Impact of the FCC 5 GHz U-NII Report & Order on Wi-Fi Networks
Following the news release of the FCC's actions to change some technical rules for the 5 GHz U-NII bands, the official Report and Order was released on Tuesday.I've read through the R&O, and here are the technical modifications that were approved:
- U-NII 1 band (5.150 - 5.250 GHz) indoor operation restriction is removed. This allows use of the band for outdoor hotspots, WISPs, and bridge links. The growth of public hotspots will clearly benefit from this change.
- U-NII 1 band (5.150 - 5.250 GHz) power level restrictions are changed.
- AP power levels at the Intentional Radiator may be 1W (previously 50mW) and the EIRP may be 4W using a 6dBi antenna (previously 200mW), and following the 1dB reduction rule in transmitter power for every 1dB of antenna gain above 6dBi.
- Client power levels at the IR may be 250mW and the EIRP may be 1W, following the 1:1 dB reduction rule for antenna gain above 6dBi.
- WISPs may use up to 23dBi antennas on fixed point-to-point links without any corresponding reduction in transmitter power.
These changes help to unify the U-NII 1 band with the U-NII 2A/2C and U-NII 3 bands so Continue reading