Cisco Meraki - Low Power Mode

Low Power Mode on Cisco Switches

Table of Contents

When connecting Cisco Meraki MR34 APs to several types of Cisco switches with PoE, insufficient power may be provided to the AP when using a default configuration. This is due to the fact CDP or LLDP negotiation is required in order to achieve power allocation of more than 15.4W. Cisco Meraki APs will use LLDP to negotiate for additional power, but some Cisco switches do not have this enabled by default. To allow negotiation up to the required power level, ensure that LLDP is enabled and available on the switch and port to which the AP is attached. 

To enable LLDP globally on a switch running IOS:

1. 1Switch# configure terminal
2. 2Switch(config)# lldp run
3. 3Switch(config)# end
    

Next, enable LLDP on the specific interfaces where the MR34 APs will be connected. Follow the example below for IOS devices, substituting "interface_id" with the actual designation for the interface in question:

1. 1Switch# configure terminal
2. 2Switch(config)# interface interface_id
3. 3Switch(config-if)# lldp transmit
4. 4Switch(config-if)# lldp receive
5. 5Switch(config-if)# end

 

To renegotiate power, either reboot the AP in Dashboard, or shutdown and then re-enable the port on the switch:

1. 1Switch# configure terminal
2. 2Switch(config)# interface interface_id
3. 3Switch(config)# shutdown
4. 4Switch(config)# no shutdown
5. 5Switch(config)# end

 

At this point, the switch and AP should be able to negotiate up to the required power level. If this is still not occurring, make sure the switch port is allowing up to 30W of power for the connected device:

1. 1Switch# configure terminal
2. 2Switch(config)# interface interface_id
3. 3Switch(config-if)# power inline max 30000
4. 4Switch(config-if)# end

Note: On newer Cisco switches, substitute "power inline max 30000" for "power inline static max."

Source: https://documentation.meraki.com/MR/...Cisco_Switches