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mediumWLAN & WIFI

WLAN SSID difference between tunnel and Bridge

Confirmed 7/20/2026

Problem

not all SSIDs are visible or published when all configured to use the same WLAN profile.

Environment

FortiGate & FortiAP

FortiOS version

All Versions

Solution

When creating a new SSID on FortiGate you have the option to set ist mode either as Tunnel (a separate Network with ist own Subnet) or Bridge (will be bridged to the physical interface the AP connected to).

When creating a WLAN Profile to assign to APs, the same option is available either tunnel, bridge or manual. 

When creating a new profile pay attention to choose the correct AP mode the profile will be assigned to as some options differ based on the AP model. 

It is important to choose the correct mode of the profile because it may cause problems with publishing the WLAN when the mode of SSID and Profile do not match, if the profile will publish many SSIDs it is better to set the profile mode on Manual and choose the SSIDs manually, even if all SSIDs are meant to be published, because publishing all SSIDs in profile with the Tunnel Mode will not publish SSID with Bridge Mode and Vice Verse.

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