LPI (Low Power Indoor)

LPI (Low Power Indoor) refers to a class of Wi-Fi devices operating in the 6 GHz band, strictly limited to indoor use. These devices are exempt from Automated Frequency Coordination (AFC) due to their reduced transmission power and indoor-only deployment, minimizing the risk of interference with incumbent services.

Scope and Application

• Typical use cases: Homes, offices, and commercial indoor spaces

• Outdoor use: Prohibited

• AFC requirement: Not required

• Regulatory availability: United States, European Union, Canada, Japan, Brazil (based on national 6 GHz spectrum policy)

Frequency Allocation by Region

• United States: 5925–7125 MHz (U-NII-5 to U-NII-8)

• European Union: 5945–6425 MHz

• Other regions: Allocation and allowed sub-bands may vary

Key Technical Requirements

• Indoor-only operation: Devices must be restricted to indoor use physically and functionally

• Maximum EIRP (Equivalent Isotropically Radiated Power):

  • United States:

    • 18 dBm for 20 MHz bandwidth

    • 21 dBm for 40 MHz

    • 24 dBm for 80 MHz

    • 27 dBm for 160 MHz

    • Note: These values follow the 5 dBm/MHz PSD rule

  • European Union:

    • Up to 23 dBm total EIRP

• Antenna restrictions: Integrated, fixed antennas only; external or weatherproof antennas are not permitted

• Certification: Required per region (e.g., FCC, RED, ISED)

Certification and Compliance

• Device classification: Must be explicitly certified and declared as LPI

• Misuse consequences: Outdoor use or use with unauthorized antennas invalidates certification

• Labeling: Some regions (e.g., EU) require visible markings such as “Indoor use only”

Lifecycle Relevance

• Market access: As of 2024, LPI is the only authorized 6 GHz device class in the EU

• Regulatory advantage: Enables AFC-free 6 GHz operation in markets like the U.S. and Canada

• Design constraints: Indoor use and antenna limitations must be accounted for during hardware and firmware development