User Manual

Mesh Mode Conﬁguration

Page 5

The Mesh operation mode can be conﬁgured using either the

Web-based Manager, or the Command Line Interface (CLI).

Before starting, make note of the device’s MAC address and serial

number, then clearly mark the FortiAP unit to avoid confusion

during installation.

Mesh mode requires an upstream FortiAP or FotiWiFi device that

has mesh downlink enabled.

Mesh mode can only connect with the Mesh-Backhaul SSID from

a device. It cannot connect with the common SSID from a FortiAP,

FortiWiFi, or third party device.

Note: Mesh mode can only be used with a controller running

FortiOS v5.0 or later.

Using the Web-based Manager:

1. Connect the unit and conﬁgure the management computer as

described in the “Connecting Your FortiAP Unit” chapter.

2. Start a browser of your choice and browse to http://192.168.1.2.

3. Type admin in the Name ﬁeld, leave the Password ﬁeld blank,

and select Login.

4. Find the Uplink section on the System Information tab, set the

Operation Mode to Mesh, and setup the Mesh AP SSID and

Mesh AP Password.

The default SSID and password are fortinet.mesh.root.

It is recommended that you change both the default SSID and

password.

5. Optionally, select Ethernet Bridge to enable building to building

bridging.

6. Select Apply.

7. Disconnect the FortiAP device from the management computer.

8. Aim the front of the FortiAP unit towards the upstream mesh

node (usually another AP device) to complete the association.

Once the link is established, the Mesh signal intensity indicators

should change from ﬂashing to red, yellow, or green. If red,

adjust the location of the unit and the direction it is facing until

the intensity indicators show yellow or green.

Using the CLI

1. Connect the unit and conﬁgure the management computer as

described in the “Connecting Your FortiAP Unit” chapter.