AFC Proxy Configuration for 6 GHz Low-Power Indoor Transmitters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing low power indoor access points (LPI) operating in the 6 GHz unlicensed spectrum face challenges in minimizing interference to incumbent microwave links due to the lack of mandatory frequency coordination, potentially disrupting essential services.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for configuring LPI access points using an Automated Frequency Coordination (AFC) system, where a residential gateway communicates with an AFC proxy to obtain frequency channels and power limits, and an LPI configuration service translates and determines optimal channels and power limits to minimize interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If LPI access points operate in unlicensed 6 GHz spectrum without mandatory frequency coordination, then deployment simplicity and ease of operation are improved, but interference to incumbent microwave links increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an AFC proxy server as an intermediary component between LPI access points and the AFC system. The proxy server automatically handles frequency coordination by receiving location information from LPI access points, querying the AFC system for appropriate frequency channels, and configuring the access points without requiring direct interaction between the access points and the AFC system. This mediator approach maintains deployment simplicity while ensuring interference protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The LPI access points perform self-configuration by automatically providing their location information to the AFC proxy server and receiving frequency channel assignments without manual intervention. The system enables self-service operation where access points autonomously complete the frequency coordination process through automated proxy assistance, maintaining ease of deployment while ensuring proper frequency selection to protect microwave links.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If LPI access points use automated frequency coordination, then interference protection is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The AFC proxy server acts as an intermediary that centralizes the complexity of frequency coordination. Rather than requiring each LPI access point to directly interface with the AFC system, the proxy server handles all communication, location queries, and frequency channel assignments. This mediator approach protects microwave links from interference while keeping the access point hardware and software complexity minimal.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a simplified copy of the AFC system functionality through the proxy server, which replicates the essential frequency coordination functions without requiring full AFC system integration at each access point. The proxy server maintains a simplified interface with the AFC system and distributes appropriate frequency channel information to multiple access points, reducing overall system complexity while ensuring interference protection.
3Reliability
If LPI access points operate with standard power limits, then compliance with FCC regulations is improved, but available power for transmission is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic power management where the AFC proxy server determines appropriate power levels for LPI access points based on their specific location, the nearby microwave link locations, and the calculated interference margins. Rather than applying a fixed standard power limit, the system dynamically adjusts power levels to the minimum necessary for compliant operation, ensuring FCC regulation compliance while maximizing available transmission power for each specific deployment scenario.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the power parameter dynamically based on location and interference conditions. The AFC proxy server queries the AFC system which returns frequency channels and power limits tailored to each LPI access point's specific location relative to microwave links. This parameter change approach ensures regulatory compliance while optimizing transmission power for each individual deployment, rather than applying a uniform power limit.
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, providing a standard request for usage of one or more frequencies to an automated frequency coordination (AFC) system, where the request includes a location of a low power indoor transmitter that is a subject of the request. The aspects may include receiving data identifying at least one frequency channel and a power limit for the at least one frequency channel from the AFC system, where the at least one frequency channel and the power limit are determined by the AFC system to reduce interference with existing standard power access points based on the location of the low power indoor transmitter. The aspect may include providing the data identifying the at least one frequency channel and the power limit to the low power indoor transmitter. Other embodiments are disclosed.