By, smartwatches 30/11/2022

Why 'Wi-Fi 6E' is not your office/home 'wireless LAN': AFC and OpenRoaming are the keys

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　According to the WBA, the momentum to make 6GHz available is "undeniable", and more than 40 countries around the world have made 6GHz license-free. "Many other countries are also working to open up this band," he said. The WBA adds that many of these countries recognize the value of "Open AFC".

　Open AFC's goal is to develop an open source reference implementation of the AFC (automatic frequency adjustment) system. Open AFC enables unlicensed 6GHz equipment to operate outdoors. The WBA believes that leveraging 6GHz Wi-Fi in the AFC system will bring the benefits of public Wi-Fi with WBA OpenRoaming. For example, it enables privacy and security controls and seamless automated onboarding.

For WBA OpenRoaming, see also WBA OpenRoaming for Secure Wi-Fi Interconnection.

WBA OpenRoaming is a standard established by the WBA and the Wi-Fi Alliance to bridge the gap between mobile phone lines and Wi-Fi, providing seamless roaming between guest Wi-Fi networks and public Wi-Fi spots. provide connectivity. Combining the convenience of mobile roaming with Wi-Fi 6 connectivity, devices can securely and automatically connect to Wi-Fi networks. Users can seamlessly roam between hotspots without repeated logins.

　Open AFC also complements "TIP OpenWiFi". TIP OpenWiFi is an open source implementation of Wi-Fi software that redefines how Wi-Fi is built and deployed, enabling Wi-Fi service providers to deploy access points, cloud controllers, and smart analytics from various suppliers. aim.

WBA's Tiago Rodriguez (CEO) says. “There is a need for fair and equitable utilization of this spectrum while optimizing 6GHz connectivity and economic benefits. Open AFC will power Wi-Fi to deliver a secure and superior broadband experience in stadiums, homes, businesses, schools, hospitals and more."

Chris Symansky (co-chair) of the Open AFC Software Group added the following. "AFC is essential to the future of 6GHz Wi-Fi. Wi-Fi devices will be able to provide better coverage and work outdoors with AFC. WBA will focus on improving carrier-provisioned Wi-Fi." AFC is a good fit for that.”