How can you find the upstream and downstream link rates of a wireless client connected...

Understanding the Requirement:The question asks how to find the upstream (client to AP) and downstream (AP to client) link rates for a wireless client connected to a FortiAP. This is often used to diagnose wireless client performance and link quality.

Option Analysis:

A. On the FortiGate GUI using the WiFi Client monitor

The WiFi Client monitor on the FortiGate GUI provides general info about connected clients such as IP address, MAC address, SSID, AP, and signal strength (RSSI/SNR), but it does not display the detailed link rates (upstream/downstream rates) for individual clients.

B. On the FortiAP CLI using the cw_diag ksta command

Correct.

The cw_diag ksta command is executed directly on the FortiAP’s CLI.

It shows detailed wireless client statistics, including both tx rate (downstream/AP to client) and rx rate (upstream/client to AP) for each connected client.

Example output:

FAP# cw_diag ksta

00:11:22:33:44:55 (vlan 0) RSSI:45 SNR:35 RX rate: 433Mbps TX rate: 144Mbps

These rates are the link rates negotiated between the client and the AP in both directions.

C. On the FortiGate CLI using the diagnose wireless-controller wlac -d sta command

This FortiGate CLI command provides some info about clients (e.g., connection state, signal), but does not directly show both upstream and downstream link rates.

D. On the FortiAP CLI using the cw_diag -d sea command

This command (cw_diag -d sea) is used for spectral analysis/debugging and does not provide per-client link rates.

Reference from Official Fortinet Documentation and Guides:

FortiOS Administration Guide (7.4):

The guide states that for detailed wireless client statistics, including negotiated rates, you must SSH into the FortiAP and run the cw_diag ksta command.

This provides a summary of all associated clients, their negotiated rates, and more.

Typical Workflow:

SSH into the FortiAP device.

Enter the command:

cw_diag ksta

Review the output. For each client, you will see RX and TX rates (these correspond to upstream and downstream link rates).

Why Not Other Options?

Only the FortiAP CLI with cw_diag ksta shows the negotiated link rates for each client in both directions.

The FortiGate GUI/CLI provides only summary info or signal statistics, not real-time link rates per client.

Summary:

To find the upstream and downstream link rates of a wireless client connected to a FortiAP, use the FortiAP CLI with the cw_diag ksta command.