WLAN power save options

Sleep Mode

The standardized WLAN Sleep Mode is supported. When this mode is activated, WLAN traffic is still possible, only reaction time is somewhat slower (typical ping 10-20 ms rather than 2-3 ms). The Access Points allows all clients to sleep for a defined time. This time intervall is controlled using a parameter called "DTIM" - find this parameter on your Access Point to control reaction time.

This power save mode works in Infrastructure Mode (Access Points) only. In Ad-hoc (direct) networks, this setting does not have effects. 

To enable this power save option, use the configuration website ( more) or the command "wlan ps on" ( more). This setting takes effect after a reset.

Power Down

The WLAN Module can be temporarily powered down completely. During power down, no network traffice is possible. Using the "wlan sleep" / "wlan awake" command the WLAN is switched off or on. The changes takes effect imediately. After reset, the module starts 'awake'. This effects only the WLAN part - other parts such as scripting keeps on running.

Using command interface

The wlan sleep and awake command can be issued directly using the command interface

Using Scripting

To control power using Scripting, the 'exec' container is used:

exec "wlan sleep"

... will put the WLAN module into sleep and

exec "wlan awake"

will start up the wifi module. Notice that it takes 2-3 seconds for Wifi to start.

Disable

The Wifi module can be disabled so it doesn't start at all and does not consume power. One thing is to disable the network interface and the seconde to disable the 'recovery mode'. If the recovery mode is enabled, the Wifi is powered on after reset to allow a connection.

Using command interface

To disable the wifi, send the command sequence:

recm off
net none

The module needs to be turned off and on that those changes take effect. A simple 'reset' is not enough. To enable the wifi, send the command sequence:

recm on
net auto

Again, the module needs to be turned off and on that those changes take effect. 

Using Scripting

Scripting is not well suited to send this command sequence. However, it can be done by using the 'exec' construct. We recommend using the "Power Down" feature rather then this disabling feature.