FortiAP 231F QuickStart Guide

Product Registration

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Please register your FortiAP device at: https://support.fortinet.com

Package Contents

Your FortiAP 231F package includes:

• FortiAP 231F Device
• QuickStart Guide
• 8 x Mounting Screws with 8 x Anchors
• 9/16" Ceiling Mounting Bracket
• 15/16" Ceiling Mounting Bracket

Interfaces

The FortiAP 231F features the following interfaces:

1. OPTIONAL POWER (12V DC): For connecting an optional 12V DC 2.5A adapter.
2. RESET: Button to reset the device.
3. CONSOLE (RJ-45): CLI management computer interface.
4. LAN2 GE (RJ-45): 1 Gbps Ethernet interface.
5. LAN1/POE GE (RJ-45): 1 Gbps 802.3at PoE Ethernet interface.
6. USB 3.0 (Type A): For software-enabled power through the GPIO (9A/5V).

LED Indicators

Understanding the LED indicators:

• Power (PoE 802.3at or 12V DC 2.5A): Off (Device off), Green (Device on), Blinking Green (Booting up), Orange (Reserved for customizations).
• LAN 1 (1 Gbps 802.3at PoE RJ45): Off (Link off), Green (Link on), Blinking Green (Transmitting at 1Gbps), Blinking Orange (Transmitting at 100Mbps).
• LAN 2 (1 Gbps RJ45): Off (Link off), Green (Link on), Blinking Green (Transmitting at 1Gbps), Blinking Orange (Transmitting at 100Mbps).
• WiFi (5GHz & 2.4GHz 2x2 MU-MIMO): Off (Radios 1 & 2 off), Blue (Radio 1 on), Blinking Blue (Radio 1 transmitting), Orange (Radio 2 on), Blinking Orange (Radio 2 transmitting), Green (Radios 1 & 2 on), Blinking Green (Radios 1 & 2 transmitting).
• Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) & WiFi: Off (BLE & Radio 3 off), Blue (BLE on), Blinking Blue (BLE transmitting), Orange (Radio 3 on), Blinking Orange (Radio 3 transmitting), Green (BLE & Radio 3 on), Blinking Green (BLE and Radio 3 transmitting).

Ceiling Installation

The FortiAP mounts on a ceiling using the provided T-rail mounting brackets, available in two standard sizes: 1.43cm (9/16in) and 2.38cm (15/16in).

1. Select the bracket for your T-rail size.
2. With the ports facing you, slide the bracket onto the T-rail.
3. Hold the device against the ceiling T-rail and push until it snaps into place.

Basic Connections

Connect the FortiAP device to a FortiGate controller or an Internet connection. Ensure the Power over Ethernet (PoE) cable is connected to an applicable port on your FortiGate device or PoE injector.

Optional Power: If not using PoE, connect the DC plug of the optional 12V 2.5A power adapter into the FortiAP power jack and the AC plug into a power outlet.

Warning: This device complies with IEEE 802.3af/at PoE specification. Do not use any PoE injectors that are not IEEE 802.3at compliant, as they may damage your device.

Device Setup

Set up your device locally or on the cloud. Choose one of the following options:

FortiAP Cloud Setup

FortiAP Cloud is a cloud-based management solution providing centralized reporting, traffic analysis, configuration management, and log retention.

1. Log in to fortiapcloud.com using your FortiCloud credentials.
2. Click Inventory, then click Import AP Key.
3. Input the Cloud Key located on the sticker on your device.

For detailed configuration, refer to the "Access Point Configuration" section of the FortiWiFi and FortiAP Configuration Guide available at https://docs.fortinet.com/product/fortiap.

FortiGate Deployment Setup

Your FortiAP can be preauthorized and configured using a FortiGate, or authorized after connection.

If the FortiGate is on the same network as the FortiAP:

1. Preauthorize your FortiAP device using your FortiGate.
2. Connect the FortiAP to your local Ethernet connection.
3. The FortiAP will self-configure.

Alternatively:

1. Authorize the FortiAP device after connecting it to the network.
2. Within two minutes of connecting, the device will appear on the Managed FortiAP page in the FortiGate GUI for authorization and profile assignment.

If FortiGate is not on the same network as the FortiAP:

1. Log in to the FortiAP directly (default IP: 192.168.1.2) with username admin and no password.
2. Specify the IP address of the controlling FortiGate using CLI commands:
   cfg -a AC_IPADDR_1=<FortiGate_IP>
cfg -c
   (Replace <FortiGate_IP> with the actual FortiGate IP address).
3. The FortiAP will connect to the FortiGate for authorization.

Cautions and Warnings

Environmental Specifications

Ambient operating temperature: 0°C to 45°C. Refer to the specific Product Model Data Sheet for detailed environmental specifications.

Safety

This equipment is intended for use in Network Environment 0 per IECTR 62101 and should be connected only to PoE networks without external routing. It is designed to be supplied by a Listed Direct Plug-In Power Unit (12 Vdc, 2.5A) or a 54 Vdc PoE source.

Regulatory Compliance

This device complies with FCC Part 15 (Class B digital device), Industry Canada (ICES-003), and CE directives. It should be installed and operated with minimum distances from the body: 21cm (FCC), 24cm (ISED), and 20cm (CE).

Fortinet Resources

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Document Library: Access up-to-date Fortinet publications at http://docs.fortinet.com.

Training Services: Find course descriptions and schedules at http://www.fortinet.com/training.

Technical Discussion Forums: Communicate with customers and partners at https://support.fortinet.com/forum.

FortiGuard Threat Research and Response: Get information on vulnerabilities and threats at http://www.fortiguard.com.

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