Ruckus ZD1200 & R500 APs - Configuring TX Power

[CHiLL]

After speaking with Net-Ctrl at BETT and explaining how we're having issues with clients hanging onto weak signals from APs as they move around the building, the guy I spoke to mentioned that one way to tackle this is to turn down the TX power output of the APs. That way, the AP isn't broadcasting as far and clients would be forced to connect the next one. I have found the setting in our ZD, though I don't really have an understanding on the dB levels and what to set them do. I have the following options:

 

• Full
  
• -1dB
  
• -2dB
  
• -3dB(1/2)
  
• -4dB
  
• -5dB
  
• -6dB(1/4)
  
• -7dB
  
• -8dB
  
• -9dB(1/8)
  
• -10 dB
  
• Min
  
• Auto
  

They are all currently set to auto and have been since they were implemented in 2015. I assume that -3dB is 50% power, -9dB is 12.5% power. I am just not sure how much power to reduce the AP by, presumably not be a lot otherwise I'd be creating a lot of dead zones.

[bald_pig]

See what it's currently broadcasting at and knock it down by one?

[Net-Ctrl]

Hi @CHiLL - first of all thank you for stopping by at BETT! Second - if you would like a remote session with one of our engineers to go through the config and tweaks - please send me a PM.

 

It is a little trial and error as it depends on the environment. We'd suggest starting at -1dB and work down. Each AP will be slightly different. You could also try on 'Full' rather than Auto to begin with, and again test.

 

If you're having trouble with sticky clients - you could also try specifying the BSS Min Rate to 12 - this is done per SSID (set to 2 by default). This changes the speed a client is handed over. To make this change, go into the WLANS menu - click edit on an SSID and 'Advanced'.

[CHiLL]

Hi @CHiLL - first of all thank you for stopping by at BETT! Second - if you would like a remote session with one of our engineers to go through the config and tweaks - please send me a PM.

 

It is a little trial and error as it depends on the environment. We'd suggest starting at -1dB and work down. Each AP will be slightly different. You could also try on 'Full' rather than Auto to begin with, and again test.

 

If you're having trouble with sticky clients - you could also try specifying the BSS Min Rate to 12 - this is done per SSID (set to 2 by default). This changes the speed a client is handed over. To make this change, go into the WLANS menu - click edit on an SSID and 'Advanced'.

Thanks for your quick reply! I am trying to get to the bottom of where our actual problems lie. I've posted in an old thread that matches the behaviour we are seeing: https://www.edugeek.net/forums/wireless-networks/217148-dell-latitude-3380-radius-wi-fi-connectivity-issue.html#post2027835. I'm hoping the OP is still active and remembers, though that's a stretch from a few years ago!