A spreadsheet for library APs lists both 100 mW and 20 dBm for the same radio setting. What should the technician conclude?
Select an answer to reveal the explanation.
Short Explanation
Same tank of gas, two labels on the pump. 100 mW and 20 dBm are a classic matching pair for absolute power — not a fight between relative and absolute, and not a channel ID. Learn the dual labeling and the spreadsheet stops looking broken.
Full Explanation
Milliwatts and dBm are both absolute power representations. A common WLAN reference point is that 100 mW equals 20 dBm, so a spreadsheet listing both for one radio setting is consistent unit conversion rather than a contradiction. dBm is not a channel number and is regularly used for transmit power as well as received levels. Recognizing equivalent absolute expressions is part of CWTS power-measurement literacy.