When deploying a new wireless network, it may seem logical to have the access points set their radio power levels to the highest possible value in order to maximise range.

While there may be some merit in this philosophy in networks with a small number of AP, there are also situations where it might be advantageous to actually reduce AP radio power. In larger wireless networks with many access points, there is potential for channel overlap and interference so reducing the power, or at least letting the network automatically adjust power can be beneficial.

Reducing the power can also be beneficial from a security point of view where it can be used to try to minimise the footprint of your wireless network outside your own office or building.

The Meraki dashboard makes it easy to manage radio settings through the use of RF profiles.

To access RF profiles, select Wireless from the left hand menu and then click Radio Settings.

The Radio Settings screen shows a summary of the access points in the network, transmit power and the RF profile current associated with each AP.

By default, Meraki access points will be associated with a profile called Basic Indoor Profile which sets a target power level of between 5 and 30dBm. In most cases, it’s fine to leave these settings as they are.

If you wish to have more control over the power levels, click on the RF profiles tab to bring up the RF profiles page.

As you can see, there are two Meraki supplied RF profiles, Basic Indoor Profile and Basic Outdoor Profile and your APs will be assigned to one of these profiles by default depending on the model.

To adjust the power levels on one of these profiles, click the Edit button associated with the relevant profile.

Scroll down until you find 2.4Ghz Radio settings and then locate the Radio transmit power range (dBm) slider bar. Adjust both ends of the bar to the desired values.

Scroll further down to the 5Ghz radio settings and adjust both ends of the Radio transmit power range (dBm) slider bar to the desired values.

Click Save button to complete the configuration.