FCC plans to prohibit the use of “World Wide Roaming”. What this means is that wireless clients will not be allowed to use the 802.11d specification to automatically configure themselves to their local regulatory domain in the US. This update will require the manufacturer to set the country domain code for their products to US. This new FCC rule will also prevent any end-user from making changes to transmitter RF parameters if it is not authorized to do so in the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands.

• For the 2.4 GHz band, an end-user must not be able to enable channels 12 or 13 if it is not authorized to use those channels.  Furthermore, the end-user must not be able to change the country domain code or output power or any RF parameters via Access Point beacons, software updates, or any other configuration software.
• There are a few acceptable exceptions outlined in the KDB.  For example, only service personnel are allowed to make changes as described above.  For transmitters authorized to use channels 12 and 13 at low output power levels, they must still comply with the out-of-band limits.

• For the 5 GHz band, an end-user must not be able to enable any unauthorized sub-bands, nor turn off DFS capabilities or change output power or country domain code via Access Point beacons, software updates or configuration software.  Again, only service personnel are allowed to make changes.

Additionally, the new rules require a description by manufacturers of what methods are put into place to prevent changes by the end-user.

Important Dates and how it impacts you?

• Starting on January 01, 2015, all certifications of new client transmitters capable of operating on channels 12 & 13 must follow the new rules.
• On June 02, 2015, all certifications of new client transmitters not operating on channels 12 & 13 must follow the new rules.
• Additionally, for new certifications and permissive changes, the 5.725-2.850 GHz band must be tested under 15.407 rules instead of 15.247 rules with grants showing code 38 or 39.
• On June 02, 2016, ALL transmitters must be approved under the new rules with new grants and test reports before being sold, manufactured, imported or newly installed.  Transmitters already in use and installed are grandfathered.

Per ET Docket 13-39 and 13-49 and FCC Knowledge DataBase 594280 dated August 14, 2014, starting on June 02, 2016 all units sold, manufactured, imported or newly installed must comply to the new rules of 594280 D01 Configuration Control and 594280 D02 UNII Device Security.

For reference, please view KDB’s at:

https://apps.fcc.gov/oetcf/kdb/index.cfm

Under KDB Publication Number Search, enter “594280”

• 594280 D01 Configuration Control v02r01
• 594280 D02 UNII Device Security v01r01
• 926956 D01 U-NII Transition Plan v01r02