AFC System Reference Model

Version 1.0

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AFC System Reference Model v1.0

Document revision history

Version Date YYYY-MM-DD Remarks

Initial draft
0.8 2020-07-31
• Based on AFC System Architecture Proposal – r8, Sony Corporation. July 27, 2020
TG Draft
• Implemented Architecture ad hoc various recommendations:
0.9 2021-03-07 Change the document title to AFC System Reference Model
Changes to Section 1, Figure 2, Section 3 and Figure 3.
Removed Appendix
• Staff initial review with editorial updates, cross reference links and comments for TG
0.0.10 2021-03-22 • Revised version numbering to conform to WFA formatting.
• Updated footers to reflect 2021 copyright vs 2018
• AFC TG edits to address staff comments
• Updated document version number
0.0.11 2021-05-05
• Updated document header to show current version
• Updated abbreviation table in section 1.3.1 to add Vendor Specific Extensions

0.0.12 2021-05-11 • Technical Advisor comments added for TG review

0.0.13 2021-05-11 • TG updates in response to TA review

1.0 2021-06-22 • First published version

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AFC System Reference Model v1.0

Table of contents

1 INTRODUCTION .......................................................................................................................................................... 5
1.1 Scope ............................................................................................................................................................ 5
1.2 References .................................................................................................................................................... 5
1.3 Acronyms, Abbreviations and Definitions ..................................................................................................... 5
1.3.1 Abbreviations and acronyms ............................................................................................................ 5
1.3.2 Regulatory Definitions ...................................................................................................................... 6
1.3.3 AFC System Architecture Definitions ............................................................................................... 6
2 FUNCTIONAL ARCHITECTURE ................................................................................................................................. 8
2.1 Overview of Functional Architecture ............................................................................................................. 8
2.1.1 AFC System Reference Model ........................................................................................................ 8
2.1.2 AFC System High Level End to End Functional Architecture .......................................................... 8
3 OVERVIEW OF A FUNCTIONAL ARCHITECTURE.................................................................................................. 10
3.1 Architecture Description .............................................................................................................................. 10
3.2 Functional Description of Components ....................................................................................................... 10
3.2.1 NRA Database Update Function.................................................................................................... 10
3.2.2 AFC Device Responder Function .................................................................................................. 10
3.2.3 Spectrum Availability Function ....................................................................................................... 11
3.2.4 Incumbent Protection Function ...................................................................................................... 11
3.2.5 Logging Function............................................................................................................................ 11
3.2.6 AFC Internal Database Function .................................................................................................... 11

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AFC System Reference Model v1.0

List of tables
Table 1. Abbreviations and acronyms ......................................................................................................................... 6
Table 2. FCC Definitions ............................................................................................................................................. 6
Table 3. Definitions ..................................................................................................................................................... 6

List of figures
Figure 1. AFC System Reference Model ..................................................................................................................... 8
Figure 2. AFC System High Level End to End Functional Architecture ....................................................................... 9
Figure 3. Overall system reference model ................................................................................................................. 10

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AFC System Reference Model v1.0

1 Introduction
This document describes an AFC System Reference Model.

1.1 Scope
This document provides a reference architecture model for an AFC System as related to permissible architecture options
based on current regulatory rules. The scope of this document is to illustrate functions and interfaces comprising an AFC
System Reference Model. This document may be revised in the future based on regulatory developments.

1.2 References
Knowledge of the documents listed in this section is required for understanding this specification. If a reference includes a
date or a version identifier, only that specific version of the document is required. If the listing includes neither a date nor a
version identifier, then the latest version of the document is required. In the event of a conflict between this specification
and the following referenced documents, the contents of this specification take precedence.
[1] IEEE Standard for Information technology--Telecommunications and information exchange between systems Local
and metropolitan area networks--Specific requirements Part 11: Wireless LAN Medium Access Control (MAC) and
Physical Layer (PHY) Specifications," IEEE Std 802.11-2020
http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/ /document/9363693

[2] IEEE P802.11ax/D8.0, "IEEE Draft Standard for Information Technology -- Telecommunications and Information
Exchange Between Systems Local and Metropolitan Area Networks" -- Specific Requirements Part 11: Wireless LAN
Medium Access Control (MAC) and Physical Layer (PHY) Specifications Amendment Enhancements for High
Efficiency WLAN, October 2020.

[3] 47 CFR § 15.407 - General technical requirements, https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-

idx?SID=dd52c4e608f6d7fac0d341398a32aeeb&mc=true&node=se47.1.15_1407&rgn=div8

[4] 47 CFR Part 15 Subpart E - Unlicensed National Information Infrastructure Devices

[5] Federal Communications Commission, “Application Programming Interface (API) for OET Equipment Authorization
System”, August 2018, available at
https://apps.fcc.gov/oetcf/kdb/forms/FTSSearchResultPage.cfm?id=50070&switch=P

[6] Federal Communications Commissions, “Universal Licensing System”, available at

https://www.fcc.gov/wireless/systems-utilities/universal-licensing-system

[7] Wi-Fi Alliance AFC System to AFC Device Interface Specification https://www.wi-fi.org/file-member/afc-system-to-afc-
device-interface-specification

[8] Wi-Fi Alliance AFC Standard Power Access Point (DUT) Compliance Test Specification

1.3 Acronyms, Abbreviations and Definitions

1.3.1 Abbreviations and acronyms
Table 1 defines the abbreviations and acronyms used throughout this document. Some are commonly used in
publications and standards defining the operation of wireless local area networks, while others have been generated by
Wi-Fi Alliance.

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AFC System Reference Model v1.0

Table 1. Abbreviations and acronyms

Acronyms Definition

DUT Device Under Test

AFC Automated Frequency Coordination

AP Access Point

EAS Equipment Authorization System

SAP Service Access Point

SUT System Under Test

ULS Universal Licensing System

VSE Vendor Specific Extensions

1.3.2 Regulatory Definitions

The terms defined by the FCC [4] described in Table 2 are used in this document.
Table 2. FCC Definitions

Term Definition

Access Point (AP) A U-NII transceiver that operates either as a bridge in a peer-to-peer connection or as a connector between
the wired and wireless segments of the network.

Automated Frequency Coordination A system that automatically determines and provides lists of which frequencies and their associated maximum
(AFC) permissible transmission power levels which are available for use by those access points operating in in the
5.925-6.425 GHz and 6.525-6.875 GHz bands.

Client Device A U-NII device whose transmissions are generally under the control of an access point and that is not capable
of initiating a network.

Fixed Client Device A client device intended as customer premise equipment that is permanently attached to a structure, operates
only on channels provided by an AFC, has a geolocation capability, and complies with antenna pointing angle
requirements.
Universal Licensing System FCC Regulatory Database.

1.3.3 AFC System Architecture Definitions

The list of non-regulatory definitions that are applicable to this document are shown in Table 3.
Table 3. Definitions

Term Definition

Available Spectrum A radio frequency range in which a Standalone AP or Non-Standalone AP or Fixed Client Device can operate
at its location without causing harmful interference to incumbent radio systems.
Non-Standalone AP A Standard Power Access Point which does not communicate with the AFC System directly and operates
based on the information of Available Spectrum provided by the AFC System via the Proxy.
Proxy An entity engaging in communications with the AFC System on behalf of one or more Non-Standalone APs.

Regulatory Database A database server that is managed by the National Regulatory Authority (NRA) and that maintains the
information necessary for the calculation of Available Spectrum.
Standalone AP A Standard Power Access Point which communicates with the AFC System directly and operates based on
the information of Available Spectrum provided by the AFC System.

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AFC System Reference Model v1.0

Term Definition

Standard Power Access Point An Access Point that operates in the 5.925-6.425 GHz and 6.525-6.875 GHz bands pursuant to direction from
an Automated Frequency Coordination System.

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AFC System Reference Model v1.0

2 Functional Architecture
2.1 Overview of Functional Architecture
2.1.1 AFC System Reference Model
Figure 1 shows an AFC System Reference Model with reference test points. Wi-Fi Alliance compliance test plans use
AFC System to AFC Device Interface Specification [7].

Figure 1. AFC System Reference Model

2.1.2 AFC System High Level End to End Architecture

Figure 2 shows the high-level end to end functional architecture of an AFC System corresponding to the reference model
of Figure 1 based on a centralized AFC deployment.

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AFC System Reference Model v1.0

Regulatory
AFC System
Database

AFC Device 1

Proxy

AFC Device 2 AFC Device 3

Non- Non-
Fixed Client
Standalone AP Standalone AP Standalone AP
Device
1 2

Client Device 1 Client Device 2 Client Device 3

Figure 2. AFC System High Level End to End Functional Architecture

As shown in Figure 2, the AFC System end to end architecture functionality is described by the following seven entities:
▪ Client Device
▪ Fixed Client Device
▪ Standalone AP
▪ Non-Standalone AP
▪ Proxy
▪ Automated Frequency Coordination (AFC) System
▪ Regulatory Database

Each entity is defined by its functional roles and interfaces with other entities.
NOTE: Not all interfaces are required to be standardized. AFC System to AFC Device Interface [7] is standardized for
testing purposes.

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AFC System Reference Model v1.0

3 Overview of a Functional Architecture

3.1 Architecture Description
Figure 3 shows the functions for a reference AFC System model.

Figure 3. Overall system reference model

There are six functions to realize the AFC System model in Figure 3: NRA Database Update Function, AFC Device
Responder Function, Spectrum Availability Function, Incumbent Protection Function, AFC Internal Database Function,
and Logging Function. Section 3.2 describes in more detail the six identified functions. This description is both technology-
neutral and implementation-neutral, and as such is meant to be a high-level overview which does not preclude the
described functions from performing additional tasks.

3.2 Functional Description of Components

3.2.1 NRA Database Update Function
An NRA Database Update Function may perform any or all of the following for countries that permit AFC operation:

• Connect electronically according to regulatory-specified update frequency to download the latest copy of required
Regulatory Database(s)
• Reconcile against existing records (add new records, delete expired records, modify changed records)
• Retrieve information about AFC device models/types authorized by the NRA.

3.2.2 AFC Device Responder Function

This function is responsible for listening for inbound Available Spectrum Inquiry Request messages from AFC Devices,
and replying with Available Spectrum Inquiry Response messages. The tasks of this function could include:

• Maintain network listener to receive inbound HTTPS POST messages

• Complete SSL encryption handshake appropriate to TLS version, cipher suite and other parameters used by a
given implementation.
• Authenticate each inbound request as appropriate to the implementation.
• Perform data validation of inbound message contents including any NRA-required device identifiers.
• Construct and transmit Spectrum Inquiry Response message associated with requesting AFC device.

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AFC System Reference Model v1.0

The WFA AFC System - AFC Device Interface Specification [7] permits an optional message type called Vendor Specific
Extensions (VSE) to allow for additional flexibility for implementers. Recognizing and acting on such VSEs could be part of
the AFC Device Responder functionality. Such functionality is outside the scope of WFA's specifications.

3.2.3 Spectrum Availability Function

The purpose of a Spectrum Availability Function is to generate the payload of a response to valid Available Spectrum
Inquiry Requests received by an AFC Device Responder. It performs this function by:

• Processing any inbound required or optional parameters submitted by the AFC Device as appropriate to the
implementation.
• Invoking the Incumbent Protection Function one or more times as appropriate to the implementation, supplying
the parameters needed for each invocation.
• Aggregating results as appropriate and return to AFC Device Responder, along with fatal or warning error codes
as appropriate to the implementation.
• Documenting results by sending appropriate message(s) to a Logging Function as required by each supported
NRA or desired by the implementation.

3.2.4 Incumbent Protection Function

An Incumbent Protection Function is a function that performs calculations for the purpose of the protection of the
incumbent services, including but not limited to:

• Determine and provide to APs the permissible channels (per-channel basis) or frequencies (per-MHz basis) at
their location considering both co-channel and adjacent channel interference to licensed incumbents.
• Determine and provide to APs the maximum permissible transmission power level at their location considering
both co-channel and adjacent channel interference to licensed incumbents.
• Enforce protection of special entities, which may include, for example, radio astronomy observatories operating in
the designated radio astronomy band of 6650-6675.2 MHz.
• Implement the terms of current and future international border agreements as they relate to the use of 6 GHz
band.

3.2.5 Logging Function

A Logging Function is responsible to construct a non-repudiable record of AFC System operations that complies with
requirements of NRAs in which the AFC operates. Its duties include but are not limited to:

• Receive and archive relevant events from AFC system functions.

• Comply with record retention consistent with regulatory requirements.
• Report generation for system administration and to respond to regulatory inquiries.

3.2.6 AFC Internal Database Function

An AFC Internal Database Function is responsible to securely store and retrieve any structure data required for the
operation of the AFC system. For example, this function could provide antenna pattern data of fixed service receivers.

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