diff --git a/drivers/net/wireless/iwlwifi/mvm/tx.c b/drivers/net/wireless/iwlwifi/mvm/tx.c
index dbc870713882..9ee410bf6da2 100644
--- a/drivers/net/wireless/iwlwifi/mvm/tx.c
+++ b/drivers/net/wireless/iwlwifi/mvm/tx.c
@@ -168,10 +168,14 @@ static void iwl_mvm_set_tx_cmd_rate(struct iwl_mvm *mvm,
 
 	/*
 	 * for data packets, rate info comes from the table inside the fw. This
-	 * table is controlled by LINK_QUALITY commands
+	 * table is controlled by LINK_QUALITY commands. Exclude ctrl port
+	 * frames like EAPOLs which should be treated as mgmt frames. This
+	 * avoids them being sent initially in high rates which increases the
+	 * chances for completion of the 4-Way handshake.
 	 */
 
-	if (ieee80211_is_data(fc) && sta) {
+	if (ieee80211_is_data(fc) && sta &&
+	    !(info->control.flags & IEEE80211_TX_CTRL_PORT_CTRL_PROTO)) {
 		tx_cmd->initial_rate_index = 0;
 		tx_cmd->tx_flags |= cpu_to_le32(TX_CMD_FLG_STA_RATE);
 		return;