Energy Saving (Beta)

Energy Saving is an AI-managed solution within IntentAI that reduces AP power consumption by intelligently adapting to network usage patterns. It operates through an AI/ML-driven model that continuously monitors client activity and analyzes historical and real-time network usage data to identify periods of reduced demand. When such off-peak periods are detected, Energy Saving transitions eligible APs into PowerSave mode, significantly lowering energy usage without requiring manual intervention. In PowerSave mode, APs operate at reduced power. While these APs do not actively serve WLAN traffic, they remain online with limited connectivity and visibility within the network, allowing for rapid reactivation when client demand increases.

Energy Saving is available as an Intent through IntentAI. Administrators retain control over the Energy Saving Intent through configuration options that allow them to schedule the start time for applying the Intent and to exclude specific APs or AP Groups from being transitioned into PowerSave mode. Once Energy Saving Intent is activated, IntentAI autonomously manages power optimization of APs in the Zone, dynamically adapting to changes in usage and topology. APs exit PowerSave mode and automatically return to normal-power operation, ensuring uninterrupted service, under the following conditions:
  • At the end of the scheduled PowerSave timeframe, as defined in Energy Saving Plan.
  • When increased client activity is detected in the network.
  • When the network topology changes due to APs being added or removed.

Energy Saving is particularly effective in environments with dense Wi-Fi deployments and predictable usage cycles, such as office buildings, educational campuses, or retail venues. In these settings, APs are often provisioned for peak-hour demand but remain underutilized during off-peak periods. For example, on a university campus, hundreds of APs may be required to serve thousands of users during class hours, while many buildings remain largely unoccupied afterward. In such scenarios, running all APs at normal power leads to wastage of energy. By enabling Energy Saving and transitioning non-critical APs into PowerSave mode, the system conserves energy while keeping the network responsive to sudden increase in demand.

Requirements

  • Energy Saving is available on APs running firmware version R7.1.1 and later. However, AP model R370, although compatible with R7.1.1, does not support Energy Saving due to model-specific limitations.

Prerequisites

You must enable the Energy Saving Intent through the Intent Settings option for it to be managed by IntentAI. For more information, refer to Intent Settings.

Considerations

  • When Energy Saving is enabled, the network operates in reduced capacity during off-peak hours.
  • An AP will enter PowerSave mode only during the predefined Energy Saving timeframe and when all currently connected clients can successfully roam to neighboring APs without exceeding client thresholds.
  • PowerSave mode depends on the AP’s ability to detect neighboring APs capable of handling its client load. If no suitable neighbors are detected, the AP will remain in normal power mode.
  • During Energy Saving operations, when an AP transitions from PowerSave mode back to normal power mode, it undergoes a reboot with the appropriate reason code.
  • APs selected for Service Validation tests, as well as their neighboring APs, will not enter PowerSave mode. APs already in PowerSave mode may not participate in Service Validation over-the-air (OTA) tests.
  • Energy Saving scheduling is based on the time zone of the Zone, not the browser’s local time. AP-level time zone overrides are ignored in favor of the Zone time zone.
  • The following APs are excluded from the Energy Saving model and will not enter PowerSave mode:
    • Mesh APs (either RAP or MAP) that have one or more child MAPs connected to them.
    • APs located in the Default Zone.
    • AP models where Energy Saving is not supported.
    • If the AP is the only AP in a Zone.

Best Practices

  • Energy Saving always follows the Zone's configured time zone. If APs within a Zone are physically located in different time zones, Energy Saving may not be enforced at the same local time across all APs. To ensure optimal results, configure the schedule based on the venue’s time zone and select off-peak hours when Wi-Fi usage is typically low.