Configuring Intelligent Power Monitoring

The Intelligent Power Monitoring (IPMIntelligent Power Monitoring. IPM is a feature supported on certain APs that actively measures the power utilization of an AP and dynamically adapts to the power resources.) feature actively measures the power utilization of an access point (AP) and dynamically adapts to the power resources. IPM allows you to define the features that must be disabled to save power, allowing the APs to operate at a lower power consumption without hampering the performance of the related features. This feature constantly monitors the AP power consumption and adjusts the power saving IPM features within the power budget.

IPM dynamically limits the power requirement of an AP as per the available power resources. IPM applies a sequence of power reduction steps as defined by the priority definition until the AP functions within the power budget. This happens dynamically as IPM constantly monitors the AP power consumption and applies the next power reduction step in the priority list if the AP exceeds the power threshold. To manage this prioritization, you can create IPM policies to define a set of power reduction steps and associate them with a priority. The IPM policies, when applied to the AP, are based on IPM priorities, where the IPM policy can be configured to disable or reduce certain features in a specific sequence to reduce the AP power consumption below the power budget. IPM priority settings are defined by integer values, where the lower values have the highest priority and are implemented first.

To configure Intelligent Power Monitoring, complete the following steps:

1. In the Network Operations app, set the filter to a group containing at least one AP.

   The dashboard context for the group is displayed.

2. Under Manage, click Devices > Access Points.

   A list of APs is displayed in the List view.

3. Click the Config icon.

   The tabs to configure the APs are displayed.

4. Click Show Advanced.
5. Click the System tab.

   The System page is displayed.

6. Click the IPM accordion.
7. Select the IPM Activation check box to enable IPM.
8. Click the + icon in the IPM Power Reduction Steps With Priorities pane.

   The IPM Power Reduction Steps With Priorities window is displayed.

9. In the IPM Step Priority field, enter a value from 1 to 16 to define IPM priority.
10. From the IPM Step drop-down list, select a setting as described in the following table:

    Table 1: Intelligent Power Monitoring Step Parameters

    Parameters	Description
    cpu_throttle_25	Reduces CPUCentral Processing Unit. A CPU is an electronic circuitry in a computer for processing instructions. frequency to 25% of normal.
    cpu_throttle_50	Reduces CPU frequency to 50% of normal.
    cpu_throttle_75	Reduces CPU frequency to 75% of normal.
    disable_alt_eth	Disables the second EthernetEthernet is a network protocol for data transmission over LAN. port.
    disable_pse	Disables Power Sourcing Equipment (PSE).
    disable_usb	Disables USBUniversal Serial Bus. USB is a connection standard that offers a common interface for communication between the external devices and a computer. USB is the most common port used in the client devices. .
    radio_2ghz_chain_1	Reduces 2 GHzGigahertz. chains to 1x1.
    radio_2ghz_chain_2	Reduces 2 GHz chains to 2x2.
    radio_2ghz_chain_3	Reduces 2 GHz chains to 3x3.
    radio_2ghz_power_3dB	Reduces 2 GHz radio power by 3 dBDecibel. Unit of measure for sound or noise and is the difference or ratio between two signal levels. from the maximum value.
    radio_2ghz_power_6dB	Reduces 2 GHz radio power by 6 dB from the maximum value.
    radio_5ghz_chain_1	Reduces 5 GHz chains to 1x1.
    radio_5ghz_chain_2	Reduces 5 GHz chains to 2x2.
    radio_5ghz_chain_3	Reduces 5 GHz chains to 3x3.
    radio_5ghz_power_3dB	Reduces 5 GHz radio power by 3 dB from the maximum value.
    radio_5ghz_power_6dB	Reduces 5 GHz radio power by 6 dB from the maximum value.

11. Click OK.

    The IPM Power Reduction Steps With Priorities table in the IPM section lists all the IPM settings.

12. Click Save Settings.
13. Reboot the IAP for changes to take effect.

The following figure shows the IPM steps and priorities listed in the IPM Power Reduction Steps With Priorities table:

Figure 1  IPM Steps and Priorities

Points to Remember

• By default, Intelligent Power Monitoring is disabled.
• When enabled, IPM enables all IAP functionality initially. IPM then proceeds to shut down or restrict functionality if the power usage of the AP goes beyond the power budget of the IAP.