====== WiFi Power Save Issues ======

If using WiFi for server connectivity, the adapter may enter power-save mode and stop responding to inbound connections (SSH) while maintaining outbound connections (Cloudflare Tunnel).

===== Symptoms =====

* Local SSH unreachable but Cloudflare Tunnel works
* ARP table shows "incomplete" for server IP
* ''ip link'' shows WiFi interface in DORMANT state

===== Why This Happens =====

WiFi power save mode puts the adapter into a deep sleep state when idle. This prevents it from responding to:
* ARP requests (so other devices can't find it)
* Inbound SSH connections
* Ping requests

However, outbound connections like Cloudflare Tunnel are maintained because the adapter wakes up for outbound traffic.

===== Solution: Disable WiFi Power Save =====

==== Disable Immediately ====

<code bash>
# Find your WiFi interface name
ip link show
# Look for something like wlxbc071d481e84 or wlan0

# Disable power save immediately (replace with your interface name)
sudo iw dev YOUR_INTERFACE set power_save off

# Verify it's disabled
sudo iw YOUR_INTERFACE get power_save
# Should show: Power save: off
</code>

==== Make it Persistent Across Reboots ====

**Method 1: Systemd Service**

<code bash>
# Create a systemd service
sudo tee /etc/systemd/system/wifi-powersave-off.service > /dev/null << 'EOF'
[Unit]
Description=Disable WiFi power save
After=network.target

[Service]
Type=oneshot
ExecStart=/usr/sbin/iw dev YOUR_INTERFACE set power_save off

[Install]
WantedBy=multi-user.target
EOF

# Enable and start the service
sudo systemctl enable wifi-powersave-off.service
sudo systemctl start wifi-powersave-off.service
</code>

**Method 2: NetworkManager Configuration**

<code bash>
# Create NetworkManager config
sudo tee /etc/NetworkManager/conf.d/wifi-powersave.conf > /dev/null << 'EOF'
[connection]
wifi.powersave = 2
EOF

# Restart NetworkManager
sudo systemctl restart NetworkManager
</code>

Replace ''YOUR_INTERFACE'' with your actual WiFi interface name from ''ip link show''.

===== Recommendation =====

If possible, use Ethernet instead of WiFi for your server. Ethernet is:
* More reliable
* Lower latency
* No power management issues
* Better for always-on services

===== Related =====

* [[folkzone:networking:start|Networking Overview]]
* [[folkzone:troubleshooting:start|Troubleshooting]]


===== See Also =====

  * [[start|Return to wiki home]]
  * [[folkzone:start|Return to folkzone]]