Fourth Radio Dedicated Sensor SupportNEW!

Using the fourth radio as a dedicated sensor enables the access point (AP) to perform wireless monitoring without affecting client‑serving radios in ExtremeCloud IQ.

In addition to wireless monitoring, the dedicated fourth radio is used by AirDefense Services Platform (ADSP) to support intrusion detection and prevention capabilities. This includes continuous RF analysis, rogue AP detection, and security threat monitoring without impacting client traffic on service radios.

When enabled on supported access points, the fourth radio operates exclusively in sensor mode and does not accept client connections.

This feature is available only on the following APs that support Essentials capabilities:

• AP5020
• AP5022
• AP5060

Note

This feature is available to customers with an Essentials license tier in ExtremeCloud IQ. For more information, see the Extreme Platform ONE Networking and ExtremeCloud IQ Subscription and Licensing Guide.

Sensing is implemented as shared sensing on the following bands:

• 2.4 GHz
• 5 GHz

Note

Sensing on the 6 GHz band is not supported. Client operation on 6 GHz is unaffected.

On supported APs, the fourth radio is dedicated exclusively to sensing operations. When enabled, this radio runs in sensor mode and passively monitors the wireless environment while the primary radios continue handling client traffic.

Using a dedicated sensor radio allows monitoring functions to run independently of client service, preserving RF efficiency and client performance.

Wireless monitoring and baseline security functions require continuous visibility into the RF environment. When sensing tasks share client radios, they may compete for airtime or reduce overall efficiency.