FortiGate-5140 and 5050 base backplane communication

Base backplane data configurations

Base backplane data configurations

In addition to HA traffic, FortiSwitch boards can pass other traffic types through or to the base backplane.

Note: FortiSwitch-5003 boards do not support VLAN-tagged packets, so if you are using the FortiSwitch-5003 board base backplane traffic cannot include VLAN-tagged packets. FortiSwitch-5003A boards do support VLAN-tagged packets over the base channels.

Like HA scenarios, network configurations can involve one or two FortiSwitch boards per chassis, and one or more chassis.

However, unlike HA scenarios, boards connecting to transfer other traffic types need not use identical interface numbers on each side of the connection, and therefore they do not require FortiSwitch boards installed in the same slot numbers. Because of this, by connecting one of the front panel base or ZRE interfaces on each slot’s FortiSwitch board to another, you can send data traffic between FortiGate boards that use different base backplane interfaces.

For example, if an HA cluster of FortiGate-5005FA2 boards using hub/switchbase1 (hub/switch slot 1) for heartbeat traffic need to send some traffic to a second HA cluster of boards in the same chassis that use base2 (hub/switch slot 2) for their heartbeat traffic, you can connect the two clusters across the two base backplane channels by linking one of the front panel base or ZRE interfaces on the hub/switch slot 1 FortiSwitch board to one of the front panel base or ZRE interfaces on the hub/switch slot 2 FortiSwitch board.

In addition to linking base backplane traffic between FortiGate boards, you can use FortiSwitch boards to link traffic between FortiGate base backplane interfaces and your network. Connecting a front panel base or ZRE interface to the network links the base backplane, and any connected FortiGate boards, to the network.

Required steps vary by whether you want to use the base backplane interfaces to connect FortiGate boards to each other, or to the network. These scenarios are not mutually exclusive; you can simultaneously provide both.

Note: You can also combine network configurations with HA configurations to send both traffic types through the base backplane channel(s). However, because heavy heartbeat or network traffic load can interfere with the other traffic type’s performance, it is generally preferable to separate those traffic types to different base backplane interfaces. This requires two FortiSwitch boards per chassis.

Connecting FortiGate boards to each other

By installing one or two FortiSwitch boards per chassis, you can connect FortiGate boards to each other through their base backplane interfaces.

Hardware configurations are identical to single and multiple chassis configurations for HA traffic, except the additional possibility of connecting FortiSwitch boards that have been installed in different slot numbers. Connecting FortiSwitch boards located in different slot numbers allows communication between the two base backplane channels.

Configure FortiGate boards to communicate through the base backplane interfaces as you would other interfaces.

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

 

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Fortinet 5003A manual Base backplane data configurations, Connecting FortiGate boards to each other

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.

One of the standout features of the FortiGate 5003 and 5003A is their impressive throughput capabilities. With multiple high-speed network interfaces, these firewalls can handle substantial amounts of traffic, ensuring that data flows smoothly without creating bottlenecks. This makes them ideal for organizations that operate large-scale networks or have significant bandwidth demands.

The FortiGate 5003 series is equipped with Fortinet's proprietary FortiOS, an intuitive operating system that integrates firewall, VPN, antivirus, intrusion prevention, web filtering, and application control functionalities. This comprehensive approach to security allows organizations to protect their networks from an array of cyber threats while simplifying management and reducing operational costs.

Another key characteristic of these models is their use of Fortinet's purpose-built security processing units (SPUs). These hardware-accelerated security chips enable accelerated threat detection and prevention, allowing the 5003 and 5003A to deliver high performance even when advanced security features are enabled. The SPUs play a crucial role in ensuring that organizations can enforce security policies without compromising on speed or efficiency.

Furthermore, the FortiGate 5003 and 5003A support advanced networking features, including Virtual Routing and Forwarding (VRF), which allows for better traffic management and segmentation. This capability is essential in multi-tenant environments, enabling organizations to create isolated networks while maintaining centralized security management.

In addition to their performance and feature set, both models support centralized management through Fortinet's FortiManager platform, providing a unified view of network security across multiple devices. This simplifies configuration, updates, and policy compliance, significantly reducing administrative overhead.

Finally, the FortiGate 5003 and 5003A are designed with redundancy and high availability in mind. They include failover capabilities and support for clustering, ensuring that network operations remain uninterrupted even in the event of hardware failure. This level of reliability is vital for mission-critical applications where downtime can lead to significant operational disruption.

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.