Article ID:2191
Objective
A Virtual Access Point (VAP) is the wireless equivalent of a Virtual Local Area Network (VLAN) which segments the wireless LAN and simulates multiple access points in one physical device. The wireless scheduler sets a time interval for a VAP or radio to be operational, which helps to save power and increase security. You can associate up to 16 profiles to different VAPs or radio interfaces but each interface is allowed only one profile. Each profile can have a certain number of time rules that control the uptime of the associated VAP or Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN).
Configuring the wireless scheduler lets you automate when the VAP and radio is enabled based on a predefined time interval. The radio is the physical part of the WAP that creates a wireless network. The radio settings on the WAP control the behavior of the radio and determine what kind of wireless signals the WAP sends out. Using the scheduler can help save power and increase security on the network.
This article provides you with instructions on how to configure the wireless scheduler on your Wireless Access Point (WAP).
Applicable Devices
- WAP100 Series
- WAP300 Series
- WAP500 Series
Software Version
- 1.0.0.17 — WAP571, WAP571E
- 1.0.1.2 — WAP150, WAP361
- 1.0.2.2 — WAP351, WAP131
- 1.0.6.2 — WAP121, WAP321
- 1.2.1.3 — WAP371, WAP551, WAP561
Configure Wireless Scheduler
Important: You need to set the time on the WAP before the scheduler configuration as the scheduler is based on time interval. For instructions on how to configure the Time Settings on a WAP, click here.
Enable Wireless Scheduler
Step 1. Log in to the web-based utility and choose Wireless > Scheduler.
Note: The options under the Wireless menu may vary per WAP model. In this example, WAP361 is used.
Step 2. Check the Enable Administrative Mode check box to enable the scheduler operation.
Note: By default, Administrative Mode is disabled.
The Scheduler Operational Status area displays the following information:
- Status — This area displays the operational status of the Scheduler. The possible values are Enabled or Disabled. The default value is Disabled.
- Reason — This area displays the reason for the operational status of the scheduler. The possible values are:
– Administrative Mode is disabled — The scheduler administrative mode is disabled.
– IsActive — The scheduler is administratively enabled.
– ConfigDown — Operational status is down because global configuration is disabled.
– TimeNotSet — Time is not set on the WAP either manually or through the Network Time Protocol (NTP).
– System Time is outdated — Time is not set on the WAP device either manually or through NTP.
– ManagedMode — The scheduler is in managed mode.
Note: Available Reason values may vary depending on the WAP that you are using.
Scheduler Profile Configuration
Step 3. Under the Scheduler Profile Configuration area, enter the name of the profile in the Create a Profile Name field.
Note: In this example, the profile name Weekdays is used.
Step 4. Click Add.
Profile Rule Configuration
The Profile Rule Configuration area provides configuration settings to create a rule for a profile. Each rule specifies the start time, end time, and day (or days) of the week the radio or VAP can be operational. The rules are periodic in nature and are repeated every week. A valid rule must contain all of the parameters (days of the week, hour, and minute) for the start time and the end time. Rules cannot conflict.
Step 5. Choose the profile for which a rule is to be configured from the Select aProfile Name drop-down list.
Step 6: (Optional) To delete a profile, click the Delete button next to the profile name.
Step 7. Once the Profile Rule Table appears, click Add Rule to add a new rule to the chosen profile.
Step 8. Check the Profile check box and click Edit to configure the rule.
Step 9. Choose the repetitive schedule for the rule from the Day of the Week drop-down list. You can configure the rule to occur daily, each weekday, each weekend day (Saturday and Sunday), or any single day of the week.
Step 10. Choose the start and end times for the rule from the Start Time and End Time drop-down lists.
The fields are described as follows:
- Start Time — The time when the radio or VAP will be operationally enabled. The time is in the HH:MM 24-hour format.
- End Time — The time when the radio or VAP will be operationally disabled. The time is in the HH:MM 24-hour format.
Step 11. Click Save.
Step 12. (Optional) To delete a rule, check the profile name check box you want to delete and click the Delete button.
Step 13. (Optional) Once you are prompted that your wireless settings are about to be updated and you may be disconnected, click OK.
Step 14. (Optional) To add and configure more scheduler profiles on your WAP, repeat Step 3 to Step 10.
You should now have successfully enabled and configured the scheduler on your wireless access point.
Important: A scheduler must be associated with a radio or VAP interface to be in effect. To learn how to associate a wireless scheduler on a WAP, click here for instructions.
