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markdr_FTNT
Staff
Staff
September 16, 2025

Technical Tip: FortiAP K-series Access Point profiles do not support external antenna configuration

  • September 16, 2025
  • 0 replies
  • 408 views
Description This articles describes an issue whereby K-series Access Points (FAP443K, FAP243K) do not have an option to set external antennas in Access Point profiles.
Scope FortiAP models 443K or 243K running FortiAP v7.6.3 (or lower).
Solution

Some FortiAP models support attaching external antennas, allowing the use of third-party options that provide additional antenna gain.

 

When connecting such antennas, it is necessary to configure the relevant Access Point profile to correctly set the additional gain; however, the option to set this may not be available, as shown below:

 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

FGT_LAB (root) # config wireless-controller wtp-profile
FGT_LAB (wtp-profile) # edit FAP243K
    edit "FAP243K"
        config platform
            set type 243K
        end
FGT_LAB(FAP243K) # config radio-2
FGT_LAB(radio-2) # set optional-antenna

command parse error before 'optional-antenna'
Command fail. Return code -61

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

The solution here is to update the FortiGate to FortiOS version v7.6.4 (or higher), refer to ID 1001211 as listed in the FortiOS 7.6.4 release notes.

Once updated, it will be possible to set the optional-antenna in the K-series WTP Profile, as shown:

 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------
FGT_LAB (root) # config wireless-controller wtp-profile
FGT_LAB (wtp-profile) # edit FAP243K
    edit "FAP243K"
        config platform
            set type 243K
        end
FGT_LAB(FAP243K) # config radio-2
FGT_LAB(radio-2) # set optional-antenna

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

Related article: 

Technical Tip: FortiAPs with external antennas