6 GHz standard power

I'm reviewing limitations of low power indoor (LPI) and standard power (SP) for 6 GHz in the FCC regulatory domain. There's been some discussion about the benefits of SP indoors, but my experience has been that the complexity, limitations, and risk of SP outweigh the benefits. I prefer to install LPI models wherever possible unless there is a specific need for power, weatherproofing, or external antennas. Especially in high density environments, I really want to be able to use 47.5% more channels that are in U-NII 6 and 8 when using LPI compared to SP. This likely is significantly more impactful to total system performance than being able to increase power and MCS rates.


Aruba AP-675 in an outdoor space

Standard Power 6 GHz

- requires daily location/AFC check-in, else 6 GHz radio is disabled
- limited to 40 of 59 channels or less, depending on AFC response
- higher max power possible, depending on AFC response
- allows external antennas
- allows outdoor models

Low Power Indoors 6 GHz

- allows 59 of 59 channels
- lower max power possible
- no location/AFC check-in required
- no external antennas allowed
- integrated directional antennas OK
- no outdoor/weatherized models allowed
- not allowed to be installed outdoors at all
- not allowed to be installed in a weatherized enclosure

Because of these new limitations, LPI APs with integrated directional antennas such as Mist AP47D or Aruba AP-763 are now a much more interesting option for large venues and possibly even as a standard design model. Increasing the gain in the direction of the floor will increase RSSI for nearby clients without needing the additional power of SP models and the complexity that is required for them. Additionally, this type of model will increase the proclivity of client devices to roam to closer APs rather than sticking on a mediocre radio that is farther away. Furthermore, co-channel contention in 5 GHz and even 2.4 GHz will also be reduced, making these existing bands more efficient. 

Peter McKenzie does a great analysis of the benefits of LPI with integrated directional antennas in this video:


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