High availability

Introduction

 

 

High availability

Fortinet achieves high availability (HA) using redundant hardware and the FortiGate Clustering Protocol (FGCP). Each FortiGate unit in an HA cluster enforces the same overall security policy and shares the same configuration settings. You can add up to 32 FortiGate units to an HA cluster. Each FortiGate unit in an HA cluster must be the same model and must be running the same FortiOS firmware image.

FortiGate HA supports link redundancy and device redundancy.

FortiGate units can be configured to operate in active-passive (A-P) or active-active (A-A) HA mode. Active-active and active-passive clusters can run in either NAT/Route or Transparent mode.

An active-passive (A-P) HA cluster, also referred to as hot standby HA, consists of a primary FortiGate unit that processes traffic, and one or more subordinate FortiGate units. The subordinate FortiGate units are connected to the network and to the primary FortiGate unit but do not process traffic.

Active-active (A-A) HA load balances virus scanning among all the FortiGate units in the cluster. An active-active HA cluster consists of a primary FortiGate unit that processes traffic and one or more secondary units that also process traffic. The primary FortiGate unit uses a load balancing algorithm to distribute virus scanning to all the FortiGate units in the HA cluster.

Secure installation, configuration, and management

The first time you power on the FortiGate unit, it is already configured with default IP addresses and security policies. Connect to the web-based manager, set the operating mode, and use the Setup wizard to customize FortiGate IP addresses for your network, and the FortiGate unit is ready to protect your network. You can then use the web-based manager to customize advanced FortiGate features.

Web-based manager

Using HTTP or a secure HTTPS connection from any computer running Internet Explorer, you can configure and manage the FortiGate unit. The web-based manager supports multiple languages. You can configure the FortiGate unit for HTTP and HTTPS administration from any FortiGate interface.

You can use the web-based manager to configure most FortiGate settings. You can also use the web-based manager to monitor the status of the FortiGate unit. Configuration changes made using the web-based manager are effective immediately without resetting the firewall or interrupting service. Once you are satisfied with a configuration, you can download and save it. The saved configuration can be restored at any time.

Command line interface

You can access the FortiGate command line interface (CLI) by connecting a management computer serial port to the FortiGate RS-232 serial console connector. You can also use Telnet or a secure SSH connection to connect to the CLI from any network that is connected to the FortiGate unit, including the Internet.

18

01-28007-0068-20041203

Fortinet Inc.

Page 18
Image 18
Fortinet 100A manual High availability, Secure installation, configuration, and management, Web-based manager

100A specifications

Fortinet 100A is a versatile network security device designed to provide comprehensive protection against various cyber threats while ensuring optimal network performance. As part of the FortiGate series, the 100A combines advanced security features with powerful hardware capabilities, making it suitable for small to medium-sized businesses.

One of the key features of the Fortinet 100A is its deep packet inspection technology. This capability allows the firewall to analyze both the header and payload of packets traversing the network, enabling it to detect and block malicious content effectively. The 100A can identify and mitigate a wide range of threats, including malware, intrusions, and application-layer attacks.

The FortiOS operating system powers the Fortinet 100A, offering a robust and user-friendly interface for configuration and management. With its unified security management console, administrators can efficiently monitor network traffic and enforce security policies across the organization. The system provides centralized logging and reporting features, enabling users to gain valuable insights into their security posture and respond swiftly to incidents.

The 100A supports multiple deployment modes, including transparent, NAT, and route modes. This flexibility allows organizations to integrate the device into their existing network architecture with ease. The firewall's high throughput capabilities ensure that network performance remains unaffected, even under heavy load from multiple users and devices.

Another notable aspect of the Fortinet 100A is its support for various VPN technologies, including IPsec and SSL VPN. This feature facilitates secure remote access for employees, enabling them to connect to the corporate network safely, regardless of their location. As remote work continues to be a norm in many sectors, this capability is critical for maintaining productivity and security.

In addition to these features, the Fortinet 100A provides comprehensive web filtering capabilities, protecting users from harmful websites and inappropriate content. This protection is essential for organizations looking to maintain a secure and productive environment.

With its combination of powerful security features, flexible deployment options, and robust performance, the Fortinet 100A stands out as an ideal solution for organizations seeking to bolster their cybersecurity measures while ensuring seamless connectivity for users. As cyber threats continue to evolve, investing in a capable device like the FortiGate 100A is crucial for maintaining a secure network infrastructure.