In this post, we will look at 6GHz device classes. There are 7 device classes defined for 6GHz Wi-Fi operation, broadly falling into 3 categories:

1. Access Points
2. Subordinate devices (Indoor Wi-Fi mesh extender)
3. Client devices

Four indoor device types are defined under Phase 1 (LPI), and 3 outdoor-operated device types are defined under Phase 2 (AFC).

1. Low Power Indoor AP (6ID)
These are indoor APs that have to follow the guidelines given below

• Limited to indoor locations
• Have integrated antenna
• Cannot be used in a weatherized enclosure
• Prohibited on oil platforms, cars, trains, boats, and aircraft, except large aircraft while flying above 10,000 feet
• Must be powered by a wired connection (not by battery power)
• May use battery backup only during power outages
• E-labeling is permitted on devices qualifying for e-labelling

2. Subordinate Device (6PP)
Devices like Wi-Fi extender, and mesh access points fall into this category

• must follow LPI AP guidelines listed above
• should be under control of LPI AP
• must not be used to connect devices between separate buildings or structures.
• cannot have a direct connection to the internet (must go through LPI AP)

3. Indoor Clients (6XD)
Indoor Clients are limited to indoor locations and are under control of a low-power indoor access point (6ID) or subordinate(6PP)

• prohibited from making a direct air interface connection to other clients.
• An indoor client device with a direct connection to the internet cannot source the internet to other access points,clients or subordinate devices

4. Dual Clients (6CD)
a client device under the control of either a low-power indoor (LPI) access point or a standard power (SP) access point

When under control of 6ID or 6PP: limited to a maximum power of +24 dBm EIRP and a power spectral density limit of −1 dBm EIRP in any 1-megahertz band.

When under the control of 6SP: its transmit power is limited to 6 dB below the standard power access point’s transmit power authorized by the AFC not to exceed a limit of 30 dBm EIRP and a power spectral density limit of 17 dBm EIRP in any 1-megahertz band.

Standard Power Access Points and Clients

• prohibited on oil platforms, cars, trains, boats, and aircraft
• Operates in the UNII-5 (5.925-6.425 GHz) and UNII-7 (6.525-6.875 GHz) bands.

5. Standard Power AP (6SD)
managed by AFC (Automated Frequency Coordination) where AP needs to check with the central database to protect incumbent 6Ghz deployment. These checks needs to be done daily basis in order to confirm with FCC guidelines.

• must provide relevant information to an associated client so that the client can adjust its EIRP to a minimum 6 dB lower than what is authorized by the AFC for the standard power access point
  

6. Standard Client Devices (6FX)
A device that only associates with a standard power access point

7. Fixed Clients (6FC)
FCC guidelines defined it as “A device intended as customer premise equipment that is permanently attached to a structure operates only on channels provided by an AFC, has a geolocation capability, complies with the antenna pointing angle requirements, and can only connect with a standard power access point“

It is managed by AFC and is able to connect to Standard Power AP.

As you can see above, your 6GHz client can belong to one of the device types mentioned. When it comes to client devices, you need to check their capabilities. One way to confirm this is by examining the FCC certification details. If you have a 6GHz-capable device (certified by the FCC), you should be able to find its FCC ID as shown below. (For example, on a Google phone, go to Settings -> About Phone -> Regulatory Labels).

Next, you can visit the FCC ID search page (fccid.io) to find the details. Here is the extract from “A4RG1AZG_UNII 6GHz Attestation” document confirming its device class.

Another method involves browsing through the FCC ID for Google devices (link below) and checking the certification details for each individual device to determine its device class. Although it may seem like a cumbersome task, it provides the information you’re looking for. I usually start by examining the Pixel phone hardware tech spec page, then look for the respective model’s FCC ID and check it in the FCC ID database.
https://fccid.io/A4R

Please note that there may be different models of the product. For example, if you look at the Pixel phone hardware spec page (given above), you will find four different models (GX7AS, G1AZG, GB62Z, and GB17L) specific to Pixel 6a, each tailored to different regulations. Since my phone is for AU, I got it with FCCID AR4G1AZG. Therefore, when you refer to the tables I have provided with the 6GHz device class, consider them as samples of devices and not as exhaustive lists covering all models applicable to each regulatory.

For Apple clients, you can use the link below. Sometimes, the Apple device model number closely matches the FCC ID. In certain cases, it may be different, and you have to find that mapping. By going through FCC documents, you may be able to find the answer. Here is the iPad Pro 6E device class confirmation.
https://fccid.io/BCG

Here is the list I compiled for your reference. Due to many different models (Wi-Fi + Cellular + UWB), you may find what I have listed below is applicable to one particular product.

For Samsung clients, you can check it using the below link. You can see a lot of 6GHz capable Samsung devices and they are the first smartphone vendor to support 6GHz clients (so the list is long). Note that FCCID ends with “U” for US regulatory. If you replace that with “B” is for Global/International.
https://fccid.io/A3L

For Intel clients, you can check it using the below link.
https://fccid.io/PD9

There was a very good presentation done by Jimp Palmer at WLPC Prague 2023 on this topic. You must watch that session to understand the importance of device compatibility specific to standard power AP deployment.

Here is a quick video from Srikanth, explaining the challenges it brings

References
1. FCC KDB 987594