FortiASIC: The Custom Hardware Revolutionizing Cyber Security Performance
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In the rapidly evolving landscape of cybersecurity, the battle is no longer fought solely with sophisticated software. As data volumes explode and encrypted traffic becomes the global standard, traditional general-purpose CPUs (Central Processing Units) are hitting a performance wall. To overcome this, Fortinet has spent decades perfecting FortiASIC (Application-Specific Integrated Circuit)—custom-engineered hardware designed to accelerate security tasks that would otherwise cripple a standard network.
This article explores the architecture, functionality, and strategic importance of FortiASIC technology in modern enterprise networking.
The Architectural Edge: Why General Purpose Isn't Enough
Most traditional firewalls rely on off-the-shelf CPUs to process network traffic. While flexible, these processors must handle everything from the operating system to complex packet inspections in a linear fashion. This often leads to "bottlenecks," where security features must be disabled to maintain network speed.
FortiASIC changes this dynamic by offloading resource-intensive tasks to specialized chips. By executing security functions at the hardware level, Fortinet devices can achieve throughput speeds and latency levels that are orders of magnitude better than software-based solutions.
The Pillars of FortiASIC Technology
Fortinet’s hardware acceleration is built on three primary types of specialized processors, each optimized for specific segments of the security stack.
1. Network Processors (NP Series)
The Network Processor (NP) is designed to operate at the interface level, providing wire-speed performance for firewall services.
- Key Functions: It handles IPv4 and IPv6 traffic, VPN encryption/decryption (IPsec), and Carrier Grade NAT (CGNAT).
- Latest Innovation (NP7): The NP7 is the world's first hyperscale firewall processor. It is built to handle massive data sessions and Elephant Flows (large, long-lived continuous TCP connections), making it ideal for data centers and 5G networks.
2. Content Processors (CP Series)
While the NP handles the "flow" of traffic, the Content Processor (CP) handles the "meat" of the data. It functions as a co-processor to the main CPU.
- Key Functions: It accelerates signature-based security tasks, including Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS), Antivirus scanning, and high-speed SSL/TLS inspection.
- Performance Impact: The CP9, for example, allows for deep inspection of encrypted traffic without the massive performance degradation typically seen in "software-only" firewalls.
3. System-on-a-Chip (SoC Series)
For branch offices and mid-sized enterprises, Fortinet developed the SoC (System-on-a-Chip).
- Integration: This architecture combines a general-purpose CPU with elements of the NP and CP onto a single silicon unit.
- Efficiency: The SoC4 powers Fortinet’s Secure SD-WAN solution, providing the industry's best price-to-performance ratio by reducing power consumption and physical footprint while maintaining high security throughput.
Critical Use Cases for FortiASIC Hardware
Hyperscale Data Centers
With the rise of 5G and IoT, data centers must process terabits of data per second. FortiASIC NP7 allows organizations to scale their security alongside their data needs without adding massive amounts of rack space or energy costs.
SSL/TLS Inspection at Scale
Over 90% of web traffic is now encrypted. Hackers often hide malware inside encrypted tunnels. FortiASIC (specifically the CP9) allows FortiGate firewalls to decrypt, inspect, and re-encrypt traffic in real-time, ensuring that "security doesn't become the bottleneck."
Ultra-Low Latency for Financial Services
In industries like high-frequency trading, every millisecond counts. Because FortiASIC processes packets in hardware, it offers significantly lower latency compared to software-based engines, ensuring security does not interfere with time-sensitive transactions.
Conclusion: The Security Compute Rating
Fortinet often highlights its "Security Compute Rating," a benchmark that compares FortiASIC-powered appliances against industry competitors using generic CPUs. On average, FortiASIC delivers 5 to 10 times the performance of competing products at the same price point.
As we move toward a future of 100G networks and pervasive encryption, the specialized "purpose-built" hardware approach of FortiASIC remains Fortinet’s primary differentiator in a crowded cybersecurity market.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the main benefit of FortiASIC?
The primary benefit is hardware acceleration. It allows a firewall to perform deep security inspections (like antivirus and SSL decryption) and high-speed routing at wire speed with minimal latency, which general-purpose CPUs cannot achieve.
What is the difference between NP7 and CP9?
- NP7 (Network Processor 7) focuses on high-speed network flow, large-scale sessions, and VPN throughput at the interface level.
- CP9 (Content Processor 9) focuses on deep packet inspection, such as scanning for malware within files and handling the heavy lifting of SSL/TLS decryption.
Does every FortiGate model have FortiASIC?
Most FortiGate models include some form of FortiASIC. High-end models feature dedicated NP and CP chips, while entry-level and mid-range models typically use the SoC (System-on-a-Chip) architecture to provide a balance of performance and value.
Why is FortiASIC important for SD-WAN?
SD-WAN requires constant path steering and encryption of multiple tunnels. The SoC4 ASIC is specifically optimized to handle these tasks, ensuring that SD-WAN applications (like VoIP or video conferencing) remain fast and jitter-free even when security features are active.
How does FortiASIC handle encrypted traffic?
FortiASIC Content Processors (CP) include dedicated hardware "engines" designed specifically for the mathematical calculations required by RSA and Elliptic Curve Cryptography. This allows the device to offload the decryption process from the main CPU, preventing system slowdowns during SSL inspection.