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ChrisK
ChrisK
New Member
May 23, 2023
Question

Client Devices Dropping/Not Connecting After Firmware Updates

  • May 23, 2023
  • 5 replies
  • 11283 views

I am by no means a network engineer, but I'm learning as I go...

 

I recently updated our FG100E, FortiSwitches, and FAPs to current versions and it has broken so many things, it seems. I couldn't say exactly what version I started off at with each device, unfortunately. I'd take everything back, if I could. 

 

I updated the FG to 7.2.4, the switches to 7.2.3, and the APs to 7.0.0 after confirming that these versions were compatible. I also followed upgrade paths for all devices provided. 

 

Currently, it seems like my APs have much less reach in regards to signal strength. We also have many printers and wifi thermostats that keep disconnecting. I can't tell if this is due to the signal strength or some other issue that I can't pinpoint. I also have a number of Windows devices with connection issues, now.

 

I have downgraded APs to 6.2.2 in an attempt to resolve this. No luck.

I have downgraded the switches to 7.0.6. No luck.

My next thought is to take the FG back to 6.2.x, but I just really don't know.

 

Has anyone dealt with this? Is there a way I can see what version I started off on and get back to that? 

5 replies

gfleming
Staff
gfleming
Staff
May 24, 2023

You need to properly diagnose the problem before you start just randomly downgrading things. Also note most of the intelligence comes from the FortiGate with regards to switching and wifi.

 

Back to point #1, does this affect only wifi devices? 

 

What is your power settings on the FortiAP profiles?

 

What model of FortiAP are you running?

ChrisK
ChrisKAuthor
New Member
May 24, 2023

I have been working with Fortinet support and doing my own troubleshooting to diagnose the issue. With this disabling a good portion of my network, I needed to attempt changes. My downgrades were not random. I checked for compatibility and confirmed with Fortinet support before processing them.

 

I have determined that this only affects the 2.4ghz radios. All 5G devices connect and function without issue. Older computers, most printers, and all of our wifi thermostats use the 2.4 band.

 

The power is set to Percent - 100%.

 

These are FAP-U431F units.

 

Thank you!

gfleming
Staff
gfleming
Staff
May 24, 2023

Setting power to 100% is almost always a bad idea. The APs transmit much higher than any device will. So the devices will hear the APs but the AP won't hear the devices. Also at 100% the chance of co-channel interference increases.

 

https://docs.fortinet.com/document/fortiap/7.2.4/fortiwifi-and-fortiap-configuration-guide/68434/signal-strength-issues

 

Can you try reducing the power of your 2.4ghz radios to 10-14dBm and see how it goes?

sw2090
SuperUser
sw2090
SuperUser
May 24, 2023

Did you follow the recommended upgrade path?

ChrisK
ChrisKAuthor
New Member
May 24, 2023

I did follow the upgrade paths provided by Fortinet.

F
FarinaAhmed
Explorer
May 24, 2023

  1. Confirm compatibility: Verify that the firmware versions you updated to are officially compatible with your devices.

  2. Review release notes: Check the release notes for the firmware versions to identify any known issues or required configuration changes.

  3. Analyze signal strength and coverage: Assess the wireless environment for any physical obstructions or interference sources that may impact signal strength.

  4. Configuration adjustments: Review and optimize the wireless settings on your devices to improve signal strength and coverage.

  5. Device compatibility and drivers: Ensure that client devices are compatible with the new firmware versions and update their drivers if necessary.

  6. Rollback firmware: If downgrading the firmware on APs and switches didn't resolve the issues, consider rolling back the FortiGate firmware to a previously stable version.

  7. Capture logs and seek support: Capture relevant logs and diagnostics and contact Fortinet support for assistance, providing detailed information about your network setup and the issues you're facing.

F
FarinaAhmed
Explorer
May 24, 2023

  1. Verify compatibility: Ensure that the firmware versions you updated to are compatible with your specific devices.

  2. Review release notes: Check the release notes for the firmware versions to identify any known issues or required configuration changes.

  3. Check signal strength: Evaluate the wireless environment for any physical obstructions or interference that could affect signal strength.

  4. Review configuration: Verify and optimize the configuration settings for your FortiGate, switches, and APs, paying attention to wireless settings.

  5. Device compatibility: Ensure client devices are compatible with the new firmware versions and update their drivers if needed.

  6. Consider rollback: If downgrading the firmware versions on the APs and switches did not resolve the issues, consult Fortinet support for guidance on rolling back the FortiGate firmware.

  7. Seek assistance: Contact Fortinet support, providing details about your devices and the problems you're experiencing, to get tailored guidance.

Faiza_Emam_Delhi
Faiza_Emam_Delhi
Visitor III
June 7, 2023

Upgrading firmware on network devices can sometimes cause issues with device compatibility and connectivity. Here are some potential causes and solutions for the issues you are experiencing:

1. Compatibility issues: The firmware updates may have caused compatibility issues between devices. You may want to review the compatibility matrix for each device and firmware version to ensure that they are compatible.

2. Configuration changes: The firmware updates may have caused configuration changes that are impacting device connectivity. You may want to review the configuration settings for each device and ensure that they are set up correctly.

3. Signal strength: The firmware updates may have impacted the signal strength of your wireless access points, causing devices to disconnect. You may want to review the signal strength settings for each access point and ensure that they are set up correctly.

4. Downgrading firmware: Downgrading firmware can sometimes cause issues with device compatibility and functionality. You may want to ensure that you are following the downgrade procedures for each device and firmware version.

5. Firmware version tracking: It can be helpful to keep track of the firmware version for each device in your network to aid in troubleshooting. You may want to consider implementing a firmware version tracking system to help with this.

It may be helpful to review the FortiGate logs and device logs to see if any errors or issues are being reported. Additionally, you may want to contact Fortinet support for additional guidance and assistance.

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