Centralized AFC Database for 6 GHz Regulatory Compliance
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current Automatic Frequency Coordination (AFC) systems lack End-to-End procedures for managing unlicensed 6 GHz frequency band usage, particularly in ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and mitigating interference, as specified in the FCC 6 GHz Report & Order, which are not adequately addressed by existing specifications.
Innovation Solution
A network database function that maintains records of AFC service providers and systems, enabling new signaling messages and procedures for querying and controlling 6 GHz unlicensed devices, allowing for accurate information storage, enforcement of regulatory compliance, and timely shutdown of non-compliant access points.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If AFC systems implement comprehensive End-to-End procedures for managing unlicensed 6 GHz frequency band usage, then regulatory compliance and interference mitigation are improved, but system complexity and implementation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the AFC system into distinct functional components: a database function for storing and managing AFC service provider information, signaling message interfaces for communication, and procedural modules for specific operations (authentication, interference mitigation, enforcement). This segmentation allows each component to be developed, tested, and maintained independently, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining comprehensive regulatory compliance capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary database function that mediates between AFC service providers, unlicensed base stations, and regulatory authorities. This intermediary stores and manages information about AFC service providers and systems, facilitating coordinated interaction without requiring direct complex connections between all parties, thereby simplifying the overall system architecture while enabling comprehensive End-to-End procedures.
2Loss of information
If AFC systems store and maintain detailed information about AFC service providers and systems, then enforcement capability and information accuracy are improved, but data management complexity and query processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-organizing and indexing AFC service provider information in the database function before queries are executed. The database stores structured information including FCC identifiers, serial numbers, geographic locations, and system characteristics in advance, enabling rapid retrieval and processing when queries are received, thus maintaining information accuracy while minimizing query processing time.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If AFC systems implement authentication and interference mitigation procedures, then incumbent service protection is improved, but signaling overhead and processing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where AFC systems continuously monitor the 6 GHz band for incumbent service interference, compare measurements against thresholds, and automatically adjust unlicensed base station operations accordingly. This feedback loop enables effective interference mitigation through standardized signaling procedures that reduce complexity by using predetermined response actions based on monitored conditions, rather than requiring complex real-time decision-making algorithms.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of a method performed by an Automatic Frequency Coordination (AFC) service provider database is disclosed, where the AFC service provider database maintains records of AFC service providers and/or AFC systems. In some embodiments, the method can include receiving, from a network node associated with an AFC service provider or AFC operator, a request to add, modify, delete, or view information about the AFC service provider and/or an AFC system of the AFC service provider. In some embodiments, the method can also include performing one or more actions responsive to the request.