In the 6 GHz band, there are several modes of operation. In most regulatory domains, only the LPI (Low Power Indoor) mode is approved for use, meaning 6 GHz is restricted to indoor environments. However, the US and Canada have already approved outdoor deployments using the SP (Standard Power) mode. Also FCC recently approved all 6GHz bands (UNII 5-8) for VLP – Very Low Power operation in USA. You can use the Wi-Fi Alliance website to find out which countries have approved 6 GHz for Wi-Fi, along with details about the authorized modes of operation in each region.

1. LPI – Low Power Indoor [FCC-20-51A1]
2. SP – Standard Power (Outdoor & Indoor) [FCC-20-51A1]
3. VLP – Very Low Power [ FCC-24-125A1]

Here is a short video explaining these operation modes in a bit more detail.

Operating mode of a 6GHz AP is included in the ‘Regulatory Info‘ subfield within the control field of the ‘HE Operation‘ element. If your AP supports 6 GHz, the HE Operation IE will include the ‘6 GHz Operation Element‘, which contains a control field where the Regulatory Info is specified. This field was expanded in the IEEE 802.11-2024 update to accommodate indoor-enabled APs, indoor standard-power APs.

Here is an example of a LPI – Low Power Indoor AP operation and regulatory info set to 0.

Here is an example of SP – Standard Power AP operation where you can see regulatory info set to 1. Thank you to Scott and Doug for sharing some PCAPs that helped me understand it better.

If you come across other operating modes such as VLP or Indoor standard power AP operation, Pls share a PCAP with me, so I can update this blog post.

If you follow my ‘6 GHz Device Classes’ blog post, you’ll gain a good understanding of all device classes.

When deploying different 6 GHz AP modes, you should always test your client devices, as older 6 GHz clients (such as 6XD) may only be designed to connect to LPI APs (6ID) and may not able to connect standard power AP (6SD)