Deploy Wi-Fi

This topic will not go into details on physically mounting FortiAPs; you can refer to their individual FortiAP Quick Start Guides (see FortiAP and FortiAP-U.)

However, here are some best practices to note:

• FortiAPs with integrated/internal antennas are intended for ceiling mounts. If wall mounting is necessary, an external antenna FortiAP such as the 433F should be chosen with the appropriate antenna. External dipole antennas (the usual "rubber ducks") should normally be mounted such that they are vertically aligned.

  • All antennas have a directional element. Omni-directional antennas propagate the signal in a kind of doughnut pattern (a torus) and have the strongest signal at the level of the antenna. Perfectly fine for 10 -20-foot ceilings. Higher ceilings may be better off with down pointed directional antennas. High-gain omni antennas are a poor choice for high ceilings because they flatten the doughnut into a pancake, raising signal strength at the ceiling level and lowering it at the floor level.

• Be sure you have the correct PoE level to power the FortiAPs is available from the connecting switches, and that the total PoE budget of a switch is sufficient for the total number of connected FortiAPs. If the connecting switches do not match the needed PoE requirements, power injectors can be used.

• Record the MAC address and/or a serial number of the FortiAPs and their locations. This will help with later documentation and administration.

• When running cable for APs, leave plenty of loop at the AP end to allow them to be moved to adjust coverage. Sometimes moving a FortiAP a few feet/meters can eliminate an unanticipated dead spot.