4 years ago, web giants Apple,Google, Meta, Microsoftetothersjointly joined forces to make a request to theFCC (Federal Communications Commission). This organization is responsible in the United States for rules and technical standards in electronics, networks and telecommunications.
The request concerns authorization to operatethe 6 GHz frequency band for very low power devices (or VLP for “very low power”). This frequency is supported by Wi-Fi6E, who isl’extensionWi-Fi6. You should know that wireless frequencies are highly regulated in the United States and that the 6 GHz band was not until now authorized there for VLPs. They include, among other things, wearable technologies such as virtual or mixed reality headsets. The Apple Vision Pro is therefore one of them.
This frequency band allows much higher performance than those previously used, namely the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. It offers lower latency and blazing connection speed,up to 11 Gb/s. While 5 GHz can “only” reach 1.3 Gb/s.
No limitation unlike France
We do not know why theFCCtook so long to decide regarding the 6 GHz band for VLPs. Some Internet users are also fueling a conspiracy theory on this subject. This suggests that the reason why theFCCtook 4 years to decide is that she was aware of the potentially harmful effects induced by 6 GHz waves on the human body. Very low consumption devices such as virtual or mixed reality headsets are made to be worn on the skull, close to the brain. According to them, this could have harmful effects on the organ. Rest assured, there is no scientific consensus on this subject.
You should also know that frequency bands operate by range. Concerning 6 GHz, it is divided into two sub-bands:
- The lower sub-band,5925 to 6425 MHz (longest range)
- The upper sub-band,6425 to 7125 MHz (lowest range)
American regulators have not placed restrictions on the use of the 6 GHz band for ultra-low power devices. They will be able to use the entire band if they respect certain conditions, so as not to create interference with other devices.
Concerning France, it is good to note that the European Union has authorized since 2021, only the lower sub-band with greater range. You may already be using this band if you have a compatible device and box. Here is the list of Apple devices compatible with Wi-Fi 6E 6 GHz:
- MacBook Pro (14-inch, 2023) or MacBook Pro (16-inch, 2023)
- Mac mini (2023)
- Mac Studio (2023)
- Mac Pro (2023)
- iPhone 15 Pro ou iPhone 15 Pro Max
- 11-inch iPad Pro (4th generation) or 12.9-inch iPad Pro (6th generation)
Perfect for Vision Pro
This new authorization comes at the right time for Apple. The arrival of this new frequency should greatly facilitate things for its mixed reality headset. The latter is in fact one of thevery low consumption devices.We imagine that it will support the 6 GHz frequency band upon its release, which isscheduled for early 2024.
i-nfo.fr - Official iPhon.fr app
By : Keleops AG
