FortiWLC – Sitesurvey

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Sitesurvey

Fortinet sitesurvey is a simple tool that aids in network planning to find the right placement (mounting location) of APs such that clients connected to these APs receive high throughput, excellent coverage. To find the right placement of your AP, connect your Wi-Fi client to the AP that is in the sitesurvey mode and move around the deployment perimeter to identify areas that provide good connectivity (based on the results from the sitesurvey tool) to the Wi-Fi client. You can adjust the placement of the AP depending on the sitesurvey results.

Pre-requisites
  • Sitesurvey is supported only on AP832, AP822, FAP-U421, and FAP-U423.
  • The AP must be running FortiWLC (SD) 6.1-2 or higher and can connect only in Open Clear mode.
Configuring Sitesurvey Options

Sitesurvey configuration and monitor options are available via CLI (AP boot console) and GUI. To access sitesurvey options, Connect to AP CLI from a controller or use a serial port.

Using the CLI

After the normal AP boot process, enter the sitesurvey enable command at the AP boot prompt to restart AP into the sitesurvey mode. In the sitesurvey mode the AP displays the sitesurvey prompt (ss >).

Sitesurvey commands always begin with the sitesurvey keyword or alternatively you can use the ss (alias) instead of the sitesurvey keyword. Sitesurvey provides the following additional commands to configure and monitor sitesurvey features.

Enabling Sitesurvey

sitesurvey enable

This command enables the sitesurvey mode. The AP will reboot into sitesurvey mode and display the sitesurvey prompt. ss > _

Disabling Sitesurvey

sitesurvey disable

This command disables the sitesurvey mode. AP will reboot into normal mode of operation.

Setting Country Code and Channel

sitesurvey countrycode set <country code>

By default the country code is set to US. When you set a country code, the first valid channel and the max supported Tx power for radio 0 and radio 1 for that country code is automatically set. To override the default channel for a country code, enter the following command sitesurvey channel set <radio_index> <channel>

Where,

  • radio_index refers to the AP radios.
  • Enter 1 for radio 1 (2.4 Ghz).
  • Enter 2 for radio 2 (5Ghz).

To get the list of supported country codes, use the ss countrycode help command.

Setting Inactivity Time

sitesurvey inactivitytime <itime>

This command sets the time (in seconds) the AP will remain in the sitesurvey mode before a client associates with it. The time is specified in seconds and by default the AP will remain in the sitesurvey mode for 3600s. After the period of inactivity, the AP will reboot into normal AP mode.

When using the GUI, the browser window will reset after 3600 seconds of inactivity, irrespective of the time set for inactivity. The browser refresh time cannot be changed.

Setting IP Address

sitesurvey ipconfig <ip_address> <netmask>

This command configures the sitesurvey AP with an IP address. You can use this IP address to access the sitesurvey GUI page via a browser. By default, the IP address and netmask are set to 192.168.0.1 and 255.255.255.0.

Configuring SSID

sitesurvey ssid <radio_index> [<ssid>]

Where,

  • radio_index can be 0, 1, or 3
  • Enter 0 for radio 1 (2.4 Ghz)
  • Enter 1 for radio 2 (5 Ghz)
  • Enter 3 to specify SSID for both the radios

This command configures SSID for the specified radio. By default, SSID for radio 1 (2.4Ghz) is set to Meru_Site_Survey_2.4 and SSID for radio 2 (5 Ghz) is set to Meru_Site_Survey_5.

Examples ss > sitesurvey ssid 3

MERU_SITE_SURVEY SSID is assigned for both radio1 and radio2 as MERU_SITE_SURVEY

ss > sitesurvey ssid 1 <‐‐ if SSID is not specified SSID is assigned to radio1 as MERU_SITE_SURVEY_2.4 by default

ss > sitesurvey ssid 2 <‐‐ if SSID is not specified SSID is assigned to radio2 as MERU_SITE_SURVEY_5 by default

ss > sitesurvey ssid 3 <‐‐ if SSID is not specified MERU_SITE_SURVEY_2.4 is assigned as SSID for radio1

MERU_SITE_SURVEY_5 is assigned as SSID for radio2.

After configuring SSID on AP radios, you can use the following command to selectively (per radio) enable or disable broadcasting SSID. sitesurvey publishssid <radio_index> [on|off] By default, SSID for both radios are broadcast.

Enable or Disable Radio

sitesurvey {radio | r} <radio_index> [on|off]

Where,

  • radio_index can be 0, 1, or 3
  • Enter 0 for radio 1 (2.4 Ghz)
  • Enter 1 for radio 2 (5 Ghz)
  • Enter 3 for both the radios

This command enables or disables AP radio. Wi-fi clients connecting to the sitesurvey AP must use the same radio that is enabled in the AP. By default, both the radios are enabled.

Configure Sitesurvey Refresh Rate

sitesurvey statsrefrate [<rate>]

This command configures the time interval (specified in milliseconds) at which the AP will collect and send (display) sitesurvey results. By default, the refresh rate is set to 1000ms. The sitesurvey results can be viewed from the sitesurvey GUI page or the CLI.

Setting the Tx Power

sitesurvey txpwr set <radio_index> [<tx_power>]

Where,

  • radio_index can be 0, 1, or 3
  • Enter 0 for radio 1 (2.4 Ghz)
  • Enter 1 for radio 2 (5 Ghz)
  • Enter 3 for both the radios

Use this command to selectively set the transmit power for AP radios. By default, Tx power is set to maximum possible Tx power based on the country code, channel and the hardware capabilities. The sitesurvey txpwr set 3 command (without the power value) will set the max Tx power supported for the selected country to both the radios.

Save Sitesurvey Configuration

sitesurvey save

After you have configured all sitesurvey options, enter this command to save your sitesurvey configuration. This command creates an ESSID with all configured parameters. Your Wi-Fi can now associate to this AP using the ESSID.

Using GUI

To access the sitesurvey GUI page, enter the IP address of the AP. If not previously set, enter the default IP address (192.168.0.1) of the AP. By default, the GUI page shows the sitesurveyresults page. Click the Configure button to access the sitesurvey configuration options.

Figure 67: Sitesurvey Configuration Options:

 

TABLE 24: Sitesurvey Configuration Parameters using GUI

Parameters Description
SSID Radio 0

SSID Radio 1

 Enter a value that you will be broadcast for connecting your Wi-Fi client. The default values are Meru_Site_Survey_2.4 for Radio 0 and Meru_Site_Survey_5 for Radio 1.
Country Select a country from this list. This selection automatically sets the first valid channel for each radio. However, you can choose to override them by selecting a different channel number.
Radio 2.4 Ghz

Radio 5 Ghz

 Select ON or OFF to enable or disable a radio.
Tx Power Radio 0

Tx Power Radio 1

 Enter transmit power for each of the radios. Maximum value for Radio 0 (2.4 Ghz) and maximum value for Radio 1 (5 Ghz) is dependent on the selected country and the channel.
2.4 Ghz Channels

5 Ghz Channels

 Select a valid channel. By default this is automatically set to the first valid channel for the selected country.
Publish SSID Radio 0

Publish SSID Radio 1

 Select ON or OFF to broadcast SSID.

TABLE 24: Sitesurvey Configuration Parameters using GUI

Parameters Description
Stats Refresh Rate Enter the time interval (in milliseconds) to collect and send (display) sitesurvey results.
Inactivity timeout period Enter the time interval (in seconds) for the AP to wait for client to connect. After the inactivity time period, the AP will reboot to normal AP mode.

After configuring the above parameters click the Apply button to save the configuration.

Viewing Sitesurvey Results

Sitesurvey results can be viewed from CLI and using the GUI.

Using GUI

By default, the Sitesurvey page (Figure 2) is displayed when you connect to the AP via browser. The Sitesurvey page among other pre-configured values displays key information about the connectivity experience of your Wi-Fi client.

The GUI page shows Sitesurvey results of only ONE client (the last connected client) connected to the AP. To view Sitesurvey results from all connected clients, use options from CLI.

Figure 68: Viewing Sitesurvey Results

Connectivity Experience Parameters

The Sitesurvey parameters that include RSSI, S/N Ratio, Tx Power, 802.11 Tx Rate, and

802.11 Rx Rate illustrate the connection experience of the Wi-Fi client at the given location.

Troubleshooting Parameters

The parameters, Tx Retry count and Tx Failure illustrate issues or errors in connection between the Wi-Fi client and the AP at the given location.

Network Parameters

Tx Packets and Rx Packets indicate the network data traffic between the AP and the Wi-Fi client.

NOTE : As you move with your Wi-Fi client, the survey results are updated as per configured refresh rate.

Disable Site Survey

To disable Sitesurvey on the AP, click the Disable Sitesurvey button. This button will reboot the AP into normal AP mode.

Using CLI
Viewing Sitesurvey Configuration

sitesurvey showconfig

This command displays the current sitesurvey configuration.

Sample Output ss > sitesurvey showconfig

Site Survey                          : 1

Country Code                         : US

AP IP address                        : 192.168.0.1

AP Netmask                           : 255.255.255.0

SSID for radio0                      : MERU_SITE_SURVEY_2.4

SSID for radio1                      : MERU_SITE_SURVEY_5

Broadcast SSID for radio0            : 1

Broadcast SSID for radio1            : 1 radio0 <2.4G>                        : 1 radio1 <5G>                          : 1 Channel for radio0                   : 6

Channel for radio1                   : 36

Tx Power for radio0             : 25

Tx Power for radio1             : 23

Basic Tx Rate for radio0       : 1 2 5.5 11

Basic Tx Rate for radio1       : 1 2 5.5 11

Stats Refresh Rate            : 1000

Inactivity Timeout             : 3600 ss >

Viewing Sitesurvey Results (Statistics)

sitesurvey showstatistics

This command displays sitesurvey results of all the Wi-Fi clients connected to the AP.

Sample Output

ss > sitesurvey showstatistics ss >

      AP MAC         STATION MAC                 ESSID              Ch  ChWd SNR RSSI TxPwr TxRate RxRate TxRetry TxFail  TxPkts  RxPkts

‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐  ‐‐‐ ‐‐‐‐ ‐‐ ‐‐‐‐ ‐‐‐‐‐ ‐‐‐‐‐‐ ‐‐‐‐‐‐ ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐

00:0c:e6:12:28:1f 6c:88:14:f3:a8:04                       survey51   36   20  42  ‐45    23    144    130       0       1      65     68 ss stats ss >

      AP MAC         STATION MAC                 ESSID              Ch  ChWd SNR RSSI TxPwr TxRate RxRate TxRetry TxFail  TxPkts  RxPkts

‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐  ‐‐‐ ‐‐‐‐ ‐‐ ‐‐‐‐ ‐‐‐‐‐ ‐‐‐‐‐‐ ‐‐‐‐‐‐ ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐

00:0c:e6:12:28:1f 6c:88:14:f3:a8:04                       survey51   36   20  42  ‐45    23    144    130       0       1      66     68 ss stats ss >

      AP MAC         STATION MAC                 ESSID              Ch  ChWd SNR RSSI TxPwr TxRate RxRate TxRetry TxFail  TxPkts  RxPkts

‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐  ‐‐‐ ‐‐‐‐ ‐‐ ‐‐‐‐ ‐‐‐‐‐ ‐‐‐‐‐‐ ‐‐‐‐‐‐ ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐

00:0c:e6:12:28:1f 6c:88:14:f3:a8:04                       survey51   36   20  42  ‐45    23    144    123       0       1      68     68 ss stats ss >

      AP MAC         STATION MAC                 ESSID              Ch  ChWd SNR

RSSI TxPwr TxRate RxRate TxRetry TxFail  TxPkts  RxPkts

 

‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐  ‐‐‐ ‐‐‐‐ ‐‐ ‐‐‐‐ ‐‐‐‐‐ ‐‐‐‐‐‐ ‐‐‐‐‐‐ ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐

00:0c:e6:12:28:1f 6c:88:14:f3:a8:04                       survey51   36   20  42  ‐45    23    144    104       0       1      69     691 ss >


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About Mike

Michael Pruett, CISSP has a wide range of cyber-security and network engineering expertise. The plethora of vendors that resell hardware but have zero engineering knowledge resulting in the wrong hardware or configuration being deployed is a major pet peeve of Michael's. This site was started in an effort to spread information while providing the option of quality consulting services at a much lower price than Fortinet Professional Services. Owns PacketLlama.Com (Fortinet Hardware Sales) and Office Of The CISO, LLC (Cybersecurity consulting firm).

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