Configuring Radio Settings on an Access Point

This module describes how to configure radio settings on a Cisco 800, 1800, 2800, or 3800 series integrated services router, hereafter referred to as an access point (AP).

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Information About Configuring Radio Settings on an Access Point

Wireless Device Roles in a Radio Network

The table below shows the role in the radio network for each of the following devices.


Note

Universal client mode is not supported on the 85x ISRs.

Table 1 Device Role in Radio Network Configuration

Role in Radio Network

Cisco 800 Series ISRs

Cisco 1800 Series ISRs

Cisco 1841 Series ISRs

Cisco 2800 Series ISRs

Cisco 3800 Series ISRs

Root access point

X

X

X

X

X

Root bridge with or without clients

-

-

X

X

X

Nonroot bridge without clients

-

-

X

X

X

Universal client mode

X

X

X

X

X

Support of Workgroup bridge clients

X

X

X

X

X

Data Rate Settings

You use the data rate settings to choose the data rates the AP uses for data transmission. The rates are expressed in megabits per second. The AP always attempts to transmit at the highest data rate set to Basic, also called Require on the browser-based interface. If there are obstacles or interference, the AP steps down to the highest rate that allows data transmission. You can set each data rate (1, 2, 5.5, and 11 megabits per second) to one of three states:

  • Basic (this is the default state for all data rates)--Allows transmission at this rate for all packets, both unicast and multicast. At least one of the access point's data rates must be set to Basic.

  • Enabled--The AP transmits only unicast packets at this rate; multicast packets are sent at one of the data rates set to Basic.

  • Disabled--The AP does not transmit data at this rate.


Note

At least one data rate must be set to basic.

You can use the data rate settings to set up an AP to serve client devices operating at specific data rates. For example, to set up the 2.4-GHz radio for 11 megabits per second (Mbps) service only, set the 11-Mbps rate to Basic and set the other data rates to Enabled. To set up the AP to serve only client devices operating at 1 and 2 Mbps, set 1 and 2 to Basic and set the rest of the data rates to Enabled. To set up the 5-GHz radio for 54 Mbps service only, set the 54-Mbps rate to Basic and set the other data rates to Enabled.

You can also configure the AP to set the data rates automatically to optimize either range or throughput. When you enter range for the data rate setting, the AP sets the 1 Mbps rate to basic and the other rates to enabled. When you enter throughput for the data rate setting, the AP sets all four data rates to basic.

Universal Client Mode

Universal client mode is a wireless radio station role that allows the radio to act as a wireless client to another access point or repeater. This feature is exclusive to the integrated radio running in the Cisco 870, 1800, 2800, and 3800 integrated service routers (ISRs).

Universal client mode has the following features and limitations:

  • You can configure universal client mode on the main dot11radio interface only, subinterfaces are not supported.

  • Universal client can associate to access points with radio VLANs.

  • Layer-3 routing is supported over the radio interface. However, there is no support for layer 2 (L2) bridging. The user cannot configure a dot11radio interface with a bridge-group when in universal client mode.

  • Service Set Identifiers (SSIDs) are required to be configured on the dot11 interface operating as a universal client; association to an access point running in guest mode is not supported.

  • The universal client can associate to Cisco access points, third party access points, and repeaters. It cannot associate to Cisco root bridges or Cisco workgroup bridges.

  • Easy VPN does not support universal client mode using DHCP.

How to Configure Radio Settings on an Access Point

Configuring Universal Client Mode

Perform this task to configure universal client mode.

You can configure universal client mode on a Cisco ISR series router by setting the radio interface station role to nonroot. This is different from configuring the dot11radio interface to operate in non-root bridge mode, which requires specifying the word bridge at the end of the command, for example, station-role non-root bridge.


Note

In other Cisco wireless products such as the Cisco AP1232, the station-role non-root command operates the same as station-role non-root bridge command. On the ISRs, the two commands are different: station-role non-root is considered the universal client mode and station-role non-root bridge is considered the nonroot bridge mode.

SUMMARY STEPS

    1.    enable

    2.    configure terminal

    3.    interface dot11Radio interface

    4.    station-role {root [access-point | ap-only | bridge [wireless-clients]] | non-root [ bridge ]}

    5.    end

    6.    copy running-config startup-config


DETAILED STEPS
     Command or ActionPurpose
    Step 1 enable


    Example:
    Router> enable
     

    Enables privileged EXEC mode.

    • Enter your password if prompted.

     
    Step 2 configure terminal


    Example:
    Router# configure terminal
     

    Enters global configuration mode.

     
    Step 3 interface dot11Radio interface


    Example:
    Router(config)# interface dot11Radio 0/3/0
     

    Enters configuration mode for the radio interface.

    • The interface argument is in module/slot/port format, except for the Cisco 800 series and Cisco 1800 series fixed-configuration routers, where the interface argument is either 0 or 1.

    • The 2.4-GHz radio is port 0, and the 5-GHz radio is port 1.

     
    Step 4 station-role {root [access-point | ap-only | bridge [wireless-clients]] | non-root [ bridge ]}


    Example:
    Router(config-if)# station-role non-root
     

    Sets the role of the radio interface.

     
    Step 5 end


    Example:
    Router(config-if)# end
     

    Returns to privileged EXEC mode.

     
    Step 6 copy running-config startup-config


    Example:
    Router# copy running-config startup-config
     

    (Optional) Saves your entries in the configuration file.

     

    Configuring Radio Data Rates on an Access Point

    Perform this task to configure radio data rates.

    SUMMARY STEPS

      1.    enable

      2.    configure terminal

      3.    interface dot11Radio interface

      4.    speed {data-rates | default | ofdm-throughput | range | throughput}

      5.    end

      6.    copy running-config startup-config


    DETAILED STEPS
       Command or ActionPurpose
      Step 1 enable


      Example:
      Router> enable
       

      Enables privileged EXEC mode.

      • Enter your password if prompted.

       
      Step 2 configure terminal


      Example:
      Router# configure terminal
       

      Enters global configuration mode.

       
      Step 3 interface dot11Radio interface


      Example:
      Router(config)# interface dot11Radio 0/3/0
       

      Enters configuration mode for the radio interface.

      • The interface argument is in module/slot/port format, except for the Cisco 800 series and Cisco 1800 series fixed-configuration routers, where the interface argument is either 0 or 1.

      • The 2.4-GHz radio is port 0, and the 5-GHz radio is port 1.

       
      Step 4 speed {data-rates | default | ofdm-throughput | range | throughput}


      Example:
      Router(config-if)# speed throughput
       

      Configures the data rates supported by the access point.

      • Use the no form of the speed command to disable data rates. When you use the no form of the command, all data rates are disabled except the rates you name in the command.

       
      Step 5 end


      Example:
      Router(config-if)# end
       

      Returns to privileged EXEC mode.

       
      Step 6 copy running-config startup-config


      Example:
      Router# copy running-config startup-config
       

      (Optional) Saves your entries in the configuration file.

       

      Configuring Radio and Client Device Power Levels on an Access Point

      Perform this task to set the transmit power on your AP and the power level on client devices that associate to the access point.

      When a client device associates to the access point, the AP sends the maximum power level setting to the client.

      SUMMARY STEPS

        1.    enable

        2.    configure terminal

        3.    interface dot11Radio interface

        4.    power local {cck | ofdm} { milliwatt | maximum} orpower local { milliwatt | maximum}

        5.    power client {milliwatt| maximum}

        6.    end

        7.    copy running-config startup-config


      DETAILED STEPS
         Command or ActionPurpose
        Step 1 enable


        Example:
        Router> enable
         

        Enables privileged EXEC mode.

        • Enter your password if prompted.

         
        Step 2 configure terminal


        Example:
        Router# configure terminal
         

        Enters global configuration mode.

         
        Step 3 interface dot11Radio interface


        Example:
        Router(config)# interface dot11Radio 0/3/0
         

        Enters radio interface configuration mode.

        • The interface argument is in module/slot/port format, except for the Cisco 800 series and Cisco 1800 series fixed-configuration routers, where the interface argument is either 0 or 1.

        • The 2.4-GHz radio is port 0, and the 5-GHz radio is port 1.

         
        Step 4 power local {cck | ofdm} { milliwatt | maximum} orpower local { milliwatt | maximum}


        Example:
        Router(config-if)# power local 20
         

        (Optional) Specifies the local transmit power level, which reduces the radio cell size and interference between cells, on a 2.4-GHz, 802.11b/g radio.

        or

        Specifies the local transmit power level on a 5-GHz, 802.11a radio.

        • On the 2.4-GHz radio, you can set CCK and OFDM power levels. On the 5-GHz radio, these keywords are not supported.

        • For the 802.11b/g radio, the milliwatt argument can be 7, 10, 13, 15, 17, or 20. For the 802.11a radio, the milliwattargument can be 4, 7, 10, 13, or 16.

        • Use the maximum keyword to specify the maximum power level. This is the default setting.

         
        Step 5 power client {milliwatt| maximum}


        Example:
        Router(config-if)# power client 20
         

        (Optional) Specifies the maximum power level that clients should use for radio transmissions to the access point.

        • For the 802.11b/g radio, the milliwatt value can be 7, 10, 13, 15, 17, or 20. For the 802.11a radio, the milliwattvalue can be 4, 7, 10, 13, or 16.

        • Use the maximum keyword to specify the maximum power level.

        • The default is for the AP to specify no specific client power level.

         
        Step 6 end


        Example:
        Router(config-if)# end
         

        Returns to privileged EXEC mode.

         
        Step 7 copy running-config startup-config


        Example:
        Router# copy running-config startup-config
         

        (Optional) Saves your entries in the configuration file.

         

        Configuring Radio Channel Settings on an Access Point

        Perform this task to set the access point’s radio channel.

        The default channel setting for the AP radios is least congested; at startup, the AP scans for and selects the least-congested channel. For most consistent performance after a site survey, however, we recommend that you assign a static channel setting for each access point. The channel settings on your AP correspond to the frequencies available in your regulatory domain.

        Each 2.4-GHz channel covers 22 MHz. The bandwidth for channels 1, 6, and 11 does not overlap, so you can set up multiple access points in the same vicinity without causing interference.

        The 5-GHz radio operates on up to 27 channels from 5170 to 5850 MHz. Each channel covers 20 MHz, and the bandwidth for the channels overlaps slightly. For best performance, use channels that are not adjacent (44 and 46, for example) for radios that are close to each other.


        Note

        Too many access points in the same vicinity creates radio congestion that can reduce throughput. A careful site survey can determine the best placement of access points for maximum radio coverage and throughput.

        SUMMARY STEPS

          1.    enable

          2.    configure terminal

          3.    interface dot11Radio interface

          4.    channel { number | MHz | least-congested }

          5.    end

          6.    copy running-config startup-config


        DETAILED STEPS
           Command or ActionPurpose
          Step 1 enable


          Example:
          Router> enable
           

          Enables privileged EXEC mode.

          • Enter your password if prompted.

           
          Step 2 configure terminal


          Example:
          Router# configure terminal
           

          Enters global configuration mode.

           
          Step 3 interface dot11Radio interface


          Example:
          Router(config)# interface dot11Radio 0/3/0
           

          Enters radio interface configuration mode.

          • The interface argument is in module/slot/port format, except for the Cisco 800 series and Cisco 1800 series fixed-configuration routers, where the interface argument is either 0 or 1.

          • The 2.4-GHz radio is port 0, and the 5-GHz radio is port 1.

           
          Step 4 channel { number | MHz | least-congested }


          Example:
          Router(config-if)# channel 2457
           

          (Optional) Sets the default channel for the AP radio.

           
          Step 5 end


          Example:
          Router(config-if)# end
           

          Returns to privileged EXEC mode.

           
          Step 6 copy running-config startup-config


          Example:
          Router# copy running-config startup-config
           

          (Optional) Saves your entries in the configuration file.

           

          Configuring Dynamic Frequency Selection on an Access Point

          Perform this task to configure DFS on an access point with a 5-GHz radio.

          This section applies only to wireless access points shipped to Europe and Japan with 5-GHz radios running Cisco IOS version 12.4(6)T. Access points shipped to Europe and Japan with 5-GHz radios are required to use DFS to detect and avoid interfering with radar signals to comply with that regulatory domain.

          The access point automatically sets the operating frequency on a DFS-enabled 5-GHz radio. A specific channel cannot be configured for DFS-enabled 5-GHz radios; the channel command is disabled.


          Note

          If the access point is set to use DFS and it is deployed in a regulatory domain that does not allow or does not require the use of DFS, disable DFS by using the no dfs band blockinterface configuration command.

          DFS-enabled 5-GHz radios monitor the operating frequency for radar signals. If radar signals are detected on the channel, the access point takes these steps:

          • Blocks new transmissions on the channel.

          • Flushes the power-save client queues.

          • Broadcasts an 802.11h channel-switch announcement.

          • Disassociates remaining client devices.

          • Randomly selects a different channel:
            • If the access point does not select a DFS-required channel, the access point enables beacons and accepts client associations.
            • If the access point selects a DFS required channel, the access point scans the new channel for radar signals for 60 seconds. If there are no radar signals on the new channel, the access point enables beacons and accepts client associations. If a radar signal is detected, the access point selects a different channel.

          When a DFS-enabled 5-GHz radio operates on one of the following 15 channels, the access point automatically uses DFS to set the operating frequency:

          • 52 (5260 MHz)

          • 56 (5280 MHz)

          • 60 (5300 MHz)

          • 64 (5320 MHz)

          • 100 (5500 MHz)

          • 104 (5520 MHz)

          • 108 (5540 MHz)

          • 112 (5560 MHz)

          • 116 (5580 MHz)

          • 120 (5600 MHz)

          • 124 (5620 MHz)

          • 128 (5640 MHz)

          • 132 (5660 MHz)

          • 136 (5680 MHz)

          • 140 (5700 MHz)

          The maximum legal transmit power is greater for some 5-GHz channels than for others. When the access point randomly selects a 5-GHz channel on which power is restricted, the access point automatically reduces transmit power to comply with power limits for that channel.


          Note

          Cisco recommends using the world-mode dot11d country-code interface configuration command to configure a country code on DFS-enabled radios. The IEEE 802.11h protocol requires access points to include the country information element (IE) in beacons and probe responses. By default, however, the country code in the IE is blank. Use the world-mode command to populate the country code IE.

          SUMMARY STEPS

            1.    enable

            2.    configure terminal

            3.    interface dot11Radio interface

            4.    dfs band frequency-group block

            5.    end

            6.    show controllers dot11Radio interface

            7.    copy running-config startup-config


          DETAILED STEPS
             Command or ActionPurpose
            Step 1 enable


            Example:
            Router> enable
             

            Enables privileged EXEC mode.

            • Enter your password if prompted.

             
            Step 2 configure terminal


            Example:
            Router# configure terminal
             

            Enters global configuration mode.

             
            Step 3 interface dot11Radio interface


            Example:
            Router(config)# interface dot11Radio 0/3/1
             

            Enters interface configuration mode.

            • The interface argument is in module/slot/port format, except for the Cisco 1800 series fixed-configuration routers, where the interface argument is either 0 or 1.

            • The 5-GHz radio is port 1.

             
            Step 4 dfs band frequency-group block


            Example:
            Router(config-if)# dfs band 1 2 block
             

            Prevents an access point from selecting a specific group of frequencies during DFS.

            • The frequency-groupvalue can be 1, 2, 3, or 4:
              • 1 specifies frequencies 5.150 to 5.250 GHz.
              • 2 specifies frequencies 5.250 to 5.350 GHz.
              • 3 specifies frequencies 5.470 to 5.725 GHz.
              • 4 specifies frequencies 5.725 to 5.825 GHz.

            • At least one group of frequencies must be specified. Multiple groups are allowed.

             
            Step 5 end


            Example:
            Router(config-if)# end
             

            Returns to privileged EXEC mode.

             
            Step 6 show controllers dot11Radio interface


            Example:
            Router# show controllers dot11Radio 0/0/1
             

            (Optional) Displays radio controller status.

            • The Current Frequency line of the output displays the status of DFS, for example:

            Current Frequency: 5300 MHz Channel 60 (DFS enabled)

             
            Step 7 copy running-config startup-config


            Example:
            Router# copy running-config startup-config
             

            (Optional) Saves your entries in the configuration file.

             

            Enabling and Disabling World Mode on an Access Point

            Perform this task to configure the AP to support 802.11d world mode or Cisco legacy world mode.

            When you enable world mode, the AP adds channel carrier set information to its beacon. Client devices with world mode enabled receive the carrier set information and adjust their settings automatically. For example, a client device used primarily in Japan could rely on world mode to adjust its channel and power settings automatically when it travels to Italy and joins a network there. World mode is disabled by default.

            Aironet extensions must be enabled for world mode operation. Aironet extensions are enabled by default.


            Note

            World mode is not supported on the 5-GHz radio.

            SUMMARY STEPS

              1.    enable

              2.    configure terminal

              3.    interface dot11Radio interface

              4.    world-mode {legacy | dot11d country-code code} {indoor | outdoor | both}

              5.    end

              6.    copy running-config startup-config


            DETAILED STEPS
               Command or ActionPurpose
              Step 1 enable


              Example:
              Router> enable
               

              Enables privileged EXEC mode.

              • Enter your password if prompted.

               
              Step 2 configure terminal


              Example:
              Router# configure terminal
               

              Enters global configuration mode.

               
              Step 3 interface dot11Radio interface


              Example:
              Router(config)# interface dot11Radio 0/3/0
               

              Enters radio interface configuration mode.

              • The interface argument is in module/slot/port format, except for the Cisco 800 series and Cisco 1800 series fixed-configuration routers, where the interface argument is either 0 or 1.

              • The 2.4-GHz radio is port 0, and the 5-GHz radio is port 1.

               
              Step 4 world-mode {legacy | dot11d country-code code} {indoor | outdoor | both}


              Example:
              Router(config-if)# world-mode legacy indoor
               

              Enables AP world mode operation.

              • The example enables Cisco legacy world mode and specifies that the AP is indoors.

               
              Step 5 end


              Example:
              Router(config-if)# end
               

              Returns to privileged EXEC mode.

               
              Step 6 copy running-config startup-config


              Example:
              Router# copy running-config startup-config
               

              (Optional) Saves your entries in the configuration file.

               

              Enabling and Disabling Short Radio Preambles on an Access Point

              Perform this task to enable or disable short radio preambles.

              The radio preamble (sometimes called a header) is a section of data at the head of a packet that contains information that the AP and client devices need when sending and receiving packets. You can set the radio preamble to long or short:

              • Short--A short preamble improves throughput performance. Cisco Aironet Wireless LAN Client Adapters support short preambles. Early models of Cisco Aironet's Wireless LAN Adapter (PC4800 and PC4800A) require long preambles.

              • Long--A long preamble ensures compatibility between the AP and all early models of Cisco Aironet Wireless LAN Adapters (PC4800 and PC4800A). If these client devices do not associate to your access points, you should use short preambles.


              Note

              You cannot configure short or long radio preambles on the 5-GHz radio.

              SUMMARY STEPS

                1.    enable

                2.    configure terminal

                3.    interface dot11Radio interface

                4.    preamble-short

                5.    end

                6.    copy running-config startup-config


              DETAILED STEPS
                 Command or ActionPurpose
                Step 1 enable


                Example:
                Router> enable
                 

                Enables privileged EXEC mode.

                • Enter your password if prompted.

                 
                Step 2 configure terminal


                Example:
                Router# configure terminal
                 

                Enters global configuration mode.

                 
                Step 3 interface dot11Radio interface


                Example:
                Router(config)# interface dot11Radio 0/3/0
                 

                Enters radio interface configuration mode.

                • The interface argument is in module/slot/port format, except for the Cisco 800 series and Cisco 1800 series fixed-configuration routers, where the interface argument is either 0 or 1.

                • The 2.4-GHz radio is port 0, and the 5-GHz radio is port 1.

                 
                Step 4 preamble-short


                Example:
                Router(config-if)# no preamble-short
                 

                Disables short preambles and enables long preambles.

                • Short preambles are enabled by default. Use the preamble-short command to reenable short preambles if they are disabled.

                 
                Step 5 end


                Example:
                Router(config-if)# end
                 

                Returns to privileged EXEC mode.

                 
                Step 6 copy running-config startup-config


                Example:
                Router# copy running-config startup-config
                 

                (Optional) Saves your entries in the configuration file.

                 

                Configuring Transmit and Receive Antennas on an Access Point

                Perform this task to select the antenna the AP uses to transmit and receive data.

                SUMMARY STEPS

                  1.    enable

                  2.    configure terminal

                  3.    interface dot11Radio interface

                  4.    antenna { receive | transmit} { diversity | left | right }

                  5.    end

                  6.    copy running-config startup-config


                DETAILED STEPS
                   Command or ActionPurpose
                  Step 1 enable


                  Example:
                  Router> enable
                   

                  Enables privileged EXEC mode.

                  • Enter your password if prompted.

                   
                  Step 2 configure terminal


                  Example:
                  Router# configure terminal
                   

                  Enters global configuration mode.

                   
                  Step 3 interface dot11Radio interface


                  Example:
                  Router(config)# interface dot11Radio 0/3/0
                   

                  Enters radio interface configuration mode.

                  • The interface argument is in module/slot/port format, except for the Cisco 800 series and Cisco 1800 series fixed-configuration routers, where the interface argument is either 0 or 1.

                  • The 2.4-GHz radio is port 0, and the 5-GHz radio is port 1.

                   
                  Step 4 antenna { receive | transmit} { diversity | left | right }


                  Example:
                  Router(config-if)# antenna receive right
                   

                  Sets the transmit or receive antenna to diversity, left, or right.

                  Note   

                  For best performance, leave the transmit antenna setting at the default setting, diversity.

                   
                  Step 5 end


                  Example:
                  Router(config-if)# end
                   

                  Returns to privileged EXEC mode.

                   
                  Step 6 copy running-config startup-config


                  Example:
                  Router# copy running-config startup-config
                   

                  (Optional) Saves your entries in the configuration file.

                   

                  Enabling and Disabling Aironet Extensions on an Access Point

                  Perform this task to enable or disable Cisco Aironet extensions to the IEEE 802.11b standard.

                  Aironet extensions are enabled by default.

                  By default, the AP uses Cisco Aironet 802.11 extensions to detect the capabilities of Cisco Aironet client devices and to support features that require specific interaction between the AP and associated client devices. Aironet extensions must be enabled to support these features:

                  • Load balancing--The AP uses Aironet extensions to direct client devices to an AP that provides the best connection to the network based on factors such as number of users, bit error rates, and signal strength.

                  • Message Integrity Check (MIC)--MIC is an additional WEP security feature that prevents attacks on encrypted packets called bit-flip attacks. The MIC, implemented on both the AP and all associated client devices, adds a few bytes to each packet to make the packets tamper-proof.

                  • Temporal Key Integrity Protocol (TKIP)--TKIP, also known as WEP key hashing, is an additional WEP security feature that defends against an attack on WEP in which the intruder uses an unencrypted segment called the initialization vector (IV) in encrypted packets to calculate the WEP key.

                  • Repeater mode--Aironet extensions must be enabled on repeater access points and on the root access points to which they associate.

                  • World mode--Client devices with world mode enabled receive carrier set information from the AP and adjust their settings automatically.

                  • Limiting the power level on associated client devices--When a client device associates to the access point, the AP sends the maximum allowed power level setting to the client.

                  Disabling Aironet extensions disables the features listed above, but it sometimes improves the ability of non-Cisco client devices to associate to the access point.

                  SUMMARY STEPS

                    1.    enable

                    2.    configure terminal

                    3.    interface dot11Radio interface

                    4.    no dot11 extension aironet

                    5.    end

                    6.    copy running-config startup-config


                  DETAILED STEPS
                     Command or ActionPurpose
                    Step 1 enable


                    Example:
                    Router> enable
                     

                    Enables privileged EXEC mode.

                    • Enter your password if prompted.

                     
                    Step 2 configure terminal


                    Example:
                    Router# configure terminal
                     

                    Enters global configuration mode.

                     
                    Step 3 interface dot11Radio interface


                    Example:
                    Router(config)# interface dot11Radio 0/3/0
                     

                    Enters radio interface configuration mode.

                    • The interface argument is in module/slot/port format, except for the Cisco 800 series and Cisco 1800 series fixed-configuration routers, where the interface argument is either 0 or 1.

                    • The 2.4-GHz radio is port 0, and the 5-GHz radio is port 1.

                     
                    Step 4 no dot11 extension aironet


                    Example:
                    Router(config-if)# no dot11 extension aironet
                     

                    Disables Aironet extensions.

                    • Use the dot11 extension aironet command to enable Aironet extensions if they are disabled.

                     
                    Step 5 end


                    Example:
                    Router(config-if)# end
                     

                    Returns to privileged EXEC mode.

                     
                    Step 6 copy running-config startup-config


                    Example:
                    Router# copy running-config startup-config
                     

                    (Optional) Saves your entries in the configuration file.

                     

                    Configuring Ethernet Encapsulation Transformation Method on an Access Point

                    Perform this task to configure the encapsulation transformation method.

                    When the AP receives data packets that are not 802.3 packets, the AP must format the packets to 802.3 using an encapsulation transformation method. These are the two transformation methods:

                    • dot1h (802.1H)--This method provides optimum performance for Cisco Aironet wireless products.

                    • RFC 1042--Use this setting to ensure interoperability with non-Cisco Aironet wireless equipment. RFC 1042 does not provide the interoperability advantages of 802.1H but is used by other manufacturers of wireless equipment. This is the default setting.

                    SUMMARY STEPS

                      1.    enable

                      2.    configure terminal

                      3.    interface dot11Radio interface

                      4.    payload-encapsulation { rfc1042 | dot1h }

                      5.    end

                      6.    copy running-config startup-config


                    DETAILED STEPS
                       Command or ActionPurpose
                      Step 1 enable


                      Example:
                      Router> enable
                       

                      Enables privileged EXEC mode.

                      • Enter your password if prompted.

                       
                      Step 2 configure terminal


                      Example:
                      Router# configure terminal
                       

                      Enters global configuration mode.

                       
                      Step 3 interface dot11Radio interface


                      Example:
                      Router(config)# interface dot11Radio 0/3/0
                       

                      Enters radio interface configuration mode.

                      • The interface argument is in module/slot/port format, except for the Cisco 800 series and Cisco 1800 series fixed-configuration routers, where the interface argument is either 0 or 1.

                      • The 2.4-GHz radio is port 0, and the 5-GHz radio is port 1.

                       
                      Step 4 payload-encapsulation { rfc1042 | dot1h }


                      Example:
                      Router(config-if)# no dot11 extension aironet
                       

                      Specifies the encapsulation transformation method to RFC 1042 (SNAP) or dot1h (IEEE 802.1h).

                       
                      Step 5 end


                      Example:
                      Router(config-if)# end
                       

                      Returns to privileged EXEC mode.

                       
                      Step 6 copy running-config startup-config


                      Example:
                      Router# copy running-config startup-config
                       

                      (Optional) Saves your entries in the configuration file.

                       

                      Configuring Beacon Period and DTIM on an Access Point

                      Perform this task to configure the beacon period and delivery traffic indication message (DTIM).

                      The beacon period is the amount of time between AP beacons in Kilo microseconds. One kilomicrosecond equals 1,024 microseconds. The Data Beacon Rate, always a multiple of the beacon period, determines how often the beacon contains a DTIM. The DTIM tells power-save client devices that a packet is waiting for them.

                      For example, if the beacon period is set at 100, its default setting, and the data beacon rate is set at 2, its default setting, then the AP sends a beacon containing a DTIM every 200 kilomicroseconds.

                      The default beacon period is 100, and the default DTIM is 2.

                      SUMMARY STEPS

                        1.    enable

                        2.    configure terminal

                        3.    interface dot11Radio interface

                        4.    beacon { period microseconds | dtim-period period-count }

                        5.    end

                        6.    copy running-config startup-config


                      DETAILED STEPS
                         Command or ActionPurpose
                        Step 1 enable


                        Example:
                        Router> enable
                         

                        Enables privileged EXEC mode.

                        • Enter your password if prompted.

                         
                        Step 2 configure terminal


                        Example:
                        Router# configure terminal
                         

                        Enters global configuration mode.

                         
                        Step 3 interface dot11Radio interface


                        Example:
                        Router(config)# interface dot11Radio 0/3/0
                         

                        Enters configuration mode for the radio interface.

                        • The interface argument is in module/slot/port format, except for the Cisco 800 series and Cisco 1800 series fixed-configuration routers, where the interface argument is either 0 or 1.

                        • The 2.4-GHz radio is port 0, and the 5-GHz radio is port 1.

                         
                        Step 4 beacon { period microseconds | dtim-period period-count }


                        Example:
                        Router(config-if)# beacon period 15
                         

                        Specifies how often the beacon contains a Delivery Traffic Indicator Message (DTIM).

                         
                        Step 5 end


                        Example:
                        Router(config-if)# end
                         

                        Returns to privileged EXEC mode.

                         
                        Step 6 copy running-config startup-config


                        Example:
                        Router# copy running-config startup-config
                         

                        (Optional) Saves your entries in the configuration file.

                         

                        Configuring RTS Threshold and Retries on an Access Point

                        Perform this task to set the Request-to-Send (RTS) threshold and number of retries.

                        The RTS threshold determines the packet size at which the AP issues a request to send (RTS) before sending the packet. A low RTS Threshold setting can be useful in areas where many client devices are associating with the access point, or in areas where the clients are far apart and can detect only the AP and not each other. You can enter a setting ranging from 0 to 2347 bytes.

                        Maximum RTS Retries is the maximum number of times the AP issues an RTS before stopping the attempt to send the packet over the radio. Enter a value from 1 to 128.

                        The default RTS threshold is 2312, and the default maximum RTS retries setting is 32.

                        SUMMARY STEPS

                          1.    enable

                          2.    configure terminal

                          3.    interface dot11Radio interface

                          4.    rts {threshold bytes | retries number}

                          5.    end

                          6.    copy running-config startup-config


                        DETAILED STEPS
                           Command or ActionPurpose
                          Step 1 enable


                          Example:
                          Router> enable
                           

                          Enables privileged EXEC mode.

                          • Enter your password if prompted.

                           
                          Step 2 configure terminal


                          Example:
                          Router# configure terminal
                           

                          Enters global configuration mode.

                           
                          Step 3 interface dot11Radio interface


                          Example:
                          Router(config)# interface dot11Radio 0/3/0
                           

                          Enters radio interface configuration mode.

                          • The interface argument is in module/slot/port format, except for the Cisco 800 series and Cisco 1800 series fixed-configuration routers, where the interface argument is either 0 or 1.

                          • The 2.4-GHz radio is port 0, and the 5-GHz radio is port 1.

                           
                          Step 4 rts {threshold bytes | retries number}


                          Example:
                          Router(config-if)# rts retries 30
                           

                          Sets the RTS threshold or maximum RTS retries number.

                           
                          Step 5 end


                          Example:
                          Router(config-if)# end
                           

                          Returns to privileged EXEC mode.

                           
                          Step 6 copy running-config startup-config


                          Example:
                          Router# copy running-config startup-config
                           

                          (Optional) Saves your entries in the configuration file.

                           

                          Configuring Maximum Data Retry on an Access Point

                          Perform this task to specify the number of attempts the AP makes to send a packet before giving up and dropping the packet.

                          SUMMARY STEPS

                            1.    enable

                            2.    configure terminal

                            3.    interface dot11Radio interface

                            4.    packet retries number

                            5.    end

                            6.    copy running-config startup-config


                          DETAILED STEPS
                             Command or ActionPurpose
                            Step 1 enable


                            Example:
                            Router> enable
                             

                            Enables privileged EXEC mode.

                            • Enter your password if prompted.

                             
                            Step 2 configure terminal


                            Example:
                            Router# configure terminal
                             

                            Enters global configuration mode.

                             
                            Step 3 interface dot11Radio interface


                            Example:
                            Router(config)# interface dot11Radio 0/3/0
                             

                            Enters radio interface configuration mode.

                            • The interface argument is in module/slot/port format, except for the Cisco 800 series and Cisco 1800 series fixed-configuration routers, where the interface argument is either 0 or 1.

                            • The 2.4-GHz radio is port 0, and the 5-GHz radio is port 1.

                             
                            Step 4 packet retries number


                            Example:
                            Router(config-if)# rts retries 30
                             

                            Specifies the number of attempts the AP makes to send a packet before giving up and dropping the packet.

                             
                            Step 5 end


                            Example:
                            Router(config-if)# end
                             

                            Returns to privileged EXEC mode.

                             
                            Step 6 copy running-config startup-config


                            Example:
                            Router# copy running-config startup-config
                             

                            (Optional) Saves your entries in the configuration file.

                             

                            Configuring Packet Fragmentation Threshold on an Access Point

                            Perform this task to configure the size at which packets are fragmented (sent as several pieces instead of as one block).

                            Use a low setting in areas where communication is poor or where there is a great deal of radio interference.

                            SUMMARY STEPS

                              1.    enable

                              2.    configure terminal

                              3.    interface dot11Radio interface

                              4.    fragment-threshold bytes

                              5.    end

                              6.    copy running-config startup-config


                            DETAILED STEPS
                               Command or ActionPurpose
                              Step 1 enable


                              Example:
                              Router> enable
                               

                              Enables privileged EXEC mode.

                              • Enter your password if prompted.

                               
                              Step 2 configure terminal


                              Example:
                              Router# configure terminal
                               

                              Enters global configuration mode.

                               
                              Step 3 interface dot11Radio interface


                              Example:
                              Router(config)# interface dot11Radio 0/3/0
                               

                              Enters radio interface configuration mode.

                              • The interface argument is in module/slot/port format, except for the Cisco 800 series and Cisco 1800 series fixed-configuration routers, where the interface argument is either 0 or 1.

                              • The 2.4-GHz radio is port 0, and the 5-GHz radio is port 1.

                               
                              Step 4 fragment-threshold bytes


                              Example:
                              Router(config-if)# rts retries 30
                               

                              Sets the size at which packets are fragmented.

                               
                              Step 5 end


                              Example:
                              Router(config-if)# end
                               

                              Returns to privileged EXEC mode.

                               
                              Step 6 copy running-config startup-config


                              Example:
                              Router# copy running-config startup-config
                               

                              (Optional) Saves your entries in the configuration file.

                               

                              Configuring IP Phone Support on an Access Point

                              Perform this task to enable 802.11 compliance phone support.

                              Enabling IEEE 802.11 compliance phone support adds information to the AP beacons and probe responses. This information helps some 802.11 phones make intelligent choices about the AP to which they should associate. Some phones do not associate with an AP without this additional information.

                              SUMMARY STEPS

                                1.    enable

                                2.    configure terminal

                                3.    dot11 phone

                                4.    end

                                5.    copy running-config startup-config


                              DETAILED STEPS
                                 Command or ActionPurpose
                                Step 1 enable


                                Example:
                                Router> enable
                                 

                                Enables privileged EXEC mode.

                                • Enter your password if prompted.

                                 
                                Step 2 configure terminal


                                Example:
                                Router# configure terminal
                                 

                                Enters global configuration mode.

                                 
                                Step 3 dot11 phone


                                Example:
                                Router(config)# dot11 phone
                                 

                                Enables IEEE 802.11 compliance phone support.

                                 
                                Step 4 end


                                Example:
                                Router(config-if)# end
                                 

                                Returns to privileged EXEC mode.

                                 
                                Step 5 copy running-config startup-config


                                Example:
                                Router# copy running-config startup-config
                                 

                                (Optional) Saves your entries in the configuration file.

                                 

                                Configuration Examples for Radio Settings on an Access Point

                                Configuring Radio Data Rates Example

                                The following example shows how to disable the 1-Mbps data rate and set the rest of the data rates to basic:

                                

                                configure terminal
                                

                                	interface dot11radio 0
                                

                                	no speed basic-2.0 basic-5.5 basic-11.0
                                

                                	end
                                

                                	copy running-config startup-config
                                

                                

                                

                                

                                Additional References
                                

                                 
		
                                 The following sections provide references related to configuring radio settings on an access point.
		
                                
 
	 
                                

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						Cisco IOS Wireless LAN Command Reference
					 
                                
 
				                                  		

                                
                                

                                

                                
 
	 
                                

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                                 --
					 
                                
 
				                                  		

                                
                                

                                

                                
 
	 
                                

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                                 To locate and download MIBs for selected platforms, Cisco IOS releases, and feature sets, use Cisco MIB Locator found at the following URL:
					 
                                
 
					 
                                 
						http:/​/​www.cisco.com/​go/​mibs 
					 
                                
 
				                                  		

                                
                                

                                

                                
 
	 
                                

                                RFCs
                                 
		 
		

                                 
					 
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                                 No new or modified RFCs are supported, and support for existing RFCs has not been modified.
					 
                                
 
				                                  		
 
					 
                                 --
					 
                                
 
				                                  		

                                
                                

                                

                                
 
	 
                                

                                Technical Assistance
                                 
		 
		

                                 
					 
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                                Feature Information for Configuring Radio Settings on an Access Point
                                

                                
			
                                The following table provides release information about the feature or features described in this module. This table lists only the software release that introduced support for a given feature in a given software release train. Unless noted otherwise, subsequent releases of that software release train also support that feature. 
                                
 Use Cisco Feature Navigator to find information about platform support and Cisco software image support. To access Cisco Feature Navigator, go to www.cisco.com/​go/​cfn. An account on Cisco.com is not required. 
                                

                                 
		

                                Table 2 Feature Information for Configuring Radio Settings on an Access Point
                                 
				  
                                 Feature Name 
				  
                                
 
				                                		
 
				  
                                 Releases 
				  
                                
 
				                                		
 
				  
                                 Feature Information 
				  
                                
 
				                                		

                                
                                

                                 
				  
                                 Access Point Link Role Flexibility 
				  
                                
 
				                                		
 
				  
                                 12.4(15)T 
				  
                                
 
				                                		
 
				  
                                 This feature allows access point radios to operate in a combination of radio roles, such as access point root, access point repeater, bridge root (with or without clients), bridge nonroot (with or without clients), and WGB. 
				  
                                
 
				                                		

                                

                                 
				  
                                 Universal Client Mode 
				  
                                
 
				                                		
 
				  
                                 12.4(15)T 
				  
                                
 
				                                		
 
				  
                                 This feature allows a wireless device to associate to other Cisco and third-party APs. 
				  
                                
 
				                                		

                                

                                 
				  
                                 Wireless Non-Root Bridge 
				  
                                
 
				                                		
 
				  
                                 12.4(15)T 
				  
                                
 
				                                		
 
				  
                                 This feature allows a wireless device to operate as the remote node in a point-to-point or point-to-multi-point network. 
				  
                                
 
				                                		

                                

                                 
				  
                                 Cisco Compatible Extensions Information Element 
				  
                                
 
				                                		
 
				  
                                 12.4T 
				  
                                
 
				                                		
 
				  
                                 This feature allows a Cisco access point to inform Cisco Compatible Extension client devices about the Cisco-compatible release version that the access point supports. 
				  
                                
 
				                                		

                                

                                 
				  
                                 Configurable Radio Transmit Power 
				  
                                
 
				                                		
 
				  
                                 12.4T 
				  
                                
 
				                                		
 
				  
                                 This feature allows a user to set the transmit power of the access point. 
				  
                                
 
				                                		

                                

                                 
				  
                                 Dynamic Frequency Selection (DFS) and IEEE 802.11h Transmit Power Control 
				  
                                
 
				                                		
 
				  
                                 12.4T 
				  
                                
 
				                                		
 
				  
                                 This feature allows a user to block groups of channels to prevent an access point from selecting them when DFS is enabled. 
				  
                                
 
				                                		

                                

                                 
				  
                                 IEEE 802.11 Wireless Standards Support 
				  
                                
 
				                                		
 
				  
                                 12.4T 
				  
                                
 
				                                		
 
				  
                                 This feature provides support for 802.11 standards, which allows you to set channels, transmission rates, and power-save mode, among other configurable fields. 
				  
                                
 
				                                		

                                

                                 
				  
                                 IEEE 802.11a Support 
				  
                                
 
				                                		
 
				  
                                 12.4T 
				  
                                
 
				                                		
 
				  
                                 This feature provides support for 802.11a standards, which allows you to set channels, transmission rates, and power-save mode, among other configurable fields. 
				  
                                
 
				                                		

                                

                                 
				  
                                 IEEE 802.11b Support 
				  
                                
 
				                                		
 
				  
                                 12.4T 
				  
                                
 
				                                		
 
				  
                                 This feature provides support for 802.11b standards, which allows you to set channels, transmission rates, and power-save mode, among other configurable fields. 
				  
                                
 
				                                		

                                

                                 
				  
                                 IEEE 802.11d Support 
				  
                                
 
				                                		
 
				  
                                 12.4T 
				  
                                
 
				                                		
 
				  
                                 This feature provides support for 802.11d standards, which allows you to set channels, transmission rates, and power-save mode, among other configurable fields. 
				  
                                
 
				                                		

                                

                                 
				  
                                 IEEE 802.11g Support 
				  
                                
 
				                                		
 
				  
                                 12.4T 
				  
                                
 
				                                		
 
				  
                                 This feature provides support for 802.11g standards, which allows you to set channels, transmission rates, and power-save mode, among other configurable fields. 
				  
                                
 
				                                		

                                

                                 
				  
                                 Transmit Power Control 
				  
                                
 
				                                		
 
				  
                                 12.4T 
				  
                                
 
				                                		
 
				  
                                 This feature allows client devices to calculate the path loss and the transmit power necessary for the client to reach the access point, thereby extending client device battery life. 
				  
                                
 
				                                		

                                

                                 
				  
                                 Wireless Access Point High-Speed WAN Interface Card 
				  
                                
 
				                                		
 
				  
                                 12.4T 
				  
                                
 
				                                		
 
				  
                                 This feature provides support for two new AP HWICs. 
				  
                                
 
				                                		

                                

                                 
				  
                                 World Mode 
				  
                                
 
				                                		
 
				  
                                 12.4T 
				  
                                
 
				                                		
 
				  
                                 This feature automates client configuration of channel and transmit power settings allowing world-mode-enabled access points to configure the settings on world-mode-enabled clients. World mode is supported only on the 2.4-GHz radio.