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Silex Unwired

Selecting the Right FCC Power Class for 6 GHz Devices

Learn how LPI, SP, and VLP classifications affect Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7 product design, antenna selection, and certification strategy. 

In our previous blog, Certification Guidance for Wi-Fi 6E Devices, we introduced how the FCC opened the 6 GHz band and defined equipment classes such as 6ID and 6SD for Wi-Fi 6E modules. 

Today, the FCC recognizes three operational power classes: Low Power Indoor (LPI), Standard Power (SP), and Very Low Power (VLP), each with distinct limits on transmit power, antenna configuration, and use environment that directly influence device design and certification. 

Understanding FCC Power Classes: LPI, SP, and VLP 

Low Power Indoor (LPI) For Fixed Indoor Devices 

When the FCC first opened the 6 GHz band in 2020, it created the Low Power Indoor (LPI) category to enable Wi-Fi 6E devices to operate indoors at moderate power levels. 

  • Maximum Power: up to 30 dBm EIRP 
  • Use Environment: indoor only, not permitted outdoors, in vehicles, or for battery-powered outdoor devices 
  • Antenna & Labeling: must use integrated antennas and include “indoor use only” instructions 
  • AFC Requirement: not required 

Standard Power (SP) For Outdoor and High-Performance Applications 

Standard Power (SP) devices allow the highest power levels permitted for unlicensed 6 GHz operation, supporting both indoor and outdoor use. 

  • Maximum Power: up to 36 dBm EIRP (managed by AFC) 
  • Use Environment: indoor and outdoor 
  • Antenna & Hardware: may use external antennas, often connectorized or weatherized for outdoor environments 
  • AFC Requirement: required 

Very Low Power (VLP)  For Portable and Short-Range Devices 

Introduced later by the FCC to complement LPI and SP, Very Low Power (VLP) operation supports mobile and battery-powered use cases that require flexibility and low interference potential. 

  • Maximum Power: 14 dBm EIRP indoors, 10 dBm EIRP outdoors 
  • Use Environment: both indoor and outdoor, but limited to short-range operation 
  • AFC Requirement: not required 
  • Mobility: supports portable devices such as AR/VR headsets, wearables, or tethered accessories 

The FCC expanded VLP operation across the entire 6 GHz band in 2024, effective May 2025, providing greater flexibility  for designers of low-power wireless and IoT devices. 

Choosing the Right Power Class 

Selecting the correct class early in the design phase ensures the product’s hardware, antenna, and labeling all align with FCC requirements. 

The following summary table compares the three FCC power classes and the module types best suited for each. 

Power Class 

Indoor / Outdoor 

Max EIRP 

AFC Required 

Typical Use 

Suitable Module Type 

LPI 

Indoor only 

30 dBm 

No 

Access points, routers, gateways 

6ID or 6SD 

SP 

Indoor + Outdoor 

36 dBm (AFC-managed) 

Yes 

Enterprise, outdoor mesh, WISP 

6SD 

VLP 

Indoor + Outdoor (portable) 

14 dBm / 10 dBm 

No 

Wearables, AR/VR, mobile IoT 

6ID 

 

Choosing the wrong class mid-development can trigger re-testing or re-filing with the FCC, so clarifying the intended environment and antenna configuration from the start is critical.

Supporting Your Product Certification Journey with Silex 

Understanding the differences between LPI, SP, and VLP operation is key to designing compliant Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7 products. Each class has unique power limits, antenna configurations, and use environments that must align with FCC expectations. Selecting the right power class early can prevent costly redesigns or delays during certification. 

Silex Technology provides end-to-end regulatory and certification support to help customers bring compliant 6 GHz products to market efficiently and confidently. Our team leverages decades of wireless expertise, from module selection and power-class evaluation to lab coordination and global submissions, to simplify every step of the certification process. 

Interested in learning how Silex can help? Contact us today.