AFC optimization for WLAN deployments

An access point (AP) comprising:

• one or more processors;
• and
• memory coupled to the one or more processors, the memory storing instructions executable by the one or more processors to cause the AP to:
• receive a collaborative AFC response packet from at least one of a second AP and a central entity that manages APs in a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) deployment that includes the AP, wherein the collaborative AFC response packet indicates one or more allowable channels and a maximum allowable power level for broadcasting wireless communications over a 6 GHz frequency band in a Standard Power mode, and wherein the collaborative AFC response packet further indicates information related to a safe zone geographical region where broadcasting the wireless communications over the 6 GHz frequency band in the Standard Power mode is permitted;
• determine that the AP is within the safe zone geographical region;
• and
• responsive to receiving the collaborative AFC response packet, enable 6 GHz wireless communication and broadcast wireless communications over the 6 GHz frequency band in the Standard Power mode.

A method comprising:

• receiving, from a first access point (AP) in a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) deployment, a collaborative AFC response packet indicating one or more allowable channels and a maximum allowable power level for broadcasting wireless communications over a 6 GHz frequency band in a Standard Power mode, wherein the collaborative AFC response packet further indicates information related to protected geographical regions where broadcasting the wireless communications over the 6 GHz frequency band in the Standard Power mode is not permitted;
• determining, based on the information related to the protected geographical regions and a geographical location of the first AP, a safe zone geographical region within the WLAN deployment where broadcasting the wireless communications over the 6 GHz frequency band in the Standard Power mode is permitted;
• and
• sending, to one or more other APs in the WLAN deployment, a central entity-generated AFC response packet indicating the one or more allowable channels and the maximum allowable power level for broadcasting the wireless communications over the 6 GHz frequency band in the Standard Power mode, wherein the central-entity generated AFC response packet indicates information related to the determined safe zone geographical region.