IEEE 802.11y-2008 is an amendment to the IEEE 802.11-2007 standard that enables data transfer equipment to operate using the 802.11a protocol on a co-primary basis in the 3650 to 3700 MHz band except when near a grandfatheredsatellite earth station. IEEE 802.11y is only being allowed as a licensed band. It was approved for publication by the IEEE on September 26, 2008.
Background
In June 2007 the a "light licensing" scheme was introduced in 3650–3700 MHz band. Licensees pay a small fee for a nationwide, non-exclusive license. They then pay an additional nominal fee for each high powered base station that they deploy. Neither the client devices, nor their operators require a license, but these devices must receive an enabling signal from a licensed base station before transmitting. All stations must be identifiable in the event they cause interference to incumbent operators in the band. Further, there is a requirement that multiple licensees' devices are given the opportunity to transmit in the same area using a "contention based protocol" when possible. If interference between licensees, or the devices that they have enabled, cannot be mediated by technical means, licensees are required to resolve the dispute between themselves.
Features
The 3650 MHz rules allow for registered stations to operate at much higher power than traditional Wi-Fi gear. The combination of higher power limits and enhancements made to the MAC timing in 802.11-2007, will allow for the development of standards based 802.11 devices that could operate at distances of or more. IEEE 802.11y adds three new concepts to 802.11-2007 base Standard:
Beyond the 3650 band
While the scope of 802.11y was limited to operation in the US 3650–3700 MHz band in the US, care was taken so that, if the light licensing concept was well received, it would not be necessary to start the 3+ year task group process in order for 802.11y devices to operate in other countries or in other frequency bands. As a result, lightly licensed 802.11 devices will be able to operate in any 5, 10, or 20 MHz channel that regulators make available by simply adding entries to the country and regulatory information tables in Annex I and J of 802.11. Other potential bands for 802.11y include:
Wireless community networks or Wireless User Groups
Regulatory & 802.11y time-line
In 1995, NTIA suggests the "transfer" of the 3650 MHz to 3700 MHz frequency band to "mixed use" status
Dec 1998: FCC’s "3650 Allocation" press release announces this "primary" to "mixed use" transition, Dec 17 1998
Jan 1999: The spectrum from 3650 to 3700 is given "mixed-use status" and becomes available for non-federal use
Apr 2004: Original NPRM dated 04/23/2004 from Powell's FCC.. Titled "Unlicensed Operation in the Band 3650–3700 MHz et al.". This is the proposed rules to maximize the efficient use of the 3650–3700 band and foster the introduction of new and advanced services
Mar 2005: FCC releases R&O dated 03/16/2005, which describes in detail the use of the 3650 band and is titled "Wireless Operations in the 3650–3700 MHz Band; Rules for Wireless Broadband Services in the 3650–3700 MHz Band"
Mar 2005: 802.11's WNG requests that a CBP study group be formed to examine the opportunities afforded by FCC's 3650 MHz Report and Order and Memorandum Opinion and Order.
Nov 2005: The PAR and Five Criteria from the CBP-SG are approved by the 802 Executive Committee creating the 802.11y Task Group.
Jan 2007: First letter ballot received greater than 75% approval from 802.11 WG
Jun 2007: This is the FCC's MO&O dated 06/07/2007 from OET in which the Commission addresses the many petitions for reconsideration and other filings that resulted from FCC's 05-56 Report and Order see above.
Jun 2007: Draft 3.0 received 94% approval from 802.11 WG
Jul 2007: Conditional approval was obtained from the 802.11 Working Group and granted by the Executive Committee to forward.11y to sponsor ballot.
Aug 2007: Last ex parte comment filed on proceeding 04-151 in response to FCC's NPRM and R&O describing operations in the 3650 band. Almost 450 comments are filed. See WISPA's filing for example.
Nov 2007: FCC begins providing the means, via FCC's Universal Licensing System, to allow non-Federal operators to purchase non-exclusive nationwide licenses to allow for licensed operations in the 3650 Band. Licensee call signs are assigned upon approval of application.
Dec 21, 2007: IEEE/ISO Sponsor Ballot process begins for the 802.11 amendment y Standard using Draft 7 of the amendment.
Jun 5 2008: Start of final 15-day Sponsor Ballot Recirc to seek approval of a Draft 11 after small Clause 17 edit. This draft will be forwarded to RevCom and the IEEE SA's Standards Board for approval and publication.
Sep 26 2008: P802.11y is approved as a new standard during the IEEE-SA Standards Board's meeting that took place on this date. The final draft document for amendment y is forwarded to the IEEE's Standards Publications Department in preparation for printing. This Standard took about 31 "participant weeks" over 2.5 years to draft and ballot 74 pages and resolve 1638 comments for this amendment to the 802.11 Base Standard.
