CW9176 Power Issues

[The_Roo]

We have a mixture of CW9164 and CW9176 APs on a newly-built site. All (Cisco) switches are configured to be able to supply PoE+, and all switches are dual-PSU, so have adequate power. I noticed a number of CW9176 APs that have correct port configuration but are running in Low Power mode (but NOT alerting on the main AP screen), even after reboot. They appear to be carrying clients OK, but I cannot resolve the "low power" notification. One of the switches has the first four ports supporting 9164 APs, with full power, the 5th port is supporting a 9176 with reduced power. Another switch has four CW9176 APs, in ports G1/0/1-4 and all of them are running with reduced power.

These APs are not alerting on the "Access Points" page, its only when I look at the bottom left of the individual access point page I can see the notification.

Are these APs running with reduced power because the AP decided it wanted to, so is not an alerting situation, or are they running reduced power because the power is not available?

All configs have been examined in detail, and all cabling is of the same type/age/quality

[GreenMan · Accepted solution]

9176 APs - and most higher-end WiFi 7 APs more generally - require > 30W (uPoE) for full capabilities,    as per this section of the documentation:   https://documentation.meraki.com/MR/MR_Overview_and_Specifications/CW9176I_%2F%2F_CW9176D1_Datasheet...

you don't say what switches you are using..?

[Paccers]

CW9176 will alert for low power mode even if running at 802.3at (max 30W) power level as far as I'm aware

[Minse]

CW9176 officially supports 802.3at mode operation and 802.3at mode operation is available in the datasheet. 

hence there will be no low power mode alert generated when CW9176 is powered by 802.3at power source

[Paccers]

That is not what is reflected in Dashboard (photo below) and when I asked support about this "...the AP will alert it's running in low power mode if it is not receiving UPoE. I confirmed this with my product team..."

[Minse]

Understood.  It's running in 802.3at mode.  what I was referring above is about Low power alert from the Alert Hub. 

[datatech451]

Possible Causes of Power Issues with CW9176:

1. Battery Failure – If it’s a rechargeable device, the battery might be dead or degraded.

2. Faulty Charging Port/Cable – Check if the cable or adapter is working properly.

3. Overheating Protection – Some devices shut down if they overheat.

4. Software/Firmware Glitch – Try resetting the device (if applicable).

5. Physical Damage – Water damage or drops may cause power failures.