Qualcomm’s AFC automated frequency coordination looks set to unlock a higher-performance, longer-range version of 6GHz operation in Wifi 6E, Wifi 7 and future generations.

Once regulatory approvals are granted, it will be commercially available for use by the public. It is immediately available for integration into customer products with access point (AP) agent and cloud systems with end-to-end validation and certification.

The AFC uses standards-defined interfaces to support interoperability across all network deployments leveraging 6GHz operation, including Wifi 6E, Wifi 7 and beyond.

“Qualcomm stands ready to deploy scalable, turnkey cloud-to-silicon services to boost 6GHz performance,” said Nick Kucharewski, senior vice president at Qualcomm Technologies. “Once the FCC approves this, customers will be able to experience the benefits of longer range and higher performance whole-home mesh connectivity, plus higher speed and lower latency for 6GHz-capable devices.”

The AFC offers location-based power optimisations for 6GHz transmissions, enabling higher wifi power levels to be used in access points and client devices, and delivering higher performance and longer range while protecting existing incumbent users of the band.

It will be available across Wifi 6E and 7 based networks, with supported products ready to provide standard power capabilities upon FCC approval. It should drive significant performance enhancements indoors, where an increase in peak transmit power of 63 times can be realised, as well as outdoors operations that are enabled with AFC.

The technology is designed to meet global regulatory requirements, ensure a simple customer deployment model scalable across multiple regions, and is robust and secure to support millions of devices.

It is now available for device integration across Qualcomm’s Networking Pro series and immersive home platforms.