AP Power Save

Access point power save

Access point power save is a power management capability that

  • enables APs to reduce energy consumption during periods of inactivity

  • supports flexible scheduling and policies for low-power operation, and

  • helps optimize network efficiency without compromising performance.

This feature is critical in modern enterprise environments where reducing operational costs and improving environmental impact are priorities. Cisco APs offer multiple configurations to enable power save modes, such as calendar-based scheduling and client threshold triggers

Feature history for access point power save

Table 1. Feature History

Release

Feature Information

Cisco IOS XE Cupertino 17.8.1

This feature allows a network administrator to force APs to operate in low-power mode to reduce power consumption.

For more information about the APs that support the AP Power Save feature, see https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/td/docs/wireless/access_point/feature-matrix/ap-feature-matrix.html.

Tips for AP power save configuration

  • Use calendar profiles for predictable power reduction: You can define regular sleep intervals using calendar profiles to maximize energy savings without disrupting business hours.

Requirements for AP power save configuration

  • Enable RLAN port before using PoE-out: PoE-out functionality requires the RLAN port to be enabled. Ensure this is configured before applying any PoE-out power profile.

Best practice for AP power save configuration

  • Setting client thresholds: Set the client wakeup threshold to a realistic minimum (e.g. 3–5 clients) to avoid unnecessary power cycling and improve user experience.

Warnings for AP power save configuration

  • Do not disable uplink interfaces: Do not configure the AP uplink Ethernet port for shutdown in any power profile. The uplink is required for controller communication and management

AP power policies

Access point power policies are a set of policies that

  • define power budget utilization for an AP

  • allow management of different interfaces on an AP, and

  • support different modes for Cisco Catalyst 9124 APs under insufficient power conditions.

These policies help adapt AP behavior to different input power scenarios (for example, 802.3af, 802.3at, 802.3bt, DC) and ensure reliable operation even under limited power supply.

Use case for AP power policy

These are the use cases of an AP power policy:

  • Define a power policy for available power inputs, such as 802.3af, 802.3at, 802.3bt, and DC power.

  • Predetermine AP operations for non-802.3bt power situations with tri-radio or quad-radio APs.

Power-save modes

A power-save mode is a wireless AP power management feature that

  • enables the AP to switch to a low-power state when no clients are associated

  • reduces energy consumption by minimizing AP activity during off-peak hours, and

  • allows organizations to improve energy efficiency and support environmentally conscious initiatives.

Additional reference information

When power-save mode is enabled, the AP can "fall asleep" after hours in workspaces or other deployment scenarios where client activity is absent, thereby saving power throughout the night.

These are the advantages of power save mode:

  • Increases the energy saving per AP: By reducing AP functions during off-peak hours, power-save mode can save an additional 20 percent in energy costs compared to the regular idle mode.

  • Enables environmentally conscious purchases: Large enterprises and companies often track environmental performance as a key index. Power-save mode helps support these goals by enabling centralized monitoring of energy efficiency by energy teams.

Use case for power save mode

During after hours in a workspace, when no wireless clients are connected, the AP enters power-save mode and reduces its power usage automatically for the duration of the night.

Release-specific feature support

PoE profiles

A PoE profile is a power allocation framework that

  • facilitates negotiation and adaptation of power levels based on AP requirements

  • comprises fixed and flexible options for interface configuration, and

  • supports policy-based profiles customized for both normal and power-saving operational modes.

Types of PoE profiles

  • Fixed PoE profiles: predefined settings per model, typically for full-power mode.

    • Fixed PoE Profiles enable APs to negotiate the power required from the switches they are connected to. The power needed can vary between different AP models.

    • If an AP does not receive the power it requests, it operates within the power budget. It can cause certain interfaces to function under degraded conditions. For instance, radios might operate at 2SS instead of their full 4SS capability.

    • These profiles are used when APs are in normal operation mode (nonpower-save mode). During power-save mode, the configured PoE power policies are applied instead.

  • PoE Power Policy: schedule-based profiles for different times of day.

    • PoE Power Policies allow for the configuration of interfaces to specific speeds or settings according to a schedule.

    • These policies can push a defined profile to APs based on timing or calendar settings, such as turning off all but the 2.4-GHz radio and the multigigabit Ethernet at 100 MB at specific times, for example, from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. on a group of APs located on a second floor.

  • Flexible PoE Profiles: customizable profiles for interface-level power control.

    • Flexible PoE Profiles allow you to configure different interfaces with specific parameter values and states, instead of fixed profile rules.

    • In case an AP does not obtain the necessary power, it operates under the power budget, following the guidelines of the flexible PoE profile.

Additional Reference Information

  • Operational parameters for each AP interface may be modified based on the hardware specifications, as detailed in the accompanying tables.

AP power draw specifications

This section provides detailed specifications on the power draw requirements for various AP models to enable accurate planning and deployment in network setups.

Table 2. AP Power Draw Specifications

AP

Power Draw Specification

Cisco Wireless 9172 Series Access Points

See the Input power requirements in the Product specifications section of Cisco Wireless 9172 Series Access Points Data Sheet

Cisco Wireless 9176 Series Access Points

See the Input power requirements in the Product specifications section of Cisco Wireless 9176 Series Access Points Data Sheet

Cisco Wireless 9178 Series Access Points

See the Input power requirements in the Power over Ethernet section of Cisco Wireless 9178 Series Access Points Data Sheet

Table 3. AP Power Draw Specifications: Cisco Catalyst 9115, 9117, 9120, 9130 Series APs

Access Points

PoE-In-Mode/DC Mode

Consumption @ Power Device

Consumption @ Power Source Equipment

Feature Mode

AP

Worst-Case Cable

Radio 1

Radio 2

Radio 3

Ethernet

USB

Module

PoE-Out

Cisco Catalyst 9115AXI Access Points

.3af

13.0

15.4

2X2

2X2

—

1G

N

—

—

.3at

16.0

18.9

4X4

4X4

—

2.5G

N

—

—

.3at

20.4

24.1

4X4

4X4

—

2.5G

Y(3.75W)

—

—

Cisco Catalyst 9115AXE Access Points

.3af

13.0

15.4

2X2

2X2

—

1G

N

—

—

.3at

17.0

20.1

4X4

4X4

—

2.5G

N

—

—

.3at

21.4

25.3

4X4

4X4

—

2.5G

Y(3.75W)

—

—

Cisco Catalyst 9117 Access Points

.3af

13.5

15.4

2X2

2X2

—

2.5G

N

—

—

.3at

25.0

29.3

4X4

8X8

—

5G

N

—

—

.3at

24.1

28.0

4X4

4X4

—

5G

Y(4.5W)

—

—

.3bt/UPoE

30.0

32.7

4X4

8X8

—

5G

Y(4.5W)

—

—

.3at/.3bt/UPoE

22.4

25.7/23.8/23.8

4X4

4X4

—

2.5G

Y(4.5W)

—

—

Cisco Catalyst 9120AXI/E Access Points

.3af

13.8

15.4

1X1

1X1

Enabled

1G

N

—

—

.3at

20.5

23.2

4X4

4X4

Enabled

2.5G

N

—

—

.3at

25.5

30.0

4X4

4X4

Enabled

2.5G

Y(4.5W)

—

—

Cisco Catalyst 9130AXI/E Access Points

.3af

13.8

15.4

1X1

1X1

Enabled

1G

N

—

—

.3at

25.5

30.0

8X8

4X4

Enabled

5G

N

—

—

.3at

25.5

30.0

Primary 4X4

Secondary Off

4X4

Enabled

5G

Y(4.5W)

—

—

.3at

25.5

30.0

Primary 4X4

Secondary 4X4

Disabled

Enabled

5G

Y(4.5W)

—

—

.3bt

30.5

33.3

8X8

4X4

Enabled

5G

Y(4.5W)

—

—
Table 4. AP Power Draw Specifications: Cisco Catalyst 9136 Series APs

Access Points

PoE-In-Mode

Consumption @Power Device

Consumption @Power Source Equipment

Feature Mode

at AP

Worst-Case Cable

5G Radio

2G Radio

6G Radio

AUX Radio

Mgig0

Mgig1

USB

Module

PoE-Out

Cisco Catalyst 9136 Series Access Points

.3af - Fixed

13.9

15.4

Disabled

Disabled

Disabled

Enabled

1G

Disabled

Disabled

—

—

.3at - Fixed

24.0

27.90

Primary - 4X4

Secondary - Disabled

2X2

2X2

Enabled

2.5G

2.5G (hitless failover standby)

Disabled

—

—

.3bt - Fixed

43.4

54.81

8X8 or Dual

4X4

4X4

4X4

Enabled

5G

5G

Y(9W)

—

—

.3bt - PoE Policy 1

37.3

41.63

8X8 or Dual

4X4

4X4

4X4

Enabled

5G

5G

Disabled

—

—

Smart energy scenarios

A smart energy AP scenario is a situation where

  • APs implement energy-saving modes

  • adjust power modes to optimize energy efficiency, and

  • apply PoE power policies based on calendar profiles.

The power Save feature helps APs enter a power-save mode or low-power mode by associating a calendar with the corresponding power profile. This feature is aimed at conserving energy during periods with lower activity, such as after hours.

Examples

  • AP in eco mode behavior on working days: On working days, from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m, the AP functions in normal mode or fixed mode when the maximum number of clients connect to the AP. From 7:00 p.m. to 12:00 midnight., the Cal1 calendar profile timer starts to put the AP in the power-save mode. Likewise, the Cal2 calendar profile timer starts, and extends the power-save mode from 12:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m. Again, at 7:00 a.m., the AP goes into normal mode.

    Figure 1. AP in Eco Mode Behavior: Working Days
    This image shows the Access Point in Eco Mode Behaviour in the working day scenario.

  • AP in eco mode behavior on nonworking days: On nonworking days, the AP enters power-saving mode from 12:00 a.m. to 11:59:59 p.m. The Cal3 calendar profile is applied here. This profile defines the timer for the power-save mode. This means there are no clients connected to the AP, and the AP is asleep.

    Figure 2. AP in Eco Mode Behavior: Nonworking Days
    This image shows the Access Point in Eco Mode Behavior in the nonworking day scenario

  • AP behavior when clients connect: When clients are connected to the AP, the AP switches to the normal mode based on client connections. For example, in the calendar profile Cal1, the AP is in normal mode, because wireless clients are connected to the AP. At 8:00 p.m., clients dissociate from the AP, and the AP goes into power-save mode. When clients enter the AP coverage area at 9:30 p.m., the AP automatically switches from power-save mode to normal mode of operation.

    Figure 3. AP in Eco Mode Behavior: With Clients
    This image shows the Access Point in Eco Mode Behavior with Clients

How AP power save policies work

Summary

Access point power save policies dynamically manage power states using profiles and schedules. The key components involved in the process are:

  • Power profile: Defines what interfaces or features are disabled or derated.

  • Calendar profile: Specifies the timing to activate power profiles.

  • Client threshold: Defines when to override calendar and re-enable services.

Workflow

The process involves these following stages:

  1. Admin defines and configures power and calendar profiles.
  2. Profiles are mapped in the AP join profile.
  3. AP follows calendar-based transitions between power-save and normal mode.
  4. Client presence can override power-save mode if above threshold.

Result

The AP maintains optimal power usage while ensuring service availability when clients connect.

Configure power policy profile (GUI)

Use the GUI to configure a power policy profile, enabling you to manage power settings for network components effectively.

Procedure

Step 1

Choose Configuration > Tags & Profiles > Power Profile.

Step 2

Click Add.

The Add Power Profile window is displayed.

Step 3

Enter a name and description for your power profile. Ensure the name contains only ASCII characters, up to 128 characters, without leading or trailing spaces.

Step 4

Click Add to add rules for the power profile.

Step 5

Enter a unique sequence number in the Sequence number field to designate the priority for power disablement of the component. A sequence number of zero indicates the component is disabled first.

Step 6

From the Interface and Interface ID drop-down list, choose interface and interface ID to designate to the component for which the power derating rule applies.

Step 7

From the Parameter and Parameter value drop-down list, choose the values depending on the interface you have previously chosen.

For example, if you chose Ethernet as an interface, you can further customize the rule for the interface by choosing the associated speed. This rule ensures that the AP disables power for the Ethernet interface that is operating at a higher speed, and thereby consuming more power.

Step 8

Click the check mark to save and then click Apply to Device.

After configuration, you can effectively manage power for network components.

Configure a power policy profile (CLI)

Set up a power policy profile to manage AP energy by configuring Ethernet and USB components through the CLI.

Before you begin

Make sure you activate at least one radio interface before configuring a power policy profile.

Procedure

Step 1

Enter global configuration mode.

Example:

Device# configure terminal

Step 2

Configure the power policy profile.

Example:

Device(config)# wireless profile power power-profile-name

Step 3

Configure the power policy for Ethernet.

Example:

Device(config-wireless-power-profile)# 10 ethernet gigabitethernet1 speed 1000mbps

sequence-number : You can derate the AP based on the sequence number you enter. The same combination of interface identifiers and parameter values does not appear in another sequence number. The same interface with the same parameter can appear multiple times with different parameter values, however, the parameter value that yields the lowest power consumption is the one that gets selected, irrespective of the sequence number if there is active calendar.

Note

 

  • The Ethernet interface is used to join the controller. The uplink interface is not disabled even if it is defined in the power policy.

  • Ethernet speed configuration is not operational in Cisco IOS XE 17.8.1 and later releases.

Step 4

Configure the power policy for USB.

Example:

Device(config-wireless-power-profile)# 60 usb 0 state disable

The power policy profile is successfully configured, allowing efficient management of power resources through defined configurations for Ethernet and USB interfaces.

Configure a calendar profile (GUI)

Set up calendar profiles to define daily, weekly, or monthly recurrence schedules applied to configurations like power management on APs.

Procedure

Step 1

Choose Configuration > Tags & Profiles > Calendar.

Step 2

Click Add.

The Add Calendar Profile window is displayed.

Step 3

Enter a name for the calendar profile. Names must include ASCII characters up to 32 in length, with no leading or trailing spaces.

Step 4

From the Recurrence drop-down list, choose the schedule for which you want to create a profile.

Step 5

Select the Start Time and the End Time for the recurrence schedule.

Note

 

  • For daily recurrences, you can select the start time and end time. For example, if you want the AP to derate the power on certain interfaces between 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. daily, or if you want the controller to not allow any clients to be associated during this period, you can set up this daily recurrence schedule.

    To cover this timespan, you must create two calendar profiles, one for 7 p.m. till 23:59:59, and another one from midnight to 7 a.m. of the next calendar day, and map it to the same power profile. Assign it to the AP Join profile after completing this step.

  • For weekly recurrences, select the specific days of the week along with the start and end time.

  • For monthly recurrence, select the specific days of the month along with the start and end time.

Step 6

Click Apply to save the configuration.

The calendar profile is applied to manage schedules as defined to influence device behavior based on the recurrence schedule.

Configure a calendar profile (CLI)

Configure a calendar profile to automatically schedule device operations based on defined timing parameters.

Procedure

Step 1

Enter global configuration mode.

Example:

Device# configure terminal

Step 2

Configure a calendar profile. Enter the calendar profile configuration mode.

Example:

Device# wireless profile calendar-profile name <i>ap_power_calendar</i>

Here, name refers to the name of the calendar profile.

Step 3

Configure daily recurrence for daily profile.

Example:

Device(config-calendar-profile)# recurrence daily

Step 4

Configure the start time and end time for the calendar profile.

Example:

Device(config-calendar-profile)# start 16:00:00 end 20:00:00

Step 5

Return to privileged EXEC mode.

Example:

Device(config-calendar-profile)# end

The device uses the specified calendar profile to manage operations according to the configured timings.

Map a power profile under an AP profile (CLI)

Configure a power profile mapping in an AP profile using CLI commands.

Before you begin

Ensure that you have defined a calendar profile in the wireless profile, before you map the calendar profile to an AP join profile.

Procedure

Step 1

Enter global configuration mode.

Example:

Device# configure terminal

Step 2

Configure an AP profile and enter AP profile configuration mode.

Example:

Device(config)#  ap profile  ap-profile-name

Step 3

Configure the AP power profile.

Example:

Device(config-ap-profile)#  power-profile  power-profile-name

This power profile is used during non-calendar hours to meet the power budget provided by the switch connected to the AP.

Step 4

Map a calendar profile to the AP profile. Enter the AP profile calendar configuration mode.

Example:

Device(config-ap-profile)#  calendar-profile  ap-calendar-profile

Step 5

Map a specific power profile to a specific calendar profile.

Example:

Device(config-ap-profile-calendar)# action power-saving-mode 
power-profile power-profile1

Maps the power-saving mode action for the calendar profile. Use the no form of this command to disable the command.

Note

 

You can have more than one mapping of calendar profile to power profile.

The selected power profile is now mapped to the calendar profile within the specified AP profile.

Configuration example of power profile

The example shows how to define a power save policy:

wireless profile power power-save
            10 radio 5ghz state shutdown
            20 radio secondary-5ghz state shutdown
            30 radio 6ghz state shutdown
            40 usb 0 state disable

The example shows how to define a calendar profile:

wireless profile calender-profile name eve-to-midnight
            recurrence daily
            start 19:00:00 end 23:59:59
wireless profile calender-profile name midnight-to-morning
            recurrence daily
            start 00:00:00 end 07:00:00
wireless profile calender-profile name weekends
            recurrence weekly
            day Saturday
            day Sunday
            start 00:00:00 end 23:59:59

The example shows how to define an AP join profile and map a calendar profile to a power profile:

ap profile wireless-prof-site1
	                calendar-profile eve-to-midnight
		                action power-saving-mode power-profile power-save
	                calendar-profile midnight-to-morning
		                action power-saving-mode power-profile power-save
	                calendar-profile weekends
		                action power-saving-mode power-profile power-save

Verify access point power policy (GUI)

The purpose of this task is to verify the AP Power Policy applied on the Cisco Catalyst 9136 series using the GUI.

To verify the applied configuration on the GUI, use these steps:

Procedure

Step 1

Choose Monitoring > AP Statistics.

Step 2

Click a Cisco Catalyst 9136 series AP from the list of APs.

The General window is displayed.

Step 3

Click the Power tab.

The Power Operational Status and the AP Fixed Power Policy details are displayed.

Step 4

Click OK.

These steps help verify whether the power policy settings are correctly applied to the AP.

Verify the access point fixed power policy details

Ensure that the access points are operating with the correct power settings by verifying and updating the AP fixed power policy details, which helps maintain optimal network performance and coverage.

To verify the AP fixed power policy details from the list of configured APs, use these steps:

Procedure

Step 1

Choose Configuration > Access Points.

Step 2

Click a Cisco Catalyst 9136 series AP from the list of APs.

The Edit AP window is displayed.

Step 3

Click the Interfaces tab.

The AP Fixed Power Policy details are displayed.

Step 4

Click Update & Apply.

The AP fixed power policy details will be displayed.

Verify the access point power profile

To view the calendar profile and its mapping, use this command:

Device# show ap profile name default-ap-profile detailed
AP Profile Name                     : default-ap-profile
Description                         : default ap profile
Power profile name                  : power_prof_day
AP packet capture profile           : Not Configured
AP trace profile                    : Not Configured
Mesh profile name                   : default-mesh-profile
Power profile name                  : Not Configured
Calendar Profile
    Profile Name                   : cal47
    Power saving mode profile name : pow_da
    ----------------------------------------------------
    Profile Name                   : cal48
    Power saving mode profile name : pow23
    ----------------------------------------------------

To view the operational details of the AP, use this command:
Device# show ap name cisco-ap power-profile summary
AP power derate Capability      : Capable

Power saving mode
Power saving mode profile        : pow2
Associated calendar profile      : cal1

AP power profile status         : Insufficient De-rating

Interface    Interface-ID       Parameter        Parameter value    Status
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Radio        5 GHz              State            DISABLED           Success             
Radio        6 GHz              State            DISABLED           Not Applicable      
Ethernet     LAN1               State            DISABLED           Not Applicable      
Radio        2.4 GHz            State            DISABLED           Success             
Ethernet     Gig0               Speed            5000 MBPS          Fixed Policy

AP power derate capability is displayed in the output as Capable only for those APs that support power policy. For the other APs, it is displayed as Not Capable.

In the show ap name cisco-ap power-profile summary output, in the power saving mode, the status of the interface configured in the power profile (for example, pow2) is applied on the AP, and the AP sends the details (that are displayed in the show command) such as, the name of the power saving profile and the associated calendar profile.

The table that is displayed shows the interfaces and the parameter status of the power saving profile. The AP sends the information as to which of the interfaces are disabled. For example, if the AP does not have a 6-GHz radio interface, the Status is displayed as Not Applicable. If the interfaces are applied without any errors, then Success is displayed.


Note

When the AP uses the fixed power policy, due to inactive calendar or client connectivity, the interfaces are not displayed in the power profile summary if their status is UP on the AP.