FortiWiFi unit as a wireless client

By default, a FortiWiFi unit operates as a wireless access point. However, select FortiWiFi models can be configured to operate as a wireless client, connecting the FortiGate to another wireless network. In this client mode, the FortiWiFi unit connects to a remote WiFi access point to access other networks or the Internet. This is most useful when the FortiWiFi unit is in a location that does not have a wired infrastructure.

For example, in a warehouse where shipping and receiving are on opposite sides of the building, running cables might not be an option due to the warehouse environment. The FortiWiFi unit can support wired users using its Ethernet ports and can connect to another wireless access point as a client. This connects the wired users to the network using the 802.11 WiFi standard as a backbone.

For most models, the FortiWiFi unit cannot operate as an AP while also operating in client mode, so wireless clients cannot see or connect to the FortiWiFi unit. However, select models such as the FortiWiFi 80F series can support AP and client mode concurrently.

Wireless client mode is supported on the following models:

Models
FWF-40F, FWF-40F-3G4G, FWF-60E, FWF-60E_DSL, FWF-60E_DSLJ, FWF-60F, FWF-61E, FWF-61F, FWF-80F-2R, FWF-81F-2R, FWF-81F-2R-POE, FWF-81F-2R-3G4G-POE

Concurrent AP and wireless client mode is supported on the following models:

Models
FWF-80F-2R, FWF-81F-2R, FWF-81F-2R-POE, FWF-81F-2R-3G4G-POE

FortiWiFi unit in client mode

FortiWiFi unit in AP and client mode

This section includes the following topics:

• Configuring a FortiWiFi unit as a wireless client
• Enabling EAP/TLS authentication on a FortiWiFi unit in client mode
• Configuring WPA3 security modes on FortiWiFi units operating in client mode