Fortinet Certified Professional Network Security FCP_FWF_AD-7.4 Question # 6 Topic 1 Discussion

Analysis of Exhibits:

RF Analysis:

Channel 1 (2.4 GHz) shows very high utilization (91%) and significant overlap/interference from other APs (8 overlap-AP, 7 interfere-AP).

Channel utilization on 2.4 GHz is very high, indicating congestion and contention.

AP Diagnostic Summary:

Radio 1 (2.4 GHz):

Channel Utilization: 78%

Interfering SSIDs: 18

A long list of clients and many SSIDs being broadcast on Channel 1.

Radio 2 (5 GHz):

Channel Utilization: 0% (much lower usage; likely not all clients or SSIDs are using it).

SSID List:

Multiple SSIDs are being broadcast by the AP, which increases management overhead (beacon/probe traffic) and reduces airtime for actual data.

Problem Symptoms:

Guest users in the reception area (on 2.4 GHz, channel 1) are experiencing slow performance.

Option Analysis:

A. Reduce the number of SSIDs being broadcast by the reception AP

Correct.

Each SSID adds additional management overhead (beacons, probes) that consume airtime on already congested 2.4 GHz channels.

Reducing the number of SSIDs frees up airtime for actual client data, which can improve throughput and reduce latency, especially in high-density environments with high channel utilization.

This is a recommended best practice for optimizing Wi-Fi performance in congested environments.

B. Enable frequency handoff on the AP to band steer clients

Helpful if clients support 5 GHz, but not all client devices (especially IoT/guests) do; with such high channel utilization, this is a secondary optimization.

C. Increase the transmission power of the AP radios

This can make interference worse and does not solve airtime congestion; it may also increase contention with neighboring APs.

D. Install another AP in the reception area to improve available bandwidth

Adding more APs on congested channels can actually increase interference and may not help unless channel planning and SSID management are also addressed.

Summary:

Reducing the number of SSIDs is the most direct, configuration-based action that will improve available airtime and performance for clients in a congested, high-utilization environment like the one shown in the exhibits.