Source: http://www.fcc.gov/print/node/46013
Timestamp: 2014-07-28 17:09:05
Document Index: 106172272

Matched Legal Cases: ['arts 2', '§ 15', '§ 15', '§15', '§15', '§ 15', '§ 15', '§ 15', 'art 15', '§ 15', '§ 15', 'arts 2']

In 2006 the Commission issued measurement procedures that it would use to test the devices to ensure that they comply with the radar detection and the dynamic frequency selection (DFS) requirements for the U-NII-2A and U-NII-2C bands.14 In response to the TDWR interference cases, 11 DFS is a mechanism that detects the presence of radar signals and dynamically guides a transmitter to switch to another channel whenever a particular condition is met. Prior to the start of any transmission, a U-NII device equipped with DFS capability must continually monitor the radio environment for radar’s presence. If the U-NII device determines that a radar signal is present, it must either select another channel to avoid interference with radar, or go into a “sleep mode” if no other channel is available.12 See FCC Enforcement Advisory, TDWR and U-NII Devices, “Enforcement Bureau Takes Action to Prevent Interference to FAA-Operated Terminal Doppler Weather Radars Critical to Flight Safety,” (TDWR Enforcement Advisory) DA 12-459, September 27, 2012, Enforcement Advisory No. 2012-07, available at: http://www.fcc.gov/encyclopedia/weather-radar-interference-enforcement [4]. Users of U-NII devices include wireless Internet service providers (WISPs), which were the focus of the Enforcement Advisory for outdoor fixed installations, as well as consumers for indoor wireless networking.13 See VPNet, Inc., Notice of Apparent Liability for Forfeiture and Order, 27 FCC Rcd 2879 (Enf. Bur. 2012); Argos Net, Inc., Notice of Apparent Liability for Forfeiture and Order, 27 FCC Rcd 2786 (Enf. Bur. 2012); Insight Consulting Group of Kansas City, LLC, Notice of Apparent Liability of Forfeiture and Order, 26 FCC Rcd 10699 (Enf. Bur. 2011); Ayustar Corp., Notice of Apparent Liability for Forfeiture and Order, 26 FCC Rcd 10693 (Enf. Bur. 2011); Rapidwave, LLC, Notice of Apparent Liability for Forfeiture and Order, 26 FCC Rcd 10678 (Enf. Bur. 2011); AT&T, Inc., Notice of Apparent Liability for Forfeiture, 26 FCC Rcd 1894 (Enf. Bur. 2011); Utah Broadband, Notice of Apparent Liability for Forfeiture, 26 FCC Rcd 1419 (Enf. Bur. 2011) (forfeiture paid). See also Ayustar Corp., Memorandum Opinion and Order, 25 FCC Rcd 16,249 (Enf. Bur. 2010); Sling Broadband, LLC, Forfeiture Order, 26 FCC Rcd 13062 (Enf. Bur. 2011).14 These procedures were based on the work of the International Telecommunication Advisory Committee-Radiocommunication (ITAC-R) Government/Industry Project Team (Project Team) /Industry Project Team (Project Team) and recommendations from NTIA. See Letter from Fredrick R. Wentland, Associate Administrator, NTIA to Julius Knapp, Deputy Chief, OET, filed in ET Docket No. 03-122 on March 30, 2006, and the enclosure (continued....)
The Spectrum Act also requires NTIA, in consultation with the Department of Defense and other impacted agencies, to conduct a study evaluating known and proposed spectrum sharing technologies and the risks to Federal users if unlicensed U-NII devices were allowed to operate in the U- (...continued from previous page)Compliance Measurement Procedures for Unlicensed National Information Infrastructure Devices Operating in the 5250-5350 MHz and 5470-5725 MHz bands Incorporating Dynamic Frequency Selection (Compliance Measurement Procedures). See also Revision of Parts 2 and 15 of the Commission’s Rules to permit Unlicensed National Information Infrastructure (U-NII) devices in the 5 GHz Band, Memorandum Opinion and Order, ET Docket No.03-122,21 FCC Rcd 7672 Appendix Compliance Measurement Procedures for Unlicensed-National Information Infrastructure Devices Operating in the 5250-5350 MHz and 5470-5725 MHz Bands Incorporating Dynamic Frequency Selection.15 See Letter from Lawrence E. Strickling, Administrator, NTIA to Julius Genachowski, Chairman, FCC, filed February 19, 2013, and the enclosure Appendix - Proposal for New Unlicensed National Information InfrastructureDynamic Frequency Selection Certification Waveforms. A copy of this document has been placed in the docket file for this proceeding.16 See Presidential Memorandum: Unleashing the Wireless Broadband Revolution (Executive Memo) (June 28, 2010), available at: http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/presidential-memorandum-unleashing-wireless [5]-broadband-revolution.17 FCC, Connecting America: The National Broadband Plan at Chapter 5, available at: http://www.broadband.gov [6]. 18 See Omnibus Technical Report, Mobile Broadband: The Benefits of Additional Spectrum (Oct. 2010), pg 18, available at: http://download.broadband.gov/plan/fcc-staff-technical-paper-mobile-broadband-benefits-of [7]-additional-spectrum.pdf. While the statements in the paper were aimed at unleashing 300 megahertz of licensablespectrum, unlicensed spectrum has the potential to ease the strain of the spectrum deficit. Unlicensed wireless networks operating in the U-NII bands help to decrease the demands on mobile cellular providers that use mobile data offloading. Mobile data offloading is the process by which data that would normally be transmitted over the cellular network is rerouted to complementary networks. For cellular phones and smart phones in particular, the offloaded data is typically routed over unlicensed wireless networks. This decreases the traffic load and helps to alleviate the congestion created by increased broadband data use on the cellular networks. 5
19 See supra note 3 at Section 6406(a).20 Id. The Spectrum Act states that technical solutions may include existing, modified or new spectrum-sharing technologies and solutions, such as dynamic frequency selection. 21 See Department of Commerce, “Evaluation of the 5350-5470 MHz and 5850-5925 MHz Bands Pursuant to Section 6406(b) of the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012,” available at http://www.ntia.doc.gov/files/ntia/publications/ntia_5_ghz_report_01-25-2013.pdf [8]. A copy of this report has been placed in the docket of this proceeding.22 A chart displaying the different technical requirements for each band is provided in Appendix C.23 Before starting any transmission, a U-NII device equipped with DFS capability must continually monitor the radio environment for the presence of a radar system. If the U-NII device determines that a radar system is present, it must either select another channel or enter a “sleep mode” if no channels are available. See 47 C.F.R. §§ 15.403(g) and 15.407(i).
24 TPC is a feature that adjusts a transmitter’s output power based on the signal level present at the receiver. As the signal level at the receiver rises or falls, the transmit power will decrease or increase as needed. Therefore, TPC will cause the transmitter to operate at less than the maximum power when lower signal levels can provide acceptable quality of service. See 47 C.F.R. § 15.407(h).25 See infra para. 23.26 See www.Wi-Fi.org [9]. How does Wi-Fi technology work? Wi-Fi is a short range technology that is often used in conjunction with a customer’s DSL, FIOS, or cable modem service to connect end-user devices, such as PCs, laptops and smart phones, located within the customer’s home or business to the Internet. In these cases, Wi-Fi allows users to move Wi-Fi enabled devices around within their homes or businesses without installing additional inside wiring, but the actual ”connection” to the service provider is via the customer’s DSL, FIOS, or cable modem service. Wi-Fi is widely available in airports, city parks, restaurants, bookstores and other public places called “hotspots,” allowing those who are away from their homes or businesses to access the Internet.27 The 802.11a standard is an amendment to the original standard that was ratified in 1999. The amendment was incorporated into the published IEEE 802.11-2007.28 IEEE 802.11n is an amendment to the IEEE 802.11-2007 standard and was published in 2009.29 At the time of writing this document, the 802.11 ac standard is still under development. The IEEE 802.11ac standard is expected to be finalized in February 2014. Seehttp://grouper.ieee.org/groups/802/11/Reports/802.11_Timelines.htm [10].
As we discuss in more detail below, we are proposing two changes that will eliminate the disparity in our rules for 5.7 GHz digitally modulated devices. First, we propose to extend the upper edge of the U-NII-3 band from 5.825 GHz to 5.85 GHz to match the amount of spectrum available for digitally modulated devices under Section 15.247. We believe that this change would eliminate the complexity and costs associated with multiple rule part certifications for these devices which are technically similar.Adopting this proposal would not increase the potential for harmful interference because this 25 megahertz segment is already available for devices certified under Section 15.247. We seek comment on the potential benefits of expanding the U-NII-3 band to include an additional 25 megahertz of spectrum at the upper band edge. We invite comment on whether there are cost advantages of this proposal. We ask that commenter’s assessment of adopting the proposal weigh and compare the benefits and costs to do so. This assessment should address which costs should be borne by U-NII device manufacturers, U-NII device operators or other third parties, as appropriate. 37 In addition to higher emissions limits, the measurement procedures for Sections §15.247 and §15.407 vary considerably. The FCC’s Lab has issued guidance through its knowledge data base program (KDBs) for testing of emissions for compliance with Sections 15.247 and the U-NII device rules in Sections 15.401 through 15.407. SeeKDB 644545 D01 – Guidance for IEEE 802.11ac and Pre-ac Device Emission Testing and KDB 644545 D02 Alternative Guidance for IEEE 802.11ac and Pre-ac Emissions Testing. These KDB documents are available at: www.fcc.gov/labhelp [11]. The alternative guidance permits all emissions testing for operation between 5.725 and 5.85 GHz to be performed using testing procedures for U-NII devices and emission limits based on the U-NII rules at Section 15.407 even though operations may extend above the 5.825 GHz upper bound of the U-NII-3 band. We discuss compliance issues for composite devices more fully in Section III. B., below.
Power Spectral Density. Section 15.247 requires a maximum PSD of 8 dBm/3 kHz (33 dBm/MHz), whereas Section 15.407 requires a maximum PSD of 17 dBm/MHz. The only difference between these two PSD limits is the bandwidth at which the 1 Watt total power, rather than the PSD, becomes the limiting factor. Specifically, Section 15.247 allows a higher PSD when the device emission bandwidth is between 0.5 to 20 megahertz. Above 20 megahertz emission bandwidth, the 1 Watt power limit becomes the limiting parameter, and PSD is the same for both Sections 15.247 and 15.407. We propose to modify Section 15.407 to require the PSD limit used in Section 15.247 (i.e., 8 dBm/3 kHz (33 dBm/MHz)), so that digitally modulated devices designed to meet this limit will continue to comply with the new PSD requirement in Section 15.407. This will ease the transition of all digitally modulated devices in the 5.725-5.85 GHz band to authorization and compliance under Section 15.407. The only 38 We would continue to authorize under Section 15.247 frequency hopping spread spectrum devices in the 5725-5850 MHz band and hybrid devices, i.e., those that can function as either spread spectrum or digitally modulated systems because these devices have not been observed to cause interference to TDWRs and do not have the similarities to U-NII devices that other digitally modulated systems have.39 See 47 C.F.R. §§ 15.247(b)(3) and 15.407(a)(3). See also KDB 644545 D01 – Guidance for IEEE 802.11ac and Pre-ac Device Emission Testing and KDB 644545 D02 Alternative Guidance for IEEE 802.11ac and Pre-ac Emissions Testing. These KDB documents are available at: www.fcc.gov/labhelp [11]. 40 See 47 C.F.R. §§ 15.247(e) and 15.407(a)(3).
41 See 47 C.F.R. § 15.205(a). There are a number of restricted bands in which low power, non-licensed transmitters are not allowed to operate because of potential interference to sensitive radio communications such as aircraft radionavigation, radio astronomy and search and rescue operations. Only spurious emissions from Part 15 devices are permitted in these restricted bands.42 See 47 C.F.R. § 15.247(d). See also 47 C.F.R § 15.209.43 In KDB 789033 D01– UNII General Test Procedures v01r02 (available at: http://www.fcc.gov/labhelp [11]) , our Office of Engineering and Technology (OET) has advised applicants that they can demonstrate compliance with the -27 dBm/MHz and -17 dBm/MHz out-of-band emission limits outside of the restricted bands with spectrum measurements performed with the peak detection and “max hold” settings of the spectrum analyzer. 12
Federal. The U-NII-1 band is used for feeder links by a global NGSO/MSS network that requires co-channel interference protection.47 We also need to consider the potential for interference to services in the 44 See supra para. 5.45 We note that NTIA in conjunction with the Federal agencies performed an assessment of the viability of accommodating commercial wireless broadband services in the1.755-1.85 GHz band, and that they have identified the 5.15-5.25 GHz band as a comparable band to relocate aeronautical mobile telemetry systems. See United States Department of Commerce, An Assessment of Viability of Accommodating Wireless Broadband in the 1755-1850 MHz Band (March 2012).46 See Amendment of Parts 2, 25 and 97 of the Commission's Rules with Regard to the Mobile-Satellite Service Above 1 GHz, ET Docket No. 98-142, Report and Order, 17 FCC Rcd 2658 (2002) (FCC 02-23).47 Globalstar Licensee LLC and GUSA Licensee LLC (collectively referred to as “Globalstar”) are wholly owned subsidiaries of Globalstar, Inc. Globalstar’s space stations are authorized to receive uplink transmissions from the feeder link stations in the 5096-5250 MHz band. Globalstar’s feeder link earth stations in Clifton, Texas also transmit telecommand signals to the satellites in the 5091-5092 MHz band. See Globalstar Licensee LLC Application for Modification of Non-geostationary Mobile Satellite Service Space Station License, Order, 26 FCC Rcd 3948 (DA 11-520).
FCC 13-22 bands immediately adjacent to the U-NII-1 band. Microwave landing systems operate below 5.15 GHz, and the Commission has proposed to add an allocation for Aeronautical Mobile Telemetry at 5.091-5.15 GHz.48
We seek comment on whether the rules for the U-NII-1 band should be modified to harmonize with the rules for the U-NII-2A band in three areas.49 Specifically, we seek comment on whether we should increase the power limits to those applicable in the U-NII-2A band, i.e., 250 mW with a maximum EIRP of 30 dBm with 6 dBi antenna gain.50 We also invite comment on whether the rules for the U-NII-1 band should be modified to increase the PSD limits to those applicable in the U-NII-2A band, i.e., 11 dBm/MHz.51 Finally, we seek comment on whether the rules for the U-NII-1 band should be modified to eliminate the restriction on outdoor operation, and, if we were to do so, whether we should allow outdoor operation only under the current power and PSD limits for the band or under the limits now permitted only in the U-NII-2 bands. We believe that these changes would permit a new generation of wireless devices to be developed in the U-NII bands, particularly if industry develops wider bandwidth devices that would operate across multiple U-NII band segments. Harmonizing the power and use conditions across the lower 200 megahertz of U-NII spectrum would likely permit the introduction of a wide-range of new broadband products capable of operating at higher data rates than is now possible. We seek comment on these assumptions, and on the potential impacts to incumbent services, including any suggestions for mitigating interference. 40.
We also seek comment on whether the rules for the U-NII-1 band should be modified to harmonize with the rules for the U-NII-3 band to: (a) increase the power limits to 1 W with a maximum EIRP of 36 dBm with 6 dBi antenna gain; (b) increase the PSD limits to 17 dBm; and (c) limit out-of-band emissions to an EIRP of -27 dBm/MHz and (d) eliminate the restriction on outdoor operation. We believe that these changes would permit for wider bandwidth devices that would not rely on contiguous spectrum under new Wi-Fi standards, discussed below, and would permit the introduction of more outdoor access points for broadband use. We seek comment on these assumptions, and on the potential impacts to incumbent services, including any suggestions for mitigating interference.
We invite comment on the benefits of adopting either of these approaches as well as the costs of doing so. We ask that commenter’s assessment of adopting either approach weigh and compare the benefits and costs to do so. This assessment should address which costs should be borne by U-NII device manufacturers, U-NII device operators or other third parties, as appropriate. 3.
Ensuring Compliance with the Rules for the U-NII Bands
Background. As stated above, in early 2009, the FAA reported interference to their TDWR systems that operate within the 5.6-5.65 GHz band.52 The interference manifests itself as a strobe or lines on the radar display. Through further study, investigation, and enforcement activity, we have 48 See <