Understanding and Configuring AP Transmit Power Settings

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Access Point (AP) transmit power settings are crucial for optimizing wireless network coverage and performance. These settings allow administrators to manage the wireless coverage area of an AP and prevent issues like 'sticky clients' in environments with mobile devices.

What Does the Configured Transmit Power Value Represent?

When you configure a single transmit power value for an AP, it represents the maximum transmit power that the AP radio will use. It is a maximum value intended to allow users to control the AP's wireless coverage area; a higher value generally provides wider coverage.

Checking Actual Transmit Power

Once the transmit power is configured, the AP operates based on that fixed setting. However, the actual transmit power may differ slightly depending on the channel being used, local regulatory limitations, and the AP radio characteristics. You can check the actual power used by each AP via GUI.

Recommendations for Optimal Deployment

For environments with mobile client devices, such as those found with mobile X-ray systems, it is recommended to avoid excessively high transmit power. If the AP power is too high, clients may remain connected to a distant AP even when they have moved closer to another AP, leading to 'sticky client' or roaming issues. The AP transmit power should be adjusted based on the deployment density and coverage overlap. Nearby APs should provide sufficient overlapping coverage for roaming, while avoiding unnecessarily large coverage areas.

Important Considerations

The actual power may vary due to local regulatory limitations and the AP radio characteristics. The maximum transmit power is always subject to and limited by these local regulatory settings.