FortiAP Configuration mode

To facilitate the initial deployment, you can reset FortiAP to enter the Configuration mode. With your Wi-Fi device, you can access the FortiAP Configuration mode GUI, and then configure FortiAP.

The FortiAP Configuration mode is available on FortiAP-S and FortiAP-W2, E models.

When FortiAP is in Configuration mode, the following behaviors apply:

• FortiAP broadcasts its SSID as FAP-config-<serial-number>.
• FortiAP does not broadcast any SSID configured by its controller.
• Only one WiFi client can connect to the broadcasted SSID.
• This SSID is open in NAT mode to allow internet connectivity.
• The transmit power for the broadcasted SSID is tuned down to 1 dBm on each radio, so the broadcasted SSID can only be connected to from a nearby location.
• FortiAP automatically exits the Configuration mode after 30 minutes or if you reboot FortiAP.

FortiAP enters the Configuration mode when you hold the reset button for 5 to 10 seconds while FortiAP is booted up.

Reset button behavior

Reset duration (seconds)	Action
less than 5	Reboot
5 to 10	Configuration mode
more than 10	Factory reset

Resetting FortiAP to enter the Configuration mode

1. Make sure FortiAP is booted up.
2. Use a pin to push and hold the reset button for 5 to 10 seconds.

   FortiAP reboots and then enters the Configuration mode.

   FortiAP starts to broadcast an open security SSID FAP-config-<serial-number>, for example FAP-config-FP421E3X16000715.

3. You can now access the GUI or CLI of the FortiAP Configuration mode by performing:
   • the recommended procedure, Accessing the GUI of the FortiAP Configuration mode
   • or Accessing the CLI of the FortiAP Configuration mode

Accessing the GUI of the FortiAP Configuration mode

Note: This is the recommended procedure.

1. Use only one Wi-Fi device to connect to the SSID FAP-config-<serial-number>.
2. Open a web browser and visit https://192.168.100.1.
3. In the User Name field, type admin.
4. In the Password field, type the password associated with the admin account.

The FortiAP Dashboard window opens with a CONFIG MODE red banner at the bottom.

5. Under Settings, click Local Configuration.

FortiAP Config Mode - Local Configuration



6. Make configuration changes.
7. To save configuration changes, click OK.
8. To exit the Configuration mode, go to the admin menu at the top-right corner and click Reboot.

   FortiAP Config Mode - Reboot

   

9. To confirm the system reboot, click Yes.
10. When the web browser displays a System Rebooting message, you can close the web browser window.

    Configuration changes take effect after FortiAP restarts.

Accessing the CLI of the FortiAP Configuration mode

1. To connect to FortiAP, you can:
   1. start a secure shell (SSH) session with the IP address of the FortiAP, or
   2. start a console session, if your FortiAP has a console port.
2. Use admin, as the login user.
3. Type the password associated with the admin account.
4. Make configuration changes. For details about FortiAP CLI commands, see FortiAP CLI configuration and diagnostics commands.
5. To save configuration changes, type:

   cfg -c

6. To exit the Configuration mode, type:

   reboot 

Configuration changes take effect after FortiAP restarts.