VLP (Very Low Power)

VLP (Very Low Power) refers to a class of Wi-Fi devices operating in the 6 GHz band with extremely low transmission power. These devices are designed for short-range, portable applications and are exempt from Automated Frequency Coordination (AFC) due to their minimal interference potential.

Scope and Application

• Use cases: Augmented/Virtual Reality (AR/VR), wearable electronics, portable streaming, and battery-powered IoT

• Typical operation: Indoors and outdoors, handheld or body-worn

• AFC requirement: Not required

• Regulatory status: Currently authorized in the United States; adoption in other regions under review

Frequency Allocation

• United States: Full 6 GHz band (5925–7125 MHz), spanning U-NII-5 to U-NII-8

• Other regions: Availability may be restricted or pending approval

Key Technical Requirements

• Maximum EIRP: Up to 14 dBm total and 5 dBm/MHz power spectral density (PSD)

• Antenna design: Integrated, fixed antennas only; external antennas not permitted

• Mobility: Devices are intended for mobile or on-body operation and typically battery-powered

Certification and Compliance

• Certification: Mandatory under FCC rules (and required in any future markets)

• Device classification: Must be explicitly declared and tested as VLP

• Labeling: No universal requirement; may depend on regional or use-case-specific rules

Lifecycle Relevance

• Regulatory benefit: Enables portable 6 GHz operation without AFC constraints

• Design constraints: Strict power and antenna limits must be integrated early in development

• Market access: Currently limited to the U.S.; regulatory progress in other countries is ongoing