This question combines two FortiAP behaviors shown in the study guide:
AP handoff for load balancing
Frequency handoff for band steering to 5 GHz
From the WTP profile in the exhibit:
The LAN Edge 7.6 Architect study guide explains AP handoff like this:
“If the number of clients is already at the defined threshold, new clients will be redirected to join the least busy nearby AP.” It also states: “The handoff-sta-thresh parameter defines the threshold value that triggers the handoff protocol for new clients.”
So, because the first AP 5 GHz radio already has 32 clients, it is above the threshold of 30, meaning AP handoff can be considered.
However, the same extract adds an important condition:
“The handoff-rssi threshold defined in the AP profile applies when a handed-off client tries to connect to the second AP. The client ' s signal strength must be equal to or greater than the defined RSSI value on the new AP.”
The second AP measures the client at -43 dBm. Based on the configured handoff RSSI threshold of 30, the second AP does not satisfy the required signal condition for the handoff target, so FortiGate does not redirect the client there.
Now consider band selection. The study guide explains frequency handoff:
“Frequency handoff is a band steering technique that FortiGate uses to encourage clients to use the 5 GHz frequency instead of the 2.4 GHz.”
It also says:
“When a client tries to connect, FortiGate checks whether it can support 5 GHz and, if so, how good the signals are. If a client supports the 5 GHz frequency and the signal is strong enough to connect, FortiGate ignores the client’s requests to join the network on 2.4 GHz until the request times out. The client will then automatically try to join the same network using 5 GHz.”
Because the client is dual-band capable and the first AP sees it at a very strong -33 dBm, FortiGate will steer it to 5 GHz on the first AP.
Why the other options are incorrect:
A. Incorrect. The study guide says frequency handoff encourages dual-band clients to use 5 GHz instead of 2.4 GHz when the 5 GHz signal is strong enough
C. Incorrect. Even though the second AP 5 GHz radio has fewer clients, AP handoff only occurs if the target AP meets the configured handoff RSSI requirement. The study guide explicitly makes that a condition
D. Incorrect. 2.4 GHz is not preferred here. The study guide specifically says FortiGate uses frequency handoff to encourage 5 GHz for dual-band-capable clients
Final verified conclusion:
The client will associate with the first AP 5 GHz radio because:
the client is dual-band capable
FortiGate prefers 5 GHz through frequency handoff
the first AP has the stronger signal at -33 dBm
the second AP does not qualify as the handoff target under the configured handoff RSSI condition
