Power Save Polling (PSP) Causes Connection Issues with Access Points

Documentation

Troubleshooting

000005645

08/30/2022

What is the problem?

If a Wi-Fi access point (AP) or broadband Wi-Fi router does not support the power save polling (PSP) feature:

  • Intermittent loss of Wi-Fi connection
  • Inability to initiate a Wi-Fi connection
  • Poor Wi-Fi connection data performance

Using battery power can reveal these symptoms.


What is causing the problem?

PSP mode is a feature that provides extended battery life for laptop computers. The mode requires coordination between the AP or router and the Wi-Fi adapter. Some APs or routers may not implement the feature correctly or completely.


How to fix

You can contact the AP or router vendor for updated software or firmware to correct the problem.

As an optional workaround, you can manually put the Wi-Fi adapter into continuously aware mode (CAM). This disables the PSP feature.

Set CAM by following one of the below methods:

  1. Use the Intel® PROSet/Wireless WiFi Connection Utility
  2. Use Network control panel applet (NCPA)
Note

Using this workaround may prevent your Bluetooth® device from receiving signals. Contact your computer manufacturer for more information.

 

Method 1: Set CAM using Intel® PROSet/Wireless WiFi Connection Utility

From the Intel® PROSet/Wireless WiFi Connection Utility:

  1. Click Advanced > Adapter Settings > Advanced tab.
    • Windows XP*: Select Power Management, uncheck Default / Auto, and move the slider to Highest / Maximum Performance.
    • Windows 7 or 8*: Select Transmit Power, and change Value to 5. Highest.
Note

If the slider is already at Highest / Maximum Performance, move the slider to another setting and then back to Highest / Maximum Performance.

 

Method 2: Set CAM using network control panel applet (NCPA)

Put the wireless adapter into continuously aware mode using the following steps:

  1. Click Start > Settings > Control Panel.
  2. Double-click Network Connections.
  3. Right-click the wireless connection, and click Properties.
  4. Click Configure.
  5. Click the Advanced tab.
    • Windows XP: Select the Power Management setting, uncheck Default / Auto, and move the slider to Highest / Maximum Performance.
    • Windows 7 or 8: Select Transmit Power, change Value to 5. Highest.
Note

If the slider is already at Highest / Maximum Performance, move the slider to another setting and then back to Highest / Maximum Performance.