FortiAP 231F QuickStart Guide

Introduction

This document provides essential information for the quick setup and deployment of the FortiAP 231F wireless access point from Fortinet.

Product Registration: Thank you for purchasing a FortiAP. Register your device at http://support.fortinet.com for access to Cloud Management, FortiGuard Updates, Firmware Upgrades, Technical Support, and Warranty Coverage.

Package Contents

The FortiAP 231F package includes:

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

Interfaces

The FortiAP 231F features the following interfaces and indicators:

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

LED Indicators

Status indicators on the device:

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

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: If you are 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, and configuration management.

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.

Refer to the “Access Point Configuration” section of the FortiWiFi and FortiAP Configuration Guide found at https://docs.fortinet.com/product/fortiap.

FortiGate Deployment Setup

Your FortiAP can be preauthorized and configured using a FortiGate, or authorized after connecting to the network.

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. Connect the FortiAP to the network without preauthorization.
2. Within two minutes, 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

3. The FortiAP will connect to the FortiGate, where it can then be authorized.

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 routing to the outside plant. It is designed to be supplied by a Listed Direct Plug-In Power Unit (LPS or Class 2, 12 Vdc, 2.5A) or a 54 Vdc PoE source.

This section contains important safety and environmental information, also provided in multiple languages.

Regulatory Notices

The FortiAP 231F complies with various international regulatory standards, including:

• Federal Communication Commission (FCC) – USA
• Industry Canada Equipment Standard for Digital Equipment (ICES) – Canada
• Innovation, Science and Economic Development (ISED) - Canada
• European Conformity (CE) – EU
• UK Conformity Assessed (UKCA) – United Kingdom
• National Telecommunications Commission (NCC) – Taiwan
• Korea Certification (KC) – Korea
• Agência Nacional de Telecomunicações (ANATEL) – Brazil

Key compliance points include adherence to FCC Part 15, CE Directive 2014/53/EU, UKCA regulations, and ISED standards. Specific details on frequency bands, maximum transmit power, and radiation exposure limits are provided in the original document. Operation in the 5150-5350 MHz frequency range is restricted to indoor use in certain countries.

Antenna Specifications

Fortinet Product License Agreement / EULA and Warranty Terms

This section outlines the terms and conditions for using Fortinet products. Key aspects include:

• License Grant: A non-transferable, non-exclusive license to use the Software for internal business purposes.
• Limitations on Use: Prohibits reverse engineering, modification, sublicensing, or distribution of the Software.
• Proprietary Rights: Fortinet retains all intellectual property rights.
• Limited Warranty: Fortinet warrants hardware for 365 days (or 5 years post EOL for FortiAP) and software for 90 days against defects, subject to terms and conditions.
• Disclaimer of Other Warranties: Products are provided "AS-IS" without other warranties.
• Limitation of Liability: Fortinet's liability is limited.
• Governing Law: Laws of the State of California apply.
• Compliance: Users must comply with all applicable laws, including export controls.
• Open Source Software: Mentions inclusion of software licensed under GNU GPL and LGPL.

Fortinet Support and Resources

Fortinet offers various resources for customer support and product information:

• Customer Service & Support: Create a support account, register products, download updates, and create tickets at https://support.fortinet.com.
• Document Library: Access up-to-date publications for Fortinet products at http://docs.fortinet.com.
• Training Services: Find course descriptions, schedules, and locations at http://www.fortinet.com/training.
• Technical Discussion Forums: Connect with other users and partners at https://support.fortinet.com/forum.
• FortiGuard Threat Research and Response: Get information on vulnerabilities and threats at http://www.fortiguard.com.