Cannot Broadcast 6GHz Wi-Fi on FortiAP FP431G

[tmorgan]

I have FortiAP FP431G running v7.4-build0591, which is managed by a FortiGate 1101E running v7.0.13 build0566 and I am unable to get the 6 GHz network working. The security mode for the SSID is set to WPA3 SAE. When the platform mode is set to Dual 5G the SSID broadcasts, I get connectivity via Dual 5GHz and 2.4 GHz. However, when I set to Single 5G the 6GHz radio does not broadcast nor the 2.4GHz or 5GHz. Any advice on how to get this configured properly?

[Sheikh]

Hello @tmorgan 

Have you checked these document below ?

https://docs.fortinet.com/document/fortigate/7.2.0/new-features/169732

https://www.fortinet.com/content/dam/fortinet/assets/data-sheets/fortiap-series.pdf

The G series models support Wi-Fi 6E IEEE 802.11ax Tri-band 2.4 GHz/5 GHz/6 GHz mode and dual 5 GHz mode.

regards,

Sheikh

[tmorgan]

I just reviewed the documents and the FortiAP profile appears to be configured correctly for 2.4, 5, and 6 GHz in Platform mode "Single 5G". However, I have no luck in getting the AP to function when 6 GHz is enabled.

[ebilcari]

It seems that 6GHz is limited per country, which country do you currently have configured?

Try to change the country temporarily to United States and check if the SSID are broadcasted.

[tmorgan]

Under WiFi Settings -> WiFi country/region is already set to United States.

[AndyNZ]

Hi tmorgan,

did you find a resolution to this issue?

I'm seeing the same issue on a FAP231G in New Zealand (so different region to you). 

I’ve also noticed the “operating power” for the 6GHz band is 59dBm- well beyond what the unit is capable of! Was that something you saw in your case too? 

Thanks in advance,

[emar]

Check the FortiAP profile on the switch controller to confirm support for the specific model. If supported, change the FortiAP region to Germany in wireless settings. Then, configure the SSID with WPA3 SAE and select "Hash-to-Element (H2E) only" for encryption. Test the network for stability. If issues persist, contact Fortinet support for further assistance.

[AndyNZ]

Hi emar,

For me enabling "Hash-to-Element (H2E) only" resolved my issue and enabled SSIDs to transmit on the 6GHz band.

I understand that WPA3 and "Hash-to-Element (H2E) only" encryption are requirements for WiFi6E (hence the APs will not transmit on the 6GHzband until these requirements are met- in accordance with the WiFi6E requirement).

[ebilcari]

Have you enabled the H2E option in SSID configurations and checked the country?

[sag7]

Wow, the H2E setting fixed it for me too.  I am new to Fortinet and have been experimenting and testing for a few days now.   Reading through this thread helped me a lot.  Thank you.