What is Fortinet?

What it is

A FortiGate is a firewall appliance. FortiOS provides the rules, VPN, intrusion prevention and web filtering, and the same interface can manage Fortinet switches and wireless access points connected to it.

The hardware is a one-time purchase, but many of the security features, such as threat signatures and web filtering, depend on subscription licenses that have to be renewed.

Why it matters to a business

• One console: firewall, switches and access points are managed together, which keeps a small site simple.
• Licenses expire: when a subscription lapses, features such as filtering and signature updates can stop. Renewal dates need to be tracked.
• Vendor tie-in: FortiOS runs only on FortiGate appliances and Fortinet's own virtual machine images, and a configuration does not carry over to another brand.
• Updates: an internet-facing firewall needs current firmware. Schedule the updates before a problem forces one.

How KawaConnect works with Fortinet

The firewalls we build ourselves run OPNsense, but a FortiGate that is licensed and up to date does not need replacing. For those we document the configuration, maintain the rules and VPNs, and apply firmware updates.

If the client wants to move to OPNsense, we plan and carry out the migration. Our networking and firewalls page describes the rest of our firewall work.

Learn more

• Fortinet on WikipediaCompany background and product history, for readers who want context on the vendor.
• Fortinet websiteProduct overviews from the vendor, showing what the platform includes.
• Fortinet documentationThe vendor's technical manuals for FortiOS and related products, written for administrators.