110 Fortinet Inc.
Configuring the modem interface Network configuration
Viewing modem status
To view the status of the modem connection go to System > Network > Modem.
Modem status is one of the following:
A green check mark indicates the active dialup account.
The IP address and netmask assigned to the modem interface appears on the System
Network Interface page of the web-based manager.
Backup mode configuration
The modem interface in backup mode backs up a selected ethernet interface. If that
ethernet interface disconnects from its network, the modem automatically dials the
configured dialup accounts. When the modem connects to a dialup account, the
FortiGate unit routes IP packets normally destined for the selected ethernet interface
to the modem interface.
The FortiGate unit disconnects the modem interface and switches back to the
ethernet interface when the ethernet interface can again connect to its network.
For the FortiGate unit to be able to switch from an ethernet interface to the modem
you must select the name of the interface in the modem configuration and configure a
ping server for that interface. You must also configure firewall policies for connections
between the modem interface and other FortiGate interfaces.
To configure backup mode
1Go to System > Network > Modem.
2From the Redundant for list, select the ethernet interface that you want the modem to
back up.
3Configure other modem settings as required.
See “Configuring modem settings” on page 108.
4Configure a ping server for the ethernet interface selected in step 2.
See “Adding a ping server to an interface” on page 97.
5Configure firewall policies for connections to the modem interface.
See “Adding firewall policies for modem connections” on page 111.
Standalone mode configuration
In standalone mode, you manually connect the modem to a dialup account. The
modem interface operates as the primary connection to the Internet. The FortiGate
unit routes traffic through the modem interface, which remains permanently connected
to the dialup account.
not active The modem interface is not connected to the ISP.
active The modem interface is attempting to connect to the ISP, or is connected to
the ISP.
Note: Do not add policies for connections between the modem interface and the interface that
the modem is backing up.