[802SEC] P802.16a coexistence coordination
Dear SEC:
The P802.16a draft has become entangled with a coexistence issue that
cropped up in 802.11. I don't believe that 802 has any ground rules,
written to otherwise, on how to resolve this issue. I have been
thinking about how best to proceed.
One concern I have is that the issue arose at a late date and through
a floor vote that (according to the minutes) did not include
technical discussion. In the absence of such discussion, 802.16 finds
it difficult to resolve, or even precisely identify, the concerns.
The issue of forwarding an 802.16a draft to the SEC for Sponsor
Ballot will be back in the hands of an 802.16 Working Group Letter
Ballot, probably shortly after our next interim (20-24 May). The
balloted draft will be available using the 802.11 or 802.15
passwords, in accordance with the procedure instituted by the three
groups in July 2001, 802.11 and 802.15 members may participate in
this ballot by submitting comments. As usual, 802.16 requests that
all comments include a proposed remedy. 802.16 will address and
resolve these comments at its first opportunity. I cannot promise
that all proposals will be accepted, but we will provide a proper
technical response for recirculation.
802.16's liaison to 802.11, Mika Kasslin, is leading the preparation
of a presentation on the unlicensed-band coexistence issues and
mechanisms in the 802.16a Draft 3. With the agreement of Stuart
Kerry, Mika plans to make such a presentation at the 802.11/802.15
interim of 13-17 May 2002.
I believe that the ballot process, because it places the onus on the
objector to articulate the concerns and obligates the Working Group
to address them, is the best venue for discussion of coexistence
issues. I expect that this process will provide the SEC with a clear
and focused record of the technical issues that have been presented.
If the process functions well, it might becomes a model for 802 to
follow in the future.
Roger