Power Configuration

Note

Note

This procedure applies to AP3000/X, AP5010, AP310i/e, AP410i/e, AP505i, AP510i, AP510e, AP560i, AP7602, AP7612, AP7622, AP7632, AP7662, AP8163, AP8533.

An access point (AP) uses a complex programmable logic device (CPLD) to manage power. The CPLD determines proper supply sequencing, the maximum power available and other status information. One of the primary functions of the CPLD is to determine the maximum power budget. When an AP is powered on (or performing a cold reset), the CPLD determines the maximum power provided by the POE device and the budget available to the AP. The CPLD also determines the AP hardware SKU (model) and the number of radios.

If the access point‘s POE resource cannot provide sufficient power to run the access point (with all intended interfaces enabled), some of the following interfaces could be disabled or modified:

  • The access point‘s transmit and receive algorithms could be negatively impacted.
  • The access point‘s transmit power could be reduced due to insufficient power.
  • The access point‘s WAN port configuration could be changed (either enabled or disabled).

APs that support IEEE 802.3af, 802.3at, or 802.3bt standards can be powered up with POE or through an external power source. If connected to a POE BT power source (51W) or external power source, the APs operate in high power mode with full performance. If connected to a POE AT power source (25.5W) or external power source, the APs operate in normal power mode with full performance. If connected to a POE AF power source (15.4 W), the APs operate in low power mode with limited performance.

Use this procedure to configure the transmit output power of access point (AP) radios.

  1. Go to Profiles and select the target AP profile.
  2. Select the Power Config tab.
  3. Configure the Power Mode parameters as described in Power Mode Parameters.
    Table 1. Power Mode Parameters
    Parameter Description
    Power Mode The power mode options are:
    • Automatic — Using the Automatic setting, the access point automatically determines the best power configuration based on the available power budget. Automatic is the default setting.
    • 8.02.3af — Low power mode. This allows the access point to assume 12.95 watts.
    • 8.02.3at — Normal power mode
    • 802.3bt — High power mode

    If you change the mode, you must reset the AP to implement the change.
    802.3AF
    Note: This setting is available only for ANYAP device profiles.

    Set the 802.3af power mode. Options include:

    • Throughput (default) — This mode provides lower power but has more transmission (tx) chains. Select throughput to transmit packets at the radio‘s highest defined basic rate (based on the radio‘s current basic rate settings). This option is optimal in environments where transmission range is secondary to broadcast/multicast transmission performance.
    • Range — This mode provides higher power but fewer tx chains. Select range when range is preferred over performance for broadcast/multicast (group) traffic. The data rates used for range are the lowest defined basic rates.
    802.3AT
    Note: This setting is available only for ANYAP device profiles.

    Set the 802.3at power mode. Options include:

    • Throughput (default) — This mode provides lower power but has more tx chains. Select throughput to transmit packets at the radio‘s highest defined basic rate (based on the radio‘s current basic rate settings). This option is optimal in environments where transmission range is secondary to broadcast/multicast transmission performance.
    • Range — This mode provides higher power but fewer tx chains. Select range when range is preferred over performance for broadcast/multicast (group) traffic. The data rates used for range are the lowest defined basic rates.
    802.3BT
    Note: This setting is available only for ANYAP device profiles.

    Set the 802.3bt power mode. Options include:

    • Throughput (default) — This mode provides lower power but has more tx chains. Select throughput to transmit packets at the radio‘s highest defined basic rate (based on the radio‘s current basic rate settings). This option is optimal in environments where transmission range is secondary to broadcast/multicast transmission performance.
    • Range — This mode provides higher power but fewer tx chains. Select range when range is preferred over performance for broadcast/multicast (group) traffic. The data rates used for range are the lowest defined basic rates.
  4. After you have completed configuring the settings, choose from the following actions:
    1. Select Revert to restore default settings or restore the last saved settings.
      Note

      Note

      You cannot restore default settings after applying or saving changes.
    2. Select Apply to commit the configured settings.
      Note

      Note

      This does not permanently save the settings you configured. If you perform a Reload (warm reboot), applied settings will be lost.
    3. Select Save to commit and save the configured settings.
      Note

      Note

      If you do not select Apply or Save, the settings that you configured are not saved when you move away from the configuration window.

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