Wi-Fi rules in the United States: 2.4, 5 and 6 GHz

FCC rules let Wi-Fi run on a plant floor in 2.4, 5 and 6 GHz, but the DFS channels must give way to radar, and every 6 GHz device class carries location limits whose vehicle wording never names an AGV or AMR.

Ben RutterIndustrial network engineer

Updated Oct 5, 2026
Reviewed Oct 6, 2026
18 sources

Regulator: Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
Rules last verified: Oct 5, 2026

A summary of published rules for planning, not legal advice. Each line quotes the rule's own scope and cites where it is; read the instrument before you rely on it, and confirm your equipment's certification.

Permitted. The rule allows it, within the limits shown.
Conditional. Allowed only under the conditions in the text.
Not permitted. The rule does not allow it.
Unclear. The rule does not address this case. The text quotes what it does say; this site does not interpret it.
Pending. A proposed rule, not yet in force.

At a glance

Band segment	Indoor	Outdoor	On a vehicle
2.4 GHz ISM band2400 to 2483.5 MHz	Permitted	Permitted	Permitted
U-NII-15150 to 5250 MHz	Permitted	Conditional	Permitted
U-NII-2A (DFS)5250 to 5350 MHz	Permitted	Permitted	Permitted
U-NII-2C (DFS)5470 to 5725 MHz	Permitted	Permitted	Permitted
U-NII-35725 to 5850 MHz	Permitted	Permitted	Permitted
U-NII-45850 to 5895 MHz	Conditional	Not permitted	Unclear
U-NII-55925 to 6425 MHz	Permitted	Conditional	Unclear
U-NII-66425 to 6525 MHz	Permitted	Conditional	Unclear
U-NII-76525 to 6875 MHz	Permitted	Conditional	Unclear
U-NII-86875 to 7125 MHz	Permitted	Conditional	Unclear

Rules by band segment

2.4 GHz ISM band 2400 to 2483.5 MHz

Indoor: Permitted15.247 sets no indoor-only limit for digitally modulated systems in 2400-2483.5 MHz.47 CFR 15.247, 15.247(a)(2), (b)(3)
Outdoor: PermittedPermitted; a fixed point-to-point link may use an antenna above 6 dBi if conducted power drops 1 dB for every 3 dB of gain over 6 dBi.47 CFR 15.247, 15.247(b)(4), (c)(1)(i)
On a vehicle: Permitted15.247 sets no vehicle, boat or aircraft restriction for 2400-2483.5 MHz.47 CFR 15.247, 15.247 (whole section)

Power limits, 2.4 GHz ISM band
Device	Power (EIRP or conducted)	Power density	Where
Access point	1 W (30 dBm) conducted, reduced dB for dB by antenna gain above 6 dBi	8 dBm in any 3 kHz, conducted	15.247(b)(3), (b)(4), (e)
Client	Same limit as an access point; 15.247 does not separate the two	8 dBm in any 3 kHz, conducted	15.247(b)(3), (b)(4), (e)

U-NII-1 5150 to 5250 MHz

Indoor: PermittedIndoor access points and clients are permitted at the limits below.47 CFR part 15, subpart E, 15.407(a)(1)(ii), (a)(1)(iv)
Outdoor: ConditionalOutdoor access points are permitted, but EIRP above 30 degrees elevation is capped at 125 mW (21 dBm), and anyone deploying more than 1,000 outdoor access points must file a letter with the FCC.47 CFR part 15, subpart E, 15.407(a)(1)(i), (j)
On a vehicle: Permitted15.407 sets no vehicle, boat or aircraft restriction for 5150-5250 MHz; its operational restrictions in paragraph (d) cover only 6 GHz.47 CFR part 15, subpart E, 15.407(a)(1), (d)
Radar detection (DFS): PermittedNo DFS requirement; 15.407(h)(2) applies DFS only to 5250-5350 and 5470-5725 MHz.47 CFR part 15, subpart E, 15.407(h)(2)
Power control (TPC): PermittedNo TPC requirement; 15.407(h)(1) applies TPC only to 5250-5350 and 5470-5725 MHz.47 CFR part 15, subpart E, 15.407(h)(1)

Power limits, U-NII-1
Device	Power (EIRP or conducted)	Power density	Where
Access point	1 W conducted with antenna gain up to 6 dBi; outdoor access points 125 mW (21 dBm) EIRP above 30 degrees elevation	17 dBm/MHz conducted	15.407(a)(1)(i), (a)(1)(ii)
Client	250 mW conducted with antenna gain up to 6 dBi	11 dBm/MHz conducted	15.407(a)(1)(iv)

U-NII-2A (DFS) 5250 to 5350 MHz

Indoor: PermittedPermitted at the limits below, with DFS and TPC.47 CFR part 15, subpart E, 15.407(a)(2), (h)
Outdoor: Permitted15.407 sets no indoor-only limit and no elevation cap for 5250-5350 MHz; DFS and TPC still apply.47 CFR part 15, subpart E, 15.407(a)(2), (h)
On a vehicle: Permitted15.407 sets no vehicle, boat or aircraft restriction for 5250-5350 MHz.47 CFR part 15, subpart E, 15.407(a)(2), (d)
Radar detection (DFS): ConditionalDFS required; 60 s channel availability check before use, cease within 10 s of a radar detection (normal traffic for at most 200 ms), then a 30-minute non-occupancy period; detection threshold -62 or -64 dBm by power class.47 CFR part 15, subpart E, 15.407(h)(2), (h)(2)(ii) to (iv)
Power control (TPC): ConditionalTPC required, able to operate at least 6 dB below 30 dBm EIRP; not required below 500 mW EIRP.47 CFR part 15, subpart E, 15.407(h)(1)

Power limits, U-NII-2A (DFS)
Device	Power (EIRP or conducted)	Power density	Where
Access point	Lesser of 250 mW or 11 dBm + 10 log B conducted (B is the 26 dB emission bandwidth in MHz), reduced by antenna gain above 6 dBi	11 dBm/MHz conducted	15.407(a)(2)
Client	Same limit as an access point	11 dBm/MHz conducted	15.407(a)(2)

U-NII-2C (DFS) 5470 to 5725 MHz

Indoor: PermittedPermitted at the limits below, with DFS and TPC.47 CFR part 15, subpart E, 15.407(a)(2), (h)
Outdoor: Permitted15.407 sets no indoor-only limit and no elevation cap for 5470-5725 MHz, and no sub-band of it is excluded; DFS and TPC still apply.47 CFR part 15, subpart E, 15.407(a)(2), (h)
On a vehicle: Permitted15.407 sets no vehicle, boat or aircraft restriction for 5470-5725 MHz.47 CFR part 15, subpart E, 15.407(a)(2), (d)
Radar detection (DFS): ConditionalDFS required, as in 5250-5350 MHz; 60 s channel availability check, cease within 10 s of a detection, 30-minute non-occupancy period.47 CFR part 15, subpart E, 15.407(h)(2), (h)(2)(ii) to (iv)
Power control (TPC): ConditionalTPC required, able to operate at least 6 dB below 30 dBm EIRP; not required below 500 mW EIRP.47 CFR part 15, subpart E, 15.407(h)(1)

Power limits, U-NII-2C (DFS)
Device	Power (EIRP or conducted)	Power density	Where
Access point	Lesser of 250 mW or 11 dBm + 10 log B conducted (B is the 26 dB emission bandwidth in MHz), reduced by antenna gain above 6 dBi	11 dBm/MHz conducted	15.407(a)(2)
Client	Same limit as an access point	11 dBm/MHz conducted	15.407(a)(2)

U-NII-3 5725 to 5850 MHz

Indoor: PermittedPermitted at the limits below.47 CFR part 15, subpart E, 15.407(a)(3)(i)
Outdoor: PermittedPermitted; fixed point-to-point links may use antennas above 6 dBi without cutting conducted power.47 CFR part 15, subpart E, 15.407(a)(3)(i)
On a vehicle: Permitted15.407 sets no vehicle, boat or aircraft restriction for 5725-5850 MHz.47 CFR part 15, subpart E, 15.407(a)(3)(i), (d)
Radar detection (DFS): PermittedNo DFS requirement in 5725-5850 MHz.47 CFR part 15, subpart E, 15.407(h)(2)
Power control (TPC): PermittedNo TPC requirement in 5725-5850 MHz.47 CFR part 15, subpart E, 15.407(h)(1)

Power limits, U-NII-3
Device	Power (EIRP or conducted)	Power density	Where
Access point	1 W conducted, reduced dB for dB by antenna gain above 6 dBi (fixed point-to-point exempt)	30 dBm in any 500 kHz, conducted	15.407(a)(3)(i)
Client	Same limit as an access point	30 dBm in any 500 kHz, conducted	15.407(a)(3)(i)

U-NII-4 5850 to 5895 MHz

Indoor: ConditionalIndoor access points only; they must be wired-powered, not battery powered, with an integrated antenna and no weatherized enclosure, and clients must work under an indoor access point.47 CFR part 15, subpart E, 15.403, Indoor Access Point; 15.407(a)(3)(ii) to (v)
Outdoor: Not permittedThe FCC permitted only indoor unlicensed use and deferred full-power outdoor use until ITS leaves the band and federal radar is protected; the outdoor rules it proposed are not in force.FCC 20-164, Para. 59; further notice paras. 169 to 188
On a vehicle: Unclear15.407 sets no vehicle rule for 5850-5895 MHz, but 15.403 requires an indoor access point to be wired-powered and not battery powered; neither text addresses AGVs or AMRs.47 CFR part 15, subpart E, 15.403, Indoor Access Point; 15.407(a)(3)
Radar detection (DFS): PermittedNo DFS requirement in 5850-5895 MHz.47 CFR part 15, subpart E, 15.407(h)(2)
Power control (TPC): PermittedNo TPC requirement in 5850-5895 MHz.47 CFR part 15, subpart E, 15.407(h)(1)

Power limits, U-NII-4
Device	Power (EIRP or conducted)	Power density	Where
Access point	36 dBm EIRP for an indoor access point or subordinate device, also on a channel spanning 5725-5895 MHz	20 dBm/MHz EIRP	15.407(a)(3)(ii), (a)(3)(iv)
Client	30 dBm EIRP, under the control of an indoor access point	14 dBm/MHz EIRP	15.407(a)(3)(iii), (a)(3)(v)

U-NII-5 5925 to 6425 MHz

Indoor: PermittedIndoor access points, standard power access points, geofenced variable power (GVP) access points and very low power (VLP) devices may all operate indoors.47 CFR part 15, subpart E, 15.407(a)(4), (a)(5), (a)(7), (a)(9)
Outdoor: ConditionalOutdoors only as standard power under an AFC system, GVP under a geofencing system, or VLP; indoor access points and their clients stay indoors, and VLP and GVP devices may not be mounted on outdoor structures.47 CFR part 15, subpart E, 15.407(d)(3), (d)(8), (k)(1), (m)(3)
On a vehicle: UnclearThe rule bars standard power access points, fixed clients and indoor access points "on vehicles (e.g., cars, trains)"; it does not name AGVs, AMRs, other client devices, VLP or GVP devices.47 CFR part 15, subpart E, 15.407(d)(1)(ii)
Power control (TPC): ConditionalVLP and GVP devices must be able to operate at least 6 dB below their maximum EIRP PSD.47 CFR part 15, subpart E, 15.407(d)(10)

Power limits, U-NII-5
Device	Power (EIRP or conducted)	Power density	Where
Low power indoor access point	30 dBm EIRP (indoor access point or subordinate device)	5 dBm/MHz EIRP	15.407(a)(5), (a)(6)
Client	24 dBm EIRP under an indoor access point	-1 dBm/MHz EIRP	15.407(a)(8)(ii)
Standard power access point	36 dBm EIRP, or less as the AFC system directs; outdoors no more than 21 dBm above 30 degrees elevation	23 dBm/MHz EIRP	15.407(a)(4), (k)(1), (p)
Client	30 dBm EIRP under a standard power access point, and at least 6 dB below that access point	17 dBm/MHz EIRP	15.407(a)(8)(i)
Access point	24 dBm EIRP for a GVP access point	11 dBm/MHz EIRP	15.407(a)(7)
Client	18 dBm EIRP under a GVP access point, and at least 6 dB below that access point	5 dBm/MHz EIRP	15.407(a)(8)(iii)
Very low power device	14 dBm EIRP	-5 dBm/MHz EIRP	15.407(a)(9)
Client to client	Only between clients of the same GVP access point, on its frequency, at the GVP client limit	-	Para. 123

U-NII-6 6425 to 6525 MHz

Indoor: PermittedIndoor access points and VLP devices may operate; standard power and GVP are authorized only in 5925-6425 and 6525-6875 MHz.47 CFR part 15, subpart E, 15.407(a)(4), (a)(5), (a)(7), (a)(9)
Outdoor: ConditionalOnly VLP devices may operate outdoors here, and not mounted on outdoor structures; indoor access points and their clients stay indoors.47 CFR part 15, subpart E, 15.407(a)(9), (d)(3), (d)(8)
On a vehicle: UnclearThe rule bars indoor access points "on vehicles (e.g., cars, trains)"; it does not name AGVs, AMRs, other client devices or VLP devices.47 CFR part 15, subpart E, 15.407(d)(1)(ii)
Power control (TPC): ConditionalVLP devices must be able to operate at least 6 dB below their maximum EIRP PSD.47 CFR part 15, subpart E, 15.407(d)(10)

Power limits, U-NII-6
Device	Power (EIRP or conducted)	Power density	Where
Low power indoor access point	30 dBm EIRP (indoor access point or subordinate device)	5 dBm/MHz EIRP	15.407(a)(5), (a)(6)
Client	24 dBm EIRP under an indoor access point	-1 dBm/MHz EIRP	15.407(a)(8)(ii)
Very low power device	14 dBm EIRP	-5 dBm/MHz EIRP	15.407(a)(9)

U-NII-7 6525 to 6875 MHz

Indoor: PermittedIndoor access points, standard power access points, GVP access points and VLP devices may all operate indoors.47 CFR part 15, subpart E, 15.407(a)(4), (a)(5), (a)(7), (a)(9)
Outdoor: ConditionalOutdoors only as standard power under an AFC system, GVP under a geofencing system, or VLP; indoor access points and their clients stay indoors, and VLP and GVP devices may not be mounted on outdoor structures.47 CFR part 15, subpart E, 15.407(d)(3), (d)(8), (k)(1), (m)(3)
On a vehicle: UnclearThe rule bars standard power access points, fixed clients and indoor access points "on vehicles (e.g., cars, trains)"; it does not name AGVs, AMRs, other client devices, VLP or GVP devices.47 CFR part 15, subpart E, 15.407(d)(1)(ii)
Power control (TPC): ConditionalVLP and GVP devices must be able to operate at least 6 dB below their maximum EIRP PSD.47 CFR part 15, subpart E, 15.407(d)(10)

Power limits, U-NII-7
Device	Power (EIRP or conducted)	Power density	Where
Low power indoor access point	30 dBm EIRP (indoor access point or subordinate device)	5 dBm/MHz EIRP	15.407(a)(5), (a)(6)
Client	24 dBm EIRP under an indoor access point	-1 dBm/MHz EIRP	15.407(a)(8)(ii)
Standard power access point	36 dBm EIRP, or less as the AFC system directs; outdoors no more than 21 dBm above 30 degrees elevation	23 dBm/MHz EIRP	15.407(a)(4), (k)(1), (p)
Client	30 dBm EIRP under a standard power access point, and at least 6 dB below that access point	17 dBm/MHz EIRP	15.407(a)(8)(i)
Access point	24 dBm EIRP for a GVP access point	11 dBm/MHz EIRP	15.407(a)(7)
Client	18 dBm EIRP under a GVP access point, and at least 6 dB below that access point	5 dBm/MHz EIRP	15.407(a)(8)(iii)
Very low power device	14 dBm EIRP	-5 dBm/MHz EIRP	15.407(a)(9)
Client to client	Only between clients of the same GVP access point, on its frequency, at the GVP client limit	-	Para. 123

U-NII-8 6875 to 7125 MHz

Indoor: PermittedIndoor access points and VLP devices may operate; standard power and GVP are authorized only in 5925-6425 and 6525-6875 MHz.47 CFR part 15, subpart E, 15.407(a)(4), (a)(5), (a)(7), (a)(9)
Outdoor: ConditionalOnly VLP devices may operate outdoors here, and not mounted on outdoor structures; indoor access points and their clients stay indoors.47 CFR part 15, subpart E, 15.407(a)(9), (d)(3), (d)(8)
On a vehicle: UnclearThe rule bars indoor access points "on vehicles (e.g., cars, trains)"; it does not name AGVs, AMRs, other client devices or VLP devices.47 CFR part 15, subpart E, 15.407(d)(1)(ii)
Power control (TPC): ConditionalVLP devices must be able to operate at least 6 dB below their maximum EIRP PSD.47 CFR part 15, subpart E, 15.407(d)(10)

Power limits, U-NII-8
Device	Power (EIRP or conducted)	Power density	Where
Low power indoor access point	30 dBm EIRP (indoor access point or subordinate device)	5 dBm/MHz EIRP	15.407(a)(5), (a)(6)
Client	24 dBm EIRP under an indoor access point	-1 dBm/MHz EIRP	15.407(a)(8)(ii)
Very low power device	14 dBm EIRP	-5 dBm/MHz EIRP	15.407(a)(9)

6 GHz device classes

Low power indoor (LPI): ConditionalThe FCC keeps low power indoor access points indoors by design (no weather-resistant housing, integrated antenna, no battery power), does not let them or standard power access points "operate while in motion", and keeps both off ships and oil platforms.FCC 20-51, Paras. 107, 207 and 212
Standard power (SP): ConditionalStandard power access points may run indoors or outdoors in 5925-6425 and 6525-6875 MHz only on the frequencies and power an AFC system grants, must recheck at least once a day, and are barred from vehicles, boats, aircraft and oil platforms.47 CFR part 15, subpart E, 15.407(a)(4), (d)(1), (k)(1), (k)(8)(iv)
Very low power (VLP): ConditionalThe FCC permits VLP devices "in terrestrial land-based vehicles, including cars, buses, trains, etc." and on boats, but keeps them off oil platforms.FCC 23-86, Para. 96
Automated frequency coordination (AFC): PermittedThe FCC Office of Engineering and Technology approved seven AFC systems for commercial operation on February 23, 2024, to manage standard power access in 5925-6425 and 6525-6875 MHz.DA 24-166, Para. 1
Client to client: ConditionalClients may link directly only when both are under the same GVP access point and on its frequency; the FCC deferred any decision on client-to-client links under indoor access points.FCC 26-1, Paras. 123 and 124

Equipment certification

ConditionalEvery Part 15 transmitter must be certified by a Telecommunication Certification Body before it is marketed, and each unit carries an FCC ID label.47 CFR 15.201, 15.201(b); FCC ID label at 47 CFR 2.925(a)(1)

What these rules mean on a plant floor

On the DFS channels (5250 to 5350 and 5470 to 5725 MHz), a radar detection forces an access point off its channel within 10 seconds and keeps it off for at least 30 minutes, and any new DFS channel needs a 60-second check before use.
In 6 GHz, indoor access points stay indoors, standard power needs an AFC grant for each location, and the vehicle ban names standard power, fixed client and indoor access points but not other client devices, VLP or GVP devices, and never mentions an AGV or AMR.
These rules decide what a radio may transmit, where, and at what power; they do not certify a network design, set a roam time, or make any machine safe.

The instruments

47 CFR part 15, subpart E: Unlicensed National Information Infrastructure devices (15.401 to 15.407). Federal Communications Commission rules, published in the eCFR by the Office of the Federal Register. eCFR text up to date as of 2026-10-01; 15.403 and 15.407 last amended at 91 FR 9166 (Feb. 25, 2026). In force from Apr 27, 2026. Read Oct 5, 2026.
47 CFR 15.247, Operation within the bands 902-928 MHz, 2400-2483.5 MHz, and 5725-5850 MHz. Federal Communications Commission rules, published in the eCFR by the Office of the Federal Register. eCFR text up to date as of 2026-10-01; last amended at 85 FR 18149 (Apr. 1, 2020). In force from Jun 1, 2020. Read Oct 5, 2026.
47 CFR 15.201, Equipment authorization requirement. Federal Communications Commission rules, published in the eCFR by the Office of the Federal Register. eCFR text up to date as of 2026-10-01; last amended at 82 FR 50834 (Nov. 2, 2017). In force from Nov 2, 2017. Read Oct 5, 2026.
47 CFR 2.925, Identification of equipment. Federal Communications Commission rules, published in the eCFR by the Office of the Federal Register. eCFR text up to date as of 2026-10-01. In force from Feb 5, 2019. Read Oct 5, 2026.
Use of the 5.850-5.925 GHz Band, First Report and Order, Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, and Order of Proposed Modification (FCC 20-164). Federal Communications Commission. Adopted November 18, 2020; released November 20, 2020; ET Docket No. 19-138. In force from Jul 2, 2021. Read Oct 5, 2026.
Unlicensed Use of the 6 GHz Band, Report and Order and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (FCC 20-51). Federal Communications Commission. Adopted April 23, 2020; released April 24, 2020; ET Docket No. 18-295. In force from Jul 27, 2020. Read Oct 5, 2026.
Unlicensed Use of the 6 GHz Band, Second Report and Order, Second Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, and Memorandum Opinion and Order on Remand (FCC 23-86). Federal Communications Commission. Adopted October 19, 2023; released November 1, 2023; ET Docket No. 18-295. In force from Mar 8, 2024. Read Oct 5, 2026.
Unlicensed Use of the 6 GHz Band, Fourth Report and Order and Third Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (FCC 26-1). Federal Communications Commission. Adopted January 29, 2026; released January 30, 2026; ET Docket No. 18-295. In force from Apr 27, 2026. Read Oct 5, 2026.
OET announces approval of seven 6 GHz band automated frequency coordination systems for commercial operation (DA 24-166). Federal Communications Commission, Office of Engineering and Technology. Public notice released February 23, 2024; ET Docket No. 21-352. In force from Feb 23, 2024. Read Oct 5, 2026.

About this page

Built from 18 sources: 18 regulators and government sources. Researched and drafted with AI assistance, then reviewed and approved by Ben Rutter on Oct 6, 2026. How pages are made

First published: Oct 6, 2026
Last updated: Oct 5, 2026

Change history (1)

Oct 6, 2026 First published

Cite this page

Plain

Ben Rutter. "Wi-Fi rules in the United States: 2.4, 5 and 6 GHz." OT Wireless, published October 6, 2026, updated October 5, 2026. https://otwireless.com/regulatory/us/

APA 7

Rutter, B. (2026, October 6). Wi-Fi rules in the United States: 2.4, 5 and 6 GHz. OT Wireless. https://otwireless.com/regulatory/us/

BibTeX

@misc{rutter2026us,
  author = {Rutter, Ben},
  title = {{Wi-Fi rules in the United States: 2.4, 5 and 6 GHz}},
  year = {2026},
  howpublished = {\url{https://otwireless.com/regulatory/us/}},
  organization = {OT Wireless},
}