# Presentation: 226799

## FCC Actions To Support Development of WISPS

- Julius P. Knapp
- Deputy Chief
- Office of Engineering and Technology
- Federal Communications Commission

## Overview

- Operation Under “Unlicensed” Rules
- Operation under “Licensed” Rules
- Commission Actions That Promote Development of WISPs:
- More Spectrum for Unlicensed
- Proposed Changes to Part 15 Rules

## Unlicensed Operation - Part 15 - Radio Frequency Devices

**Provides For Operation of Low Power Transmitters Without a User License**** **
**Examples: Garage door openers; cordless telephones; keyless entry systems; radio controlled toys; anti-pilferage systems, wireless data networks (LANs, PANs, etc.) **

## Part 15 Operating Conditions

**Operator Must Eliminate Any Harmful Interference That May Occur or Cease Operation**
**Must Accept Any Interference That ****May Be Received**** **
**No Vested Right To Continue Using Any Frequency**

## Controlling RF Interference

**Unlicensed Devices Generally Share Spectrum with Other Radio Services**** **
**Interference To Other Services Minimized By Careful Selection of Frequencies and Technical Standards**** **
**Equipment Must Be Authorized (Certificated) to Show Compliance With FCC Standards**

## “Spread Spectrum” Rules

- Frequency Bands:
- 902-928 MHZ
- 2400-2483.8 MHz
- 5725 - 5850 MHz
- Technical Rules (Section 15.247):
- Provides for frequency hopping systems and digital transmission systems
- Power limit: Up to 1 Watt output power
- Power reduction for high-gain antennas (omni vs. pt.-to-pt.)
- Out-of-band & spurious emissions limits
- Antenna must be permanently attached or unique connector
- IEEE 802.11(b) & (g), Bluetooth operate under these rules in the 2.4 GHz band.

## U-NII - Rules

**50 mW**
**Indoor Use Only**

**250 mW**

**    **
**    ****1 W**

- 5150

- 5250

- 5350

- 5725

- 5825

- Frequency (MHz)

- Link
- Indoor
- Devices

- Link
- Devices
- to Nodes

- Link
- Nodes
- (Campus)

-   **In 1996 the FCC Established Provisions for Unlicensed **
**   ****National Information Infrastructure (U-NII) Devices**

**  ****Led to the Development of IEEE 802.11(a)**

***Provided A Total of ***
***300 MHz of Spectrum!***

## Licensed Radio Services

- “Licensed” Radio Services Have Interference Protection
- Flexible Rules: Licensee May Choose Service/Technology
- Examples: Cellular; PCS; MMDS; LMDS, etc.
- Equipment Must Meet Basic Technical Standards
- Equipment Authorization is Required

## Equipment Authorization Required

- Most Radio Transmitters Require “Certification” to Show They Meet the FCC Technical Standards
- Certification Can be Issued By The FCC Or A Telecommunications Certification Body
- Compliance Label:
- FCC Identifier
- Compliance statement
- Equipment Certification Records Are Publicly Available On The FCC Web Site

## More Spectrum for Unlicensed

- Spectrum Policy Task Force Report Recommended FCC Provide More Spectrum For Unlicensed Operations
- FCC Notice of Inquiry (ET Docket 02-380):
- TV Broadcast Bands below 900 MHz
- 3650 - 3700 MHz

## More Spectrum for Unlicensed

**50 mW**
**Indoor Use Only**

**250 mW**

**    **
**    ****1 W**

- 5150

- 5250

- 5350

- 5725

- 5825

- Frequency (MHz)

- Link
- Indoor
- Devices

- Link
- Devices
- to Nodes

- Link
- Nodes
- (Campus)

-   **World Radio Conference Provided An Additional **
**    ****255 MHz of Spectrum for U-NII Devices**

**  ****FCC Plans Adopt Rules Shortly (ET Docket 03-122) **

***Provides A Total of ***
***555 MHz of Spectrum!***

**Proposed**
**250 mW**

- 5470

## Proposed Changes to Part 15Potentially Beneficial to WISPS

- NPRM 9/10/03 (See ET Docket No. 03-201)
- Provide for advanced antenna technologies and sectorized antennas in the 2.4 GHz band
- Modify the antenna replacement restrictions
- Modify equipment authorization procedures to allow configuration of custom systems without obtaining certification for each combination of transmitter/amplifier/antenna
- Invite comment on ways to improve sharing

## Tips for Sharing the Spectrum

- Unlicensed Devices Have Done Very Well In Sharing The Spectrum Without Causing Mutual Interference
- Make Sure You Comply With The Rules
- Be a Good Neighbor - - Many Interference Problems Can Be Resolved With Simple Technical Fixes

## Thank You

- Federal Communications Commission
- Office of Engineering and Technology