802.11j

802.11h

The 802.11d task group worked on harmonizing 5 GHz frequency allocation among America, Europe, and Japan. Although its work is completed and considered successful, that task group didn't get the whole job done. Task group 802.11h was formed to address some additional radio frequency regulatory issues governing 5 GHz wireless networks. In particular, most European nations require that wireless network hardware operating at 5 GHz have two features called Transmission Power Control (TPC) and Dynamic Frequency Selection (DFS). These are both present in the European HIPERLAN/2 specification, and the goal of 802.11h is to extend the definition of the 802.11 physical layer (the radio technology layer) to embrace those features of HIPERLAN/2 that government regulations require in Europe and other places where HIPERLAN/2 is used.

The 802.11h draft is still in play as I write this, and it may not be ratified until some time later in 2003. Additional delays are expected because European standards agencies have to ratify 802.11h as well. Products are not expected until third quarter 2003, pending ratification both here and in Europe.