The year 2014 brought us the Apple Watch, Sharknado 2, the landing of a robot on a comet, and the FCC Report and Order (FCC 14-30). While the first three do have plenty of intrigue, this post is about the FCC 14-30, and more specifically—the change in Cisco’s domain access point from –A to –B. As of May 1st of this year, the transitional period is over as Cisco has suspended the ordering of –A and –UX domain access points for sale into the U.S. to comply with the FCC deadline of June 2, 2016.
Before we get into changes, note that all –A access points will continue to operate in the U.S. beyond the June deadline. If you’re using one now, consider yourself grandfathered in. And on another note regarding change, all new software and support will be made available by Cisco to support the –B domain access points.
So what does this mean?
The SKUs are changing. Yes, instead of AIR-CAP3702i-A-K9, you will now see AIR-CAP3702i-B-K9. More importantly, with the new –B APs, you’ll get access to 3 new channels in the 5Ghz band (120, 124, 128). The U-NII 1 band will not only see an increase in power from 5150 to 5250 MHz, but is also now allowed for outdoor use. This ease of restriction is a telling sign of where 5Ghz is heading, and as someone who likes speed and ease of connectivity (which is all of us), this new advancement will help with integration and adoption.
This is a big win for the consumer. It’s an advancement that doesn’t require an immediate adoption for all, and it’s really just a flip of access point and SKU numbers. Tip your cap to the FCC. While they have no control over how many Sharknados get produced (Sharknado 4 to debut this summer), they were able to carry out an advancement in connectivity that’s seamless in transition, and helps the common good.
