Tech Bytes: Aruba Navigates 6Ghz Spectrum Challenges With AFC Demo (Sponsored)

Today on the Tech Bytes podcast we’re talking about Wi-Fi 6E. 6E gear can take advantage of the recent addition of unlicensed spectrum in the 6GHz band, but that 6GHz band isn’t a free-for-all. There are incumbent entities that also have a stake in the spectrum. To prevent interference, there’s an effort known as the Automated Frequency Coordination database that coordinates among licensed and unlicensed users.

On today’s podcast, sponsored by Aruba, a Hewlett Packard Enterprise company, we’ll hear about Aruba’s participation in the first public demonstration of Wi-FI 6E and the AFC database. My guest is Dave Wright, Head of Global Wireless Policy at Aruba.

We discuss:

Issues with 6GHz band that require the Automated Frequency Coordination (AFC) database
What the AFC does and how it’s overseen
Results from the August 2022 public trial testing the AFC in which Aruba participated
What engineers should watch out for as they roll out Wi-Fi 6E APs