Inter-chassis HA configurations

FortiGate-5020 base backplane communication

3On each FortiGate module to be included in the HA cluster, go to System > Config > HA.

4Select the Mode, then enter the Group Name, and Password.

You may also want to set other options, such as the Device Priority or session pick-up. For detailed instructions, see the FortiGate HA Guide.

5If the base backplane interfaces do not have heartbeat interface precedence, increase the precedence of the base backplane interfaces so that they are selected as the primary and first failover heartbeat interface.

Note: Heartbeat interface precedence can be determined by multiple factors, including Priority and position in the Heartbeat Interface list. For details, see “Slot position and HA heartbeat interface precedence” on page 77.

If interface priorities are not all equal, set the base backplane interfaces’ priority to a higher value than all other interfaces.

If interface priorities are all equal, set the base backplane interfaces’ priority to a higher value than all other interfaces, or disable interfaces listed above the base backplane interfaces in the Heartbeat Interface list. For some FortiGate models or configurations of other HA interfaces, this may mean that no change is required. The table below describes where changes are required, and if so, what kind.

6If you want to select a different base backplane interface as the primary heartbeat interface, increase its priority.

7Select OK.

Inter-chassis HA configurations

Base backplane HA clustering between multiple FortiGate-5020 chassis is not supported. To configure HA for FortiGate modules installed in separate FortiGate-5020 chassis, you must instead connect the heartbeat through FortiGate module front panel interfaces.

Note: For enhanced reliability, connect and configure heartbeat failover between two or more non-base backplane interfaces.

Figure 36 on page 85 shows an HA cluster of four FortiGate-5001SX modules installed in two separate FortiGate-5020 chassis. For each FortiGate module in the example cluster:

port1 connects to an internal network switch

port2 connects to an external network switch, which is connected to the Internet

port7 and port8 connect to switches that handle only heartbeat traffic

port3 to port6 are not used

 

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Fortinet 5003A manual Inter-chassis 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.

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.

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