UniFi has had the option of UAPSD within the WiFi settings for many years, but let's find out what it actually does.

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Way back in UniFi Network 5, UAPSD used to be enabled by default and devices that were actively participating in UAPSD had a green leaf icon next to them. However now, Ubiquiti doesn't turn it on by default anymore and there is no way to see if devices are using it either.

What is UniFi UAPSD?

UAPSD or Unscheduled Automatic Power Save Delivery is sometimes known as WMM-Power Save.

This feature allows mobile devices to put their WiFi chip into a sleep mode, which will in turn save battery life. This mode also coincides with either the RX or TX modulation rates reducing down pretty low, with the other remaining at fully PHY speed.

Should you enable UAPSD?

UAPSD is off by default but generally, yes you should enable UAPSD within UniFi. However, if you use one single SSID in your deployment and don't separate out IoT devices from your main devices, then you might run into some compatibility issues.

However, if you have a separate SSIDs, with main devices segregated, then it is worth enabling UAPSD.

In fact, the Wi-Fi Alliance estimates that WMM-Power Save can provide from 15 to 40% improvement in battery life in some cases.