices 150a-b were located at the main site 102. The remote site 142 can be managed by the controller 104 at the main site 102 to enable such transparency. After being connected to the main site 102, the remote site 142 can act as part of a private network provided by the main site 102.

[0033] Network 120 can be a public or private network, such as the Internet or other communication networks, to allow connectivity between the various sites 102, 130 to 142 and to allow access to the servers 160a-b. Network 120 can include third-party telecommunications lines, such as telephone lines, broadcast coaxial cables, fiber optic cables, satellite communications, cellular communications, and the like. Network 120 can include any number of intermediate network devices, such as switches, routers, gateways, servers, and / or controllers, which are not a direct part of the network configuration 100 but facilitate communication between the various parts of the network configuration 100 and communication between the network configuration 100 and other network-connected entities. Network 120 can include various content servers 160a-b. The content servers 160a-b can include various providers of multimedia downloadable and / or streamable content, including audio, video, graphics, and / or text content or any combination thereof. Examples of the content servers 160a-b include, for example, web servers, streaming radio and video providers, and cable and satellite television providers. The client devices 110a-j, 140a-d, 150a-b can request and access the multimedia content provided by the content servers 160a-b.

[0034] Figures 2A - 2B An example method for sharing an AFC response received by a first AP in a WLAN deployment with other APs in the WLAN deployment is illustrated in accordance with various examples of the disclosed technology. Although certain boxes of the example method are depicted in Figures 2A - 2B both (i.e., boxes 203 and 204), other boxes are depicted only once for simplicity / conciseness.

[0035] The method can be performed by an AP 201 within a WLAN deployment 200. Generally, the method can be implemented by (a) processing resource(s) or (a) computing device(s) via any suitable hardware, non-transitory machine-readable medium, or combination thereof. In an example, the method can be performed by computer-readable instructions that include instructions stored on a medium and executable by a processing resource, such as a hardware processor of a computing device / component. It will be appreciated that the processes involved in the method can be performed based on instructions stored on a non-transitory computer-readable medium. The non-transitory computer-readable medium can include, for example, digital memory, magnetic storage media such as disks and tapes, hard disk drives, or optically readable digital data storage media.

[0036] As depicted, at block 202, AP 201 may attempt to self - locate using GPS coordinates. As described above, AP 201 may need to use GPS coordinates for self - location in order to provide its GPS coordinates in an AFC query sent to the AFC provider. If AP 201 is unable to self - locate using GPS coordinates (or is unable to obtain its GPS coordinates), then AP 201 may not be able to send a valid AFC query - and thus, may not be able to complete the process specified by the traditional 6GHz standard to enable 6GHz communication in the standard power mode. There may be various reasons why AP 201 may be unable to self - locate using GPS coordinates. For example, AP 201 may be located inside away from windows, or its line of sight to the satellite may be blocked (e.g., AP 201 may be located in an urban environment surrounded by high - rise buildings).

[0037] As described above, traditionally if AP 201 is unable to self - locate using GPS coordinates - and thus unable to send an AFC query - AP 201 will not be able to broadcast 6GHz communication in the standard power mode. However, examples of the disclosed technology may enable AP 201 to broadcast 6GHz communication in the standard power mode - even if AP 201 is unable to send an AFC query. The examples achieve this improvement by providing a method for sharing an AFC response received by a first AP in the WLAN deployment 200 with other APs (e.g., AP 201) in the WLAN deployment 200. If other APs (e.g., AP 201) are unable to complete the process specified by the traditional 6GHz standard for enabling 6GHz communication, then those other APs (e.g., AP 201) can then utilize the shared AFC response to enable 6GHz communication in the standard power mode. Additionally, even if other APs are able to send a valid AFC query to the AFC provider, they can utilize the shared AFC response to enable 6GHz communication in the standard power mode while they wait for their own AFC response from the AFC provider (the process is described in more detail below).

[0038] According to the above, if at block 203 AP 201 is able to self - locate using GPS coordinates, then AP 201 can send an AFC query to the AFC provider at block 204 (the process is described in more detail below).

[0039] However, if AP 201 is unable to self - locate using GPS coordinates, then at block 204, AP 201 can scan a lower frequency band (e.g., the 2.4GHz or 5GHz band) for a cooperative AFC response packet sent by another AP in the WLAN deployment 200 and / or a central entity that manages multiple APs in the WLAN deployment 200.

[0040] In some embodiments, the AP 201 can scan the lower frequency band to look for a cooperative AFC response packet without splitting the link / antenna. For example, the AP 201 can be an AP with dedicated radio capabilities. Thus, when the AP 201 does not have a recent / new AFC response from the AFC provider, the AP 201 can devote the dedicated radio to repeatedly (and in some cases, continuously) scan the lower frequency band to look for a cooperative AFC response packet. In another example (e.g., in the case where the AP 201 cannot split the link and / or dedicated radio to scan the lower frequency band for a cooperative AFC response packet), the AP 201 can scan only the lower frequency band at repeated but discrete intervals for a cooperative AFC response packet. Thus, the AP 201 can better balance the resources devoted to networking functions. It should be understood that in other embodiments, the AP 201 can use other techniques to scan the lower frequency band for a cooperative AFC response packet.

[0041] Referring again to the cooperative AFC response packet, as used herein, a "cooperative AFC response packet" can refer to a wireless communication sent by a non-AFC provider (e.g., an AP or a central entity managing multiple APs) that contains information related to an AFC response sent by an AFC provider. In various embodiments, the cooperative AFC response packet can include an Internet Protocol (IP) packet encapsulating such information.

[0042] As described above, an AFC response can refer to an AFC response sent by an AFC provider (i.e., an approved company providing AFC services, or more specifically, a computerized system of an approved company providing AFC services) to an AP that sent an AFC query to the AFC provider. The AFC response will typically indicate: (a) the channels that allow the querying AP to broadcast 6 GHz communications in the standard power mode, and (b) the maximum allowable power level to be used when the querying AP broadcasts 6 GHz communications in the standard power mode. By querying the Unlicensed Shared Access (ULS) system to obtain the geographical locations of existing operators with priority in the 6 GHz band, the AFC provider can determine the allowable channels and the maximum allowable power level.

[0043] The 6 GHz standard also permits the AFC provider to include other information in the AFC response. For example, the AFC provider can configure the AFC response to indicate information related to a protected geographical area in which the querying AP is not permitted to broadcast 6 GHz communications in the standard power mode. Examples of protected geographical areas are depicted in Figure 6 . That is, Figure 6Depicts protected geographic regions 600(a) and 600(b). The AFC provider can determine protected geographic regions 600(a) and 600(b) based on the geographical locations of existing operators 602 and 604, respectively. As described above, existing operators 602 and 604 can be radio broadcasters with priority in the 6 GHz band.

[0044] The information related to the protected geographic region indicated / included in the AFC response can take various forms. As an illustrative example, such information can include a 2-D contour map defining the protected geographic region according to GPS coordinates.

[0045] According to the above, the collaborative AFC response packet can indicate one or more allowable channels for broadcasting wireless communication in the 6 GHz band in the standard power mode (as indicated in the AFC response received by the AFC response receiving AP in the WLAN deployment 200) and the maximum allowable power level (as indicated in the AFC response received by the AFC response receiving AP in the WLAN deployment 200). As described above, in some embodiments, the collaborative AFC response packet can also indicate information related to the protected geographic region (as indicated in the AFC response received by the AFC response receiving AP in the WLAN deployment 200), in which broadcasting wireless communication in the 6 GHz band in the standard power mode is not permitted.

[0046] To provide more useful / valuable information to other APs in the WLAN deployment 200, the AFC response receiving AP can determine / calculate a safe zone geographic region in which broadcasting wireless communication in the 6 GHz band in the standard power mode is permitted. Figure 6 Depicts an example safe zone geographic region 604. As Figure 6 depicted, an example AP 606 (which can be an AP in the WLAN deployment 200) can determine / calculate the safe zone geographic region 604 based on the protected geographic regions 600(a) and 600(b) (or more specifically, the information related to the protected geographic regions 600(a) and 600(b) received in the AFC response received by the AP 606). The AP 606 can define the safe zone geographic region 604 in various forms. As an illustrative example, the AP 606 can use a 2-D radius around the AP 606 to define the safe zone geographic region 604. As another illustrative example, the AP 606 can use GPS coordinates to define the safe zone geographic region 604 as a 2-D contour map.

[0047] In some scenarios, the AP 201 can receive multiple cooperative AFC response packets (e.g., sent from multiple other APs in the WLAN deployment 200) while scanning the lower frequency band for cooperative AFC response packets. To address such scenarios, examples can utilize various protocols for the AP 201 to determine which cooperative AFC response packet to utilize / use. As an illustrative example, the first protocol can specify that the AP 201 utilize / use the cooperative AFC response packet indicating the maximum safe zone geographical area or the safe zone geographical area that permits the AP 201 to broadcast 6 GHz communication in the standard power mode over the maximum geographical area. A second example protocol can take a more conservative approach and specify that the AP 201 utilize / use the cooperative AFC response packet indicating the minimum safe zone geographical area or the safe zone geographical area that permits the AP 201 to broadcast 6 GHz communication in the standard power mode over the minimum geographical area. A third example protocol can specify that the AP 201 utilize / use the most recently received cooperative AFC response packet, and so on.

[0048] Referring again to Figures 2A - 2B , if the AP 201 does not receive a cooperative AFC packet at block 205, the AP 201 can return to block 202 and repeat the above method.

[0049] However, if the AP 201 receives a cooperative AFC response packet (i.e., in response to the scan at block 204), the AP 201 can then determine at block 207 whether it is within the safe zone geographical area indicated in the cooperative AFC response packet. The AP 201 can make this determination in various ways. For example, if the cooperative AFC response packet defines the safe zone geographical area as a 2-D radius around the AP 606 in Figure 6 , the AP 201 can determine whether the distance between the AP 201 and the AP 606 is less than the 2-D radius. The AP 201 can determine the distance between the AP 201 and the AP 606 in various ways, such as path loss / RSSI readings, via ranging data, via the known topology of the WLAN deployment 200, and / or other ranging techniques (e.g., Bluetooth positioning techniques, angle of arrival / angle of departure techniques, etc.).

[0050] If the AP 201 is not within the safe zone geographical area indicated in the cooperative AFC response packet, the AP 201 can return to block 202 and repeat the above method.

[0051] However, if the AP 201 is within the geographical area of the security zone indicated in the collaborative AFC response packet, then at block 208 the AP 201 can enable 6 GHz communication and broadcast the 6 GHz communication in the standard power mode. Here, the AP 201 can still return to block 202 and repeat the above method. This can be the case that complies with the 6 GHz standard, which indicates that the AP 201 should obtain - or at least attempt to obtain - its own AFC response directly from the AFC provider. If such an AFC response is received, then the AFC response can overwrite the collaborative AFC response packet.

[0052] Now referring to Figure 2B a branch of the method depicted in, if at block 203 the AP 201 is able to self-locate using GPS coordinates, then at block 210 the AP 201 can send an AFC query to the AFC provider.

[0053] The AFC query can include the GPS coordinates of the AP 201. In some embodiments, the AFC query can also include the FCC ID of the AP 201, the serial number of the AP 201, and various other provider-specific elements (VSEs) specified by the AFC provider. As an illustrative example, such VSEs can include statistics related to the number of times the AP 201 has sent an AFC query, whether the AP 201 has reached a negotiated AFC query threshold, etc.

[0054] If at block 211 the AP 201 does not receive an AFC response from the AFC provider, then the AP 201 can next determine at block 213 whether it has an old AFC response from the AFC provider. Generally, the 802.11 standard permits the AP to use an AFC response from the AFC provider within 24 hours. However, after this 24-hour period expires, the AP should send (or attempt to send) an AFC query to the AFC provider to obtain a new AFC response.

[0055] Thus, in some embodiments, if the AP 201 has an old AFC response (i.e., an AFC response received more than 24 hours ago), then the AP 201 can perform operation 216 to enable 6 GHz communication based on the old AFC response while waiting for a new (i.e., fresh) AFC response. Thus, in these embodiments, after enabling 6 GHz communication, the AP 201 can return to block 210 and repeat the above method. However, in other embodiments, if the AP 201 has an old AFC response (i.e., an AFC response received more than 24 hours ago), then the AP 201 can return to block 210 and repeat the above process without enabling 6 GHz communication.

[0056] As depicted, if the AP 201 does not have an old AFC response, the AP 201 can: (1) return to block 210; and / or (2) scan for lower frequencies at block 204 for a cooperative AFC response packet.

[0057] Referring again to block 211, if the AP 201 receives an AFC response from the AFC provider, the AP 201 can enable 6 GHz communication at block 212 and broadcast 6 GHz communication as needed.

[0058] Correspondingly, at block 214, the AP 201 can broadcast a cooperative AFC response packet to neighbors in the WLAN deployment 200. As described above, the cooperative AFC response packet can indicate one or more allowable channels (as indicated in the AFC response received by the AP 201) and a maximum allowable power level (as indicated in the AFC response received by the AP 201) for broadcasting wireless communication in the 6 GHz band in the standard power mode. In some embodiments, the cooperative AFC response packet can also indicate information related to a protected geographical area (as indicated in the AFC response received by the AP 201) where broadcasting wireless communication in the 6 GHz band in the standard power mode is not permitted.

[0059] To provide more useful / valuable information to other APs in the WLAN deployment 200, the AP 201 can determine / calculate a safe zone geographical area where broadcasting wireless communication in the 6 GHz band in the standard power mode is permitted. The AP 201 can define the safe zone geographical area in various forms. As an illustrative example, the AP 201 can define the safe zone geographical area using a 2-D radius around the AP 201. As another illustrative example, the AP 201 can define the safe zone geographical area as a 2-D contour map using GPS coordinates.

[0060] As described above, the AP 201 can broadcast the cooperative AFC response packet in a frequency band below 6 GHz (e.g., the 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz band). Thus, multiple APs that have not yet enabled 6 GHz communication can receive the cooperative AFC response packet when scanning channels in these lower frequency bands.

[0061] In some embodiments, the neighbors to which the AP 201 broadcasts the cooperative AFC response packet can include one or more other APs in the WLAN deployment 200. In other embodiments, the neighbors to which the AP 201 broadcasts the cooperative AFC response packet can include a central entity that manages multiple APs in the WLAN deployment 200 (e.g., such as Figure 1The controller of the controller 104 in (e.g., a controller such as the controller 104 in, a cloud-based central management entity, etc.). Thus, this central entity can share the cooperative AFC response packets with other APs in the WLAN deployment 200. In yet another embodiment, the neighbors to which the AP 201 broadcasts the cooperative AFC response packets can include a combination of one or more other APs and the central entity in the WLAN deployment 200.

[0062] The AP 201 can use various techniques to determine / identify the neighbors to which the AP 201 broadcasts the cooperative AFC response packets.

[0063] For example, in some embodiments, multiple APs (including the AP 201) in the WLAN deployment 200 can use a lower frequency band (2.4 GHz or 5 GHz, or both) to trigger a background scan on each radio or a dedicated non-beacon radio (i.e., a radio on which no active virtual AP is sending beacons and serving clients). On the channels being scanned, the APs can send management frames indicating that they are part of the WLAN deployment 200. Such management frames can include beacons having one or more fields that allow the corresponding APs to indicate that they are part of the WLAN deployment 200. Such (multiple) fields can also allow the corresponding APs to indicate other identification and / or location information. Thus, an independent process on each AP can determine / generate a list of neighbor APs based on the management frames it receives. In some of the above embodiments, the APs can also send management frames to share their neighbor AP lists with other APs in the WLAN deployment 200. Within the WLAN deployment 200, such sharing of the neighbor AP lists can further save processing resources, processing time, power consumption, etc.

[0064] In some embodiments, the list of neighbor APs can be sent by a central entity (e.g., such as Figure 1 the controller of the controller 104 in, a cloud-based central management entity, etc.) that manages multiple APs in the WLAN deployment 200 to the multiple APs in the WLAN deployment 200.

[0065] Figure 3 Depicts an example AP 300 according to various examples of the techniques of the present disclosure, where the example AP 300 shares received AFC responses with other APs in a WLAN deployment.

[0066] Now referring to Figure 3 , as depicted, the AP 300 can include a computing component 310. The computing component 310 can be, for example, a server computer, a controller, or any other similar computing component capable of processing data. In Figure 3 the example embodiment of, the computing component 310 includes a hardware processor 312 and a machine-readable storage medium 314.

[0067] The hardware processor 312 can be one or more central processing units (CPUs), semiconductor-based microprocessors, and / or other hardware devices suitable for retrieving and executing instructions stored in the machine-readable storage medium 314. The hardware processor 312 can extract, decode, and execute instructions, such as instructions 316 - 322, to control the process or operation of burst preloading for available bandwidth estimation. As an alternative or addition to retrieving and executing instructions, the hardware processor 312 can include one or more electronic circuits that include electronic components for performing the functionality of one or more instructions, such as a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or other electronic circuits.

[0068] A machine-readable storage medium, such as the machine-readable storage medium 314, can be any electrical, magnetic, optical, or other physical storage device that contains or stores executable instructions. Thus, the machine-readable storage medium 314 can be, for example, a random access memory (RAM), a non-volatile RAM (NVRAM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a storage device, an optical disc, and so on. In some examples, the machine-readable storage medium 314 can be a non-transitory storage medium, where the term "non-transitory" does not cover transitory propagation indicators. As described in detail below, the machine-readable storage medium 314 can be encoded with executable instructions, such as instructions 316 - 322. Additionally, although Figure 3 the instructions shown in Figure 3 can be understood. Although

[0069] As depicted, the hardware processor 312 executes instruction 316 to cause the AP 300 to send an AFC query indicating the GPS coordinates of the AP 300 to the AFC provider. As described above, the AFC query can include additional information, such as the FCC ID of the AP 300, the serial number of the AP 300, and various other VSEs specified by the AFC provider. As an illustrative example, such VSEs can include statistical data related to the number of AFC queries the AP 300 has sent, whether the AP 300 has reached a negotiated AFC query threshold, and so on.

[0070] The hardware processor 312 executes instructions 318 to cause the AP 300 to receive an AFC response from an AFC provider, the AFC response indicating: (a) one or more allowable channels and a maximum allowable power level for broadcasting wireless communication in the 6 GHz band in a standard power mode; and (b) information related to a protected geographic area in which broadcasting wireless communication in the 6 GHz band in a standard power mode is not permitted.

[0071] The hardware processor 312 executes instructions 320 to cause the AP 300 to determine a safe zone geographic area based on the information related to the protected geographic area, in which broadcasting wireless communication in the 6 GHz band in a standard power mode is permitted. In some embodiments, the AP 300 may define the determined safe zone geographic area as a 2-D radius around the AP 300.

[0072] The hardware processor 312 executes instructions 322 to cause the AP 300 to send a cooperative AFC response packet to at least one of a second AP and a central entity, where the central entity manages multiple APs including the AP 300 in a WLAN deployment. The cooperative AFC response packet may indicate: (a) one or more allowable channels and a maximum allowable power level for broadcasting wireless communication in the 6 GHz band in a standard power mode; and (b) information related to the determined safe zone geographic area. As described above, the information related to the determined safe zone geographic area may be defined as a 2-D radius around the AP 300.

[0073] In various embodiments, the cooperative AFC response packet may be sent on a frequency band lower than the 6 GHz band. Thus, neighbor APs that have not enabled 6 GHz communication can receive the cooperative AFC response packet when scanning the lower frequency band.

[0074] In some embodiments, before receiving the AFC response from the AFC provider, the hardware processor 312 may execute instructions to cause the AP 300 to scan a frequency band lower than the 6 GHz band for a cooperative AFC response packet sent by at least one of another AP and a central entity, where the central entity manages multiple APs including the AP 300 in a WLAN deployment. Then, while the AP 300 waits for its own AFC response from the AFC provider, the AP 300 may utilize the cooperative AFC response packet.

[0075] In some embodiments, in response to receiving the AFC response from the AFC provider, the hardware processor 312 may execute instructions to cause the AP 300 to enable 6 GHz wireless communication and / or overwrite any previously received AFC response or previously received cooperative AFC response packet from the AFC provider.

[0076] Figure 4 Depicts an example AP 400 according to various examples of the disclosed technology, where the example AP 400 uses received cooperative AFC response packets to enable 6 GHz communication.

[0077] As depicted, AP 400 includes a computing component 410. Except for its instructions 416 - 422, the computing component 410 can be the same / similar to the computing component 310 of AP 300. Thus, again for brevity, the common elements of the computing component 410 will not be described.

[0078] In response to a failed attempt by AP 400 to self - locate using GPS coordinates, the hardware processor 412 executes instruction 416 to cause AP 400 to scan frequency bands lower than the 6 GHz band for cooperative AFC response packets from at least one of a second AP and a central entity, where the central entity manages multiple APs including AP 400 in a WLAN deployment.

[0079] In response to the scan, the hardware processor 412 executes instruction 418 to cause AP 400 to receive a cooperative AFC response packet. The cooperative AFC response packet can indicate: (a) one or more allowable channels and a maximum allowable power level for broadcasting wireless communication on the 6 GHz band in a standard power mode; and (b) information related to a secure zone geographical area in which broadcasting wireless communication on the 6 GHz band in the standard power mode is permitted. As described above, the information related to the secure zone geographical area can include a 2 - D radius around the second AP.

[0080] The hardware processor 412 executes instruction 420 to cause AP 400 to determine that AP 400 is within the secure zone geographical area. In an implementation where the received information related to the secure zone geographical area includes a 2 - D radius around the second AP, determining that AP 400 is within the secure zone geographical area can include determining that the distance between AP 400 and the second AP is less than the 2 - D radius around the second AP.

[0081] In response to determining that AP 400 is within the secure zone geographical area, the hardware processor 412 executes instruction 422 to cause AP 400 to enable 6 GHz communication and broadcast 6 GHz in the standard power mode as needed. The hardware processor 412 can execute further instructions to cause AP 400 to override any previously received AFC response from an AFC provider or a previously received cooperative AFC response packet.

[0082] In some embodiments, scanning a lower frequency band for a cooperative AFC response packet can be in response to determining that AP 400 does not have an old AFC response from an AFC provider. Here, determining whether AP 400 has an old AFC response from an AFC provider can be in response to waiting for a new AFC response from the AFC provider.

[0083] Figure 5 An example central entity 500 is depicted in accordance with various examples of the techniques of the present disclosure that shares an AFC response received by a first AP in a WLAN deployment with other APs in the WLAN deployment. In some embodiments, central entity 500 can include a controller, such as Figure 1 the controller 104 depicted in. In other embodiments, central entity 500 can include a cloud-based management entity.

[0084] As depicted, central entity 500 includes computing components 510. Except for its instructions 516 - 520, computing components 510 can be the same / similar to computing components 310 of AP 300. Thus, again for brevity, the common elements of computing components 510 will not be described.

[0085] Hardware processor 512 can execute instruction 516 to cause central entity 500 to receive a cooperative AFC response packet from a first AP in a WLAN deployment. The cooperative AFC response packet can indicate: (a) one or more allowable channels and a maximum allowable power level for broadcasting wireless communications on a 6 GHz band in a standard power mode; and (b) information related to a protected geographical area in which broadcasting wireless communications on a 6 GHz band in a standard power mode is not permitted. In some embodiments, the information related to the protected geographical area can include a 2-D contour map defined using GPS coordinates.

[0086] Based on information related to the protected geographical area and the geographical location of the first AP, hardware processor 512 can execute instruction 518 to cause central entity 500 to determine a safe zone geographical area within the WLAN deployment in which broadcasting wireless communications on a 6 GHz band in a standard power mode is permitted. Central entity 500 can define the determined safe zone geographical area as a 2-D radius around the first AP.

[0087] The hardware processor 512 may execute instructions 520 to cause the central entity 500 to send an AFC response packet generated by the central entity to one or more other APs in the WLAN deployment (i.e., APs other than the first AP), the response packet indicating: (a) one or more allowable channels and a maximum allowable power level for broadcasting wireless communications in the 6 GHz band in the standard power mode; and (b) information related to the determined secure zone geographical area. As described above, the information related to the determined secure zone geographical area may define a 2-D radius around the first AP.

[0088] As described above, Figure 6 An example secure zone geographical area 604 is depicted in accordance with various examples of the techniques of the present disclosure.

[0089] Figure 6 Protected geographical areas 600(a) and 600(b) are also depicted. The AFC provider may determine the protected geographical areas 600(a) and 600(b) based on the geographical locations of the existing operators 602 and 604, respectively. As described above, the existing operators 602 and 604 may be radio broadcasters having priority in the 6 GHz band.

[0090] As Figure 6 shown, the example AP 606 may determine / calculate the secure zone geographical area 604 based on the protected geographical areas 600(a) and 600(b) (or more specifically, the information related to the protected geographical areas 600(a) and 600(b) indicated in the AFC response received by the AP 606). The AP 606 may define the secure zone geographical area 604 in various forms. As an illustrative example, the AP 606 may use a 2-D radius around the AP 606 to define the secure zone geographical area 604. As another illustrative example, the AP 606 may use GPS coordinates to define the secure zone geographical area 604 as a 2-D contour map.

[0091] An AP that receives a collaborative AFC response packet from the AP 606 may determine whether the AP is within the secure zone geographical area 604 before enabling 6 GHz communication based on the collaborative AFC response packet. For example, if AP 201 (also Figures 2A - 2BIf the AP 201 receives a cooperative AFC response packet from the AP 606 (depicted in [description]), the AP 201 can determine whether the AP 201 is within the secure zone geographical area 604 by determining whether the distance between the AP 606 and the AP 201 is less than the 2-D radius around the AP 606. The AP 201 can determine the distance between the AP 606 and the AP 201 in various ways, such as path loss / RSSI readings, via ranging data, via the known topology of the WLAN deployment 200, and / or other ranging techniques (e.g., Bluetooth positioning techniques, angle of arrival / angle of departure techniques, etc.).

[0092] It should be understood that the principles of the disclosed techniques can be applied to operations outside the 6 GHz band.

[0093] For example, in combination with Figures 2A - 2B and Figures 3 - 5 the methods described can be applied to operations in the expected 7 GHz band, the expected 8 GHz band, etc.

[0094] Figure 7 FIG. [figure number] depicts a block diagram of an example computer system 700 in which various examples described herein can be implemented. For example, Figures 2A - 2B the AP 200 of [[reference]], Figure 3 the AP 300 of [[reference]], Figure 4 the AP 400 of [[reference]], and Figure 5 the central entity 500 of [[reference]] can be implemented using the computer system 700. The computer system 700 includes a bus 702 or other communication mechanism for conveying information, and one or more hardware processors 704 coupled to the bus 702 for processing information. The (multiple) hardware processors 704 can be, for example, one or more general-purpose microprocessors.

[0095] The computer system 700 also includes a main memory 706, such as random access memory (RAM), cache, and / or other dynamic storage devices, coupled to the bus 702 for storing information and instructions to be executed by the processor 704. The memory 706 can also be used to store temporary variables or other intermediate information during the execution of instructions to be executed by the processor 704. When such instructions are stored in a storage medium accessible to the processor 704, they cause the computer system 700 to become a special-purpose machine customized to perform the operations specified in the instructions.

[0096] The computer system 700 also includes a read-only memory (ROM) 708 or other static storage device coupled to the bus 702 for storing static information and instructions for the processor 704. A storage device 710, such as a magnetic disk, an optical disk, or a USB thumb drive (flash drive), etc., is provided and will be coupled to the bus 702 for storing information and instructions.

[0097] The computer system 700 can be coupled via a bus 702 to a display 712, such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) (or touch screen), for displaying information to a computer user. An input device 714, including alphanumeric keys and other keys, is coupled to the bus 702 for transmitting information and command selections to the processor 704. Another type of user input device is a cursor control 716, such as a mouse, trackball, or cursor direction keys, for transmitting direction information and command selections to the processor 704 and for controlling cursor movement on the display 712. In some examples, the same direction information and command selections as for the cursor control can be implemented via receiving touches on a touch screen without a cursor.

[0098] The computing system 700 can include a user interface module for implementing a GUI, which can be stored in a mass storage device as executable software code executed by the (one or more) computing devices. By way of example, this module and other modules can include components such as software components, object-oriented software components, class components, and task components, processes, functions, attributes, procedures, subroutines, program code segments, drivers, firmware, microcode, circuits, data, databases, data structures, tables, arrays, and variables.

[0099] In general, the terms "component", "engine", "system", "database", "data repository", etc. as used herein can refer to logic embodied in hardware or firmware, or to a collection of software instructions written in a programming language such as, for example, Java, C, or C++. Software components can be compiled and linked into an executable program, installed in a dynamic link library, or written in an interpreted programming language such as BASIC, Perl, or Python. It should be understood that software components can be called from other components or from themselves, and / or can be called in response to detected events or interrupts. Software components configured to execute on a computing device can be provided on a computer-readable medium, such as a compact disc, digital video disc, flash drive, disk, or any other tangible medium, or can be configured as a digital download (and may initially be stored in a compressed or installable format that requires installation, decompression, or decryption before execution). Such software code can be stored, in whole or in part, on the memory device of the executing computing device for execution by the computing device. Software instructions can be embedded in firmware such as an EPROM. It should also be understood that hardware components can be composed of connected logic units such as gates and flip-flops, and / or can be composed of programmable units such as programmable gate arrays or processors.

[0100] The computer system 700 can implement the techniques described herein using custom hardwired logic, one or more ASICs or FPGAs, firmware, and / or program logic, which in combination with the computer system causes the computer system 700 to be a special-purpose machine. According to one example, the techniques herein are performed by the computer system 700 in response to one or more sequences of one or more instructions contained in the main memory 706 being executed by the (multiple) processors 704. Such instructions can be read into the main memory 706 from another storage medium such as the storage device 710. Execution of the instruction sequences contained in the main memory 706 causes the (multiple) processors 704 to perform the process steps described herein. In an alternative example, hardwired circuitry may be used in place of or in combination with software instructions.

[0101] As used herein, the term "non-transitory medium" and like terms refer to any medium that stores instructions and / or data that cause a machine to operate in a particular manner. Such non-transitory media may include non-volatile media and / or volatile media. Non-volatile media includes, for example, optical or magnetic disks, such as the storage device 710. Volatile media includes dynamic memory, such as the main memory 706. Common forms of non-transitory media include, for example, floppy disks, flexible disks, hard disks, solid state drives, magnetic tape, or any other magnetic data storage medium, CD-ROM, any other optical data storage medium, any physical medium with hole patterns, RAM, PROM, and EPROM, FLASH-EPROM, NVRAM, any other memory chip or cartridge, and networked versions thereof.

[0102] Non-transitory media is different from transmission media but can be used in combination with transmission media. Transmission media participates in the transfer of information between non-transitory media. For example, transmission media includes coaxial cables, copper wire, and fiber optics, including the wires that make up the bus 702. Transmission media can also take the form of acoustic or light waves, such as those generated during radio wave and infrared data communications.

[0103] The computer system 700 also includes a communication interface 718 coupled to the bus 702. The network interface 718 provides two-way data communication coupled to one or more network links connected to one or more local area networks. For example, the communication interface 718 can be an Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) card, cable modem, satellite modem, or a modem for providing a data communication connection to a corresponding type of telephone line. As another example, the network interface 718 can be a local area network (LAN) card to provide a data communication connection to a compatible LAN (or a WAN component communicating with a WAN). A wireless link can also be implemented. In any such implementation, the network interface 718 transmits and receives electrical, electromagnetic, or optical indicators carrying digital data streams representing various types of information.

[0104] A network link generally provides data communication to other data devices via one or more networks. For example, a network link can provide a connection to a host computer or to a data device operated by an Internet service provider (ISP) via a local area network. The ISP in turn provides data communication services via the global packet data communication network now commonly referred to as the “Internet”. Both the local area network and the Internet use electrical, electromagnetic, or optical indicators that carry digital data streams. The indicators through the various networks and those on the network link and through the communication interface 718 are example forms of transmission media that carry digital data to and from the computer system 700.

[0105] The computer system 700 can send messages and receive data, including program code, via the (multiple) networks, network link, and communication interface 718. In the Internet example, a server can transmit the code requested by an application via the Internet, the ISP, the local area network, and the communication interface 718.

[0106] The received code can be executed by the processor 704 when it is received, and / or stored in the storage device 710 or other non-volatile storage means for later execution.

[0107] Each of the processes, methods, and algorithms described in the foregoing sections can be embodied in code components executed by one or more computer systems or computer processors including computer hardware, and be fully or partially automated by the code components. One or more computer systems or computer processors can also operate to support the execution of related operations in a “cloud computing” environment or operate as “software as a service” (SaaS). The processes and algorithms can be implemented in part or in whole in dedicated circuitry. The various features and processes described above can be used independently of each other or can be combined in various ways. Different combinations and sub-combinations are intended to fall within the scope of the present disclosure, and in some embodiments certain method or process blocks can be omitted. The methods and processes described herein are also not limited to any particular order, and the blocks or states associated therewith can be executed in other suitable orders, or can be executed in parallel, or in some other manner. Blocks or states can be added to or removed from the disclosed example embodiments. The execution of certain operations or processes can be distributed among computer systems or computer processors, either residing within a single machine or deployed across several machines.

[0108] As used herein, a circuit can be implemented using any form of hardware, software, or a combination thereof. For example, one or more processors, controllers, ASICs, PLAs, PALs, CPLDs, FPGAs, logic components, software routines, or other mechanisms can be implemented to form a circuit. In an embodiment, the various circuits described herein can be implemented as discrete circuits, or the described functions and features can be shared partially or wholly among one or more circuits. Although various features or functional elements may be described or claimed separately as individual circuits, these features and functionality can be shared among one or more common circuits, and such description should not require or imply the need for separate circuits to implement such features or functionality. Where the circuit is implemented wholly or partially using software, such software can be implemented to operate with a computing or processing system (such as computer system 700) capable of performing the functionality described thereof.

[0109] As used herein, the term "or" can be interpreted in an inclusive or exclusive sense. Further, the description of a resource, operation, or structure in the singular form should not be construed to exclude the plural form. Unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood in the context in which it is used, conditional language, particularly such as "can", "may", "could", or "might", generally intends to convey that certain examples include, while other examples do not include, certain features, elements, and / or steps.

[0110] Unless otherwise expressly stated, the terms and phrases used in this document and their variants should be interpreted as open-ended rather than limiting. Adjectives such as "conventional", "traditional", "normal", "standard", "known", and terms with similar meanings should not be construed to limit the described item to a given time period or items available at a given time, but should be interpreted to cover conventional, traditional, normal, or standard techniques that may be available or known at any time in the future. In some instances, the presence of broad words and phrases such as "one or more", "at least", "but not limited to", or other similar phrases should not be construed to mean that a narrower case is intended or required in instances where such broad phrases may not be present.

Claims

1. An access point AP, comprising: One or more processors; And A memory coupled to the one or more processors, the memory storing instructions executable by the one or more processors to cause the AP to: Receive an AFC response from an automatic frequency coordination AFC provider, the AFC response indicating one or more allowable channels and a maximum allowable power level for broadcasting wireless communication on a frequency band in a standard power mode; And Send a cooperative AFC response packet indicating the one or more allowable channels and the maximum allowable power level for broadcasting the wireless communication on the frequency band in the standard power mode to at least one of a second AP and a central entity, wherein the central entity manages a plurality of APs including the AP in a wireless local area network WLAN deployment.

2. The AP according to claim 1, wherein the frequency band includes a 6 GHz frequency band.

3. The AP according to claim 2, wherein: The AFC response further indicates information related to a protected geographical area, wherein in the protected geographical area, broadcasting the wireless communication on the 6 GHz frequency band in the standard power mode is not permitted; The memory further includes further instructions executable by the one or more processors to cause the AP to: determine a safe zone geographical area based on the information related to the protected geographical area, wherein in the safe zone geographical area, broadcasting the wireless communication on the 6 GHz frequency band in the standard power mode is permitted; And The cooperative AFC response packet further indicates information related to the determined safe zone geographical area.

4. The AP according to claim 3, wherein the information related to the determined safe zone geographical area includes a two-dimensional 2-D radius around the AP.

5. The AP according to claim 2, wherein the AP sends the cooperative AFC response packet on a frequency band lower than the 6 GHz frequency band.

6. The AP according to claim 2, wherein: The memory further includes further instructions executable by the one or more processors to cause the AP to: send an AFC query indicating global positioning system GPS coordinates of the AP to the AFC provider; and The AFC response from the AFC provider is in response to the AFC query.

7. The AP according to claim 6, wherein the memory includes further instructions executable by the one or more processors to cause the AP to: Before receiving the AFC response from the AFC provider, scan a frequency band lower than the 6 GHz frequency band for a cooperative AFC response packet sent by at least one of another AP and the central entity, wherein the central entity manages the plurality of APs including the AP in the WLAN deployment.

8. The AP according to claim 7, wherein the memory includes further instructions executable by the one or more processors to cause the AP to: Enable 6 GHz wireless communication in response to receiving the AFC response from the AFC provider.

9. The AP of claim 2, wherein the memory includes further instructions executable by the one or more processors to cause the AP to: In response to receiving the AFC response from the AFC provider, overwrite any previously received AFC response from the AFC provider or any previously received cooperative AFC response packet from at least one of another AP and a central entity, wherein the central entity manages a plurality of APs including the AP in the WLAN deployment.

10. An access point AP, comprising: One or more processors; And A memory coupled to the one or more processors, the memory storing instructions executable by the one or more processors to cause the AP to: Receive a cooperative AFC response packet from at least one of a second AP and a central entity, wherein the central entity manages a plurality of APs including the AP in a wireless local area network WLAN deployment, and wherein the cooperative AFC response packet indicates one or more allowable channels and a maximum allowable power level for broadcasting wireless communication in a standard power mode on a 6 GHz band; And In response to receiving the cooperative AFC response packet, enable 6 GHz wireless communication and broadcast wireless communication on the 6 GHz band in the standard power mode.

11. The AP of claim 10, wherein: The cooperative AFC response packet further indicates information related to a secure zone geographical area, wherein within the secure zone geographical area, broadcasting wireless communication on the 6 GHz band in the standard power mode is permitted; And The memory includes further instructions executable by the one or more processors to cause the AP to: determine that the AP is within the secure zone geographical area.

12. The AP of claim 11, wherein: The information related to the secure zone geographical area includes a two-dimensional 2-D radius around the second AP; and Determining that the AP is within the secure zone geographical area includes determining that the distance between the AP and the second AP is less than the 2-D radius around the second AP.

13. The AP of claim 10, wherein: The memory includes further instructions executable by the one or more processors to cause the AP to: scan a band lower than the 6 GHz band for the cooperative AFC response packet; and Receiving the cooperative AFC response packet is in response to the scanning.

14. The AP of claim 13, wherein: The memory includes further instructions executable by the one or more processors to cause the AP to: attempt to self-locate using Global Positioning System GPS coordinates; and Scanning the lower band for the non-AFC provider AFC response is in response to a failed attempt by the AP to self-locate using GPS coordinates.

15. The AP of claim 13, wherein: The memory includes further instructions executable by the one or more processors to cause the AP: to determine whether the AP has an old AFC response from an AFC provider; and scan the lower frequency band for the cooperative AFC response packet in response to determining that the AP does not have an old AFC response from the AFC provider.

16. The AP according to claim 15, wherein: The memory includes further instructions executable by the one or more processors to cause the AP: to send an AFC query to the AFC provider; and determine whether the AP has an old AFC response from the AFC provider in response to waiting for a new AFC response from the AFC provider.

17. The AP according to claim 10, wherein the memory includes further instructions executable by the one or more processors to cause the AP: to overwrite any previously received AFC response from the AFC provider or any previously received cooperative AFC response packet from at least one of another AP and a central entity, where the central entity manages a plurality of APs including the AP in the WLAN deployment.

18. A method includes: receiving, from a first access point AP in a wireless local area network WLAN deployment, a cooperative AFC response packet that indicates one or more allowable channels and a maximum allowable power level for broadcasting wireless communication in a 6 GHz frequency band in a standard power mode; and sending, to one or more other APs in the WLAN deployment, an AFC response packet generated by a central entity that indicates the one or more allowable channels and the maximum allowable power level for broadcasting the wireless communication in the 6 GHz frequency band in the standard power mode.

19. The method according to claim 18, wherein: the cooperative AFC response packet further indicates information related to a protected geographical area where broadcasting the wireless communication in the 6 GHz frequency band in the standard power mode is not permitted; the method further includes: determining a safe zone geographical area within the WLAN deployment based on information related to the protected geographical area and the geographical location of the first AP, where broadcasting the wireless communication in the 6 GHz frequency band in the standard power mode is permitted in the safe zone geographical area; and the AFC response packet generated by the central entity indicates information related to the determined safe zone geographical area.

20. The method according to claim 19, wherein the information related to the determined safe zone geographical area identifies the first AP and indicates a two-dimensional 2-D radius around the first AP where broadcasting the wireless communication in the 6 GHz frequency band in the standard power mode is permitted.

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