Base channel connections between FortiSwitch-5003A boards

FortiGate-5140 and 5050 base backplane communication

This section contains example base channel HA and network configurations for each hardware combination. It also discusses how to choose an appropriate amount and slot number of FortiSwitch boards for base backplane HA.

This section describes:

Base channel connections between FortiSwitch-5003A boards

Base backplane HA configurations

Base backplane data configurations

Base channel connections between FortiSwitch-5003A boards

Two FortiSwitch-5003A boards in the same chassis are connected together across the base backplane channel. For some versions of the FortiSwitch-5003A firmware, this connection cannot be disabled. The base channel connection between the FortiGate boards is not usually a problem if the FortiGate-5000 boards in the chassis are operating in NAT/Route mode and the base channels are being used for HA heartbeat packets. However, you should avoid using the base channels for data traffic unless it is acceptable for traffic to go between the base channels.

If the FortiGate-5000 boards are operating in transparent mode, the connection between the base channels can cause looping. So if you have FortiGate-5000 boards operating in transparent mode with two FortiSwitch-5003A boards you should disable the base interfaces on the FortiGate boards and you should not use the FortiSwitch-5003A boards for HA traffic. Alternatively, you could disable just one of the base interfaces on all of the FortiGate-5000 boards and use the other base interface for the HA heartbeat.

Base backplane HA configurations

Valid HA hardware configurations can be formed from FortiGate boards located in either the same or multiple FortiGate-5050 or FortiGate-5140 chassis, with either one or two FortiSwitch boards per chassis.

Inter-chassis HA configuration requirements are identical to HA configuration within the same chassis, except for these additional requirements.

Link multiple chassis base backplanes by connecting FortiSwitch-5003A base front panel interfaces that have the same slot number.

Link multiple chassis base backplanes by connecting FortiSwitch-5003 ZRE interfaces that have the same slot number.

You can also connect FortiSwitch-5003A base front panel interfaces to FortiSwitch-5003 ZRE interfaces that have the same slot number.

If each chassis contains only one FortiSwitch board, install each FortiSwitch board in matching slot numbers. For example, you could link HA members in separate FortiGate-5140 and FortiGate-5050 chassis. If one chassis has only one FortiSwitch board installed in hub/switch slot 2, the other chassis FortiSwitch board must also be installed in hub/switch slot 2. For details, see “Choosing the slot position” on page 77.

If you do not install each FortiSwitch board in matching slot numbers, instead of forming a single cluster, this forms multiple clusters, some using port9 or base1 for HA heartbeat communication, and some using port10 or base2.

 

FortiSwitch-5003A and 5003 Fabric and Base Backplane Communications Guide

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Fortinet manual Base channel connections between FortiSwitch-5003A boards, Base backplane HA configurations

5003, 5003A specifications

Fortinet's FortiGate 5003 and 5003A are high-capacity, next-generation firewalls designed for enterprises that require advanced security solutions with a strong focus on performance and scalability. These models are part of Fortinet's expansive line of FortiGate appliances, which leverage innovative technologies to provide robust protection against a variety of cyber threats while maintaining seamless network operations.

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In summary, Fortinet's FortiGate 5003 and 5003A are powerful solutions that combine high performance, advanced security technologies, and robust management features to meet the needs of large enterprises. With their focus on scalability and reliability, these firewalls are poised to protect organizations against evolving cyber threats while ensuring optimal network performance.