Access Point Radio Power Overrides

Use the Power screen to set or override one of two power modes (3af or Auto) for a managed Access Point. When Automatic is selected, the Access Point safely operates within available power. Once the power configuration is determined, the Access Point configures its operating power characteristics based on its radio model and power configuration.

An Access Point uses a complex programmable logic device (CPLD). 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 Access Point's maximum power budget. When an Access Point 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 Access Point. The CPLD also determines the hardware SKU and the number of radios.

If the Access Point's POE resource cannot provide sufficient power (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)

The 802.11ax AP5XX and AP4XX model access points can be powered up with POE or through an external power source. These APs support both IEEE 802.3af and 802.3at standards. If connected to a POE AT power source (25W) or external power source, the APs operate in normal mode with full performance. If connected to a POE AF power source (14.5W), the APs operate in low power mode with limited performance.

Consider the following information before configuring the power mode of the AP4XX and AP5XX model access points:

AP4XX (AP410i/e and AP460i/e) power mode

To operate in the normal mode AP410 and AP460 have to be powered from:

  • GE1 POE connected to AT switch, or
  • External power supply source
To operate in the low power mode AP410 and AP460 have to be powered from:
  • GE1 POE connected to AF switch port and external power supply not connected.
Note

Note

Low power mode limitations are as follows:
  • For AP410i: USB port is turned OFF and Radio 2 (5 GHz) is limited to 2x2 with max power of 20dBm.
  • For AP410e: USB port is turned OFF and Radio 2 (5 GHz) is limited to 2x2 with max power of 18dBm.
  • For AP460i: Radio 2 (5 GHz) is limited to 2x2 with max power of 22dBm.
  • For AP460e: Radio 2 (5 GHz) is limited to 2x2 with max power of 20dBm.

AP5XX (AP510i/eand AP560i/h) power mode

To operate in the normal mode AP510 and AP560 have to be powered from:
  • GE1 POE connected to AT switch port and GE2 is not connected, or
  • GE2 POE connected to AT switch port and GE1 is not connected, or
  • Both GE1 and GE2 POE connected to AT switch port, or
  • External power supply source
To operate in the low power mode AP510 and AP560 have to be powered from:
  • GE1 POE connected to AF switch port and external power source not connected, or
  • GE2 POE connected to AF switch port and external power source not connected
Note

Note

Low power mode limitations are as follows:
  • For AP510:
    • Mode 1: Radio 1 (2.4 GHz) and Radio 2 (5 GHz) is limited to 2x2 with max power of 20dBm.
    • Mode 2: Radio 1 (sensor) and Radio 2 (5 GHz) is limited to 2x2 with max power of 20dBm.
    • Mode 3: Radio 1 (5 GHz) is limited to 2x2 with max power of 18dBm and Radio 2 (5 GHz) is limited to 2x2 with max power of 0dBm (providing no service).
  • For AP560:
    • Mode 1: Radio 1 (2.4 GHz) and Radio 2 (5 GHz) is limited to 2x2 with max power of 16dBm.
    • Mode 2: Radio 1 (sensor) and Radio 2 (5 GHz) is limited to 2x2 with max power of 16dBm.
    • Mode 3: Radio 1 (5 GHz) is limited to 2x2 with max power of 18dBm and Radio 2 (5 GHz) is limited to 2x2 with max power of 0dBm (providing no service).

AP505 mode of functioning (normal/low power):

To operate in the normal mode AP505 has to be powered from:
  • GE1 POE connected to AT switch port, or
  • External power supply source
To operate in the low power mode AP505 has to be powered from:
  • GE1 POE connected to AF switch port and external power source not connected
Note

Note

Low power mode limitations are as follows:
  • Mode 1: Radio 1 (2.4 GHz) and Radio 2 (5 GHz) is limited to 2x2 with max power of 18dBm.

To define an access point‘s power configuration:

  1. Select the Configuration → Profiles → Manage Profiles .
  2. Select an AP profile. The selected profile's configuration menu diplays.
  3. Select Power.
  4. Use the Power Mode drop-down menu to set or override the Power Mode Configuration on this AP.

    When an Access Point is powered on for the first time, the system determines the power budget available to the Access Point. Using the Automatic setting, the Access Point automatically determines the best power configuration based on the available power budget. Automatic is the default setting.

    If 802.3af is selected, the Access Point assumes 12.95 watts are available. If the mode is changed, the Access Point requires a reset to implement the change. If 802.3at is selected, the Access Point assumes 23 - 26 watts are available.

  5. Set or override the Access Point radio‘s 802.3af Power Mode and the radio‘s 802.3at Power Mode.
  6. Use the drop-down menu to define a mode of either Range or Throughput.
  7. 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 the transmission range is secondary to broadcast/multicast transmission performance.
  8. 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. Throughput is the default setting for both 802.3af and 802.3at.
  9. Click OK to save the changes and overrides made to the Access Point power configuration. Click Reset to revert to the last saved configuration.
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