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FortiLink: Fortinet Unified Network Management Solution

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FortiLink enables seamless integration between FortiGate firewalls and FortiSwitch units, treating the entire network as a single managed device. This proprietary protocol simplifies deployment for enterprises seeking centralized control over switches and access points.

What is FortiLink?

FortiLink serves as the management interface and protocol connecting FortiGate to FortiSwitches and FortiAP. It allows FortiGate to remotely manage these devices, enabling features like unified policy enforcement and topology visualization. Administrators access switch configurations directly from the FortiGate GUI, reducing complexity in campus and branch networks.

Configuration Steps

To set up FortiLink on FortiGate, navigate to Network > Interfaces and edit the fortilink interface. Assign physical LAN ports as members if none exist, set Address mode to Dedicated to FortiSwitch, enable Automatically authorize devices, and turn on the DHCP server for switch IP assignment. Disable FortiLink split interface unless managing multiple directly connected switches; save changes to authorize connected devices automatically.

Key Benefits

FortiLink streamlines operations by providing a single pane of glass for security and switching. It supports SD-WAN integration, VLAN management, and failover, enhancing scalability in Fortinet Security Fabric environments. Benefits include automatic device discovery, simplified firmware updates, and policy consistency across the stack.

Use Cases

Common applications include SD-WAN/SD-Branch deployments where FortiGate oversees FortiSwitches for optimized traffic routing. It's ideal for branch offices needing secure, managed LANs without separate switch controllers. Videos demonstrate full-stack setups with FortiAP for wireless extension.

FAQ

What ports does FortiLink use?
FortiLink primarily operates over TCP/UDP 4010-4014 for management and data, with specifics varying by FortiOS version.

Can FortiLink manage multiple switches?
Yes, via stacking or daisy-chaining; use split interface for direct multi-switch connections to FortiGate.

Is FortiLink compatible with all FortiSwitches?
Most models support FortiLink mode, but verify compatibility in FortiOS/FortiSwitch release notes.

How does FortiLink differ from standard LACP?
Unlike LACP, FortiLink adds management layer atop Layer 2/3 protocols for full FortiGate control.

What if auto-authorization fails?
Manually authorize devices in FortiGate under WiFi & Switch Controller > Managed FortiSwitch.

Benefits of using FortiLink in enterprise networks

FortiLink delivers significant advantages for enterprise networks by integrating FortiGate firewalls with FortiSwitches and FortiAP into a unified fabric. This setup enhances security, simplifies management, and boosts operational efficiency across distributed environments.

Unified Management

FortiLink provides a single pane of glass through FortiGate for controlling switches, access points, and firewalls. IT teams configure VLAN, policies, and firmware updates centrally, reducing administrative overhead and configuration errors. Real-time visibility into ports, traffic, and device health speeds troubleshooting.

Streamlined Deployment

Zero-touch provisioning allows switches to auto-register and pull configurations upon connection, ideal for remote branches. Automatic device authorization and DHCP support minimize on-site setup time. Scalable with FortiManager for multi-site operations.

Enhanced Security

Integrated NAC segments users and devices into VLAN based on roles, limiting lateral threats without extra licenses. Policy enforcement spans LAN to WAN, improving compliance and threat response. Supports SD-Branch for secure edge connectivity.

Cost and Efficiency Gains

Eliminates need for separate controllers, cutting hardware and licensing costs. Centralized patching ensures consistent updates, enhancing posture while saving labor. Lower latency from direct FortiGate-switch links aids performance-sensitive apps.

Step by step FortiLink configuration for FortiGate 7x

FortiLink configuration on FortiGate 7.x streamlines integration with FortiSwitches for unified network management. Fortinet recommends using the GUI for simplicity, though CLI options exist for advanced setups.

Prerequisites

Verify FortiGate runs FortiOS 7.0 or later and FortiSwitches are compatible. Connect FortiSwitch ports directly to designated FortiGate LAN ports (e.g., port4 and port5), ensuring no prior VLAN or switch assignments conflict. Enable switch controller globally if not already active.

GUI Configuration Steps

Access the FortiGate web interface and follow these steps for a single or aggregate FortiLink interface.

  • Go to Network > Interfaces and edit or create the fortilink interface (or a new one named "flink1").

  • In Interface members, add physical LAN ports (e.g., port4, port5) if none exist; remove them from any hardware switch like "lan" first.

  • Set Addressing mode to Dedicated to FortiSwitch, assign an IP like 169.254.3.1/24, and enable DHCP server for switch auto-IP.

  • Enable Automatically authorize devices and disable FortiLink split interface unless using multiple direct switches.

  • Click OK; connect cables—the FortiSwitch should auto-discover, authorize, and appear under WiFi & Switch Controller > Managed FortiSwitch.

For aggregates, set Type to 802.3ad Aggregate, select members, and enable LACP.

CLI Configuration Steps

Use CLI for precision, entering global then interface context.

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config system global set switch-controller "enable" end config system interface edit "flink1" set vdom "root" set ip 169.254.3.1 255.255.255.0 set allowaccess ping https set type aggregate (or "physical") set member "port4" "port5" set fortilink enable set lacp-mode static (if aggregate) next end

Authorize manually if auto disabled: execute switch-controller set-acl <switch_serial> all allow.

Verification

Check WiFi & Switch Controller > Physical Topology for FortiSwitch detection. Run get switch-controller managed-switch in CLI; ensure status shows "online". Test connectivity and firmware parity.

Troubleshooting Tips

  • If no members appear, detach ports from "lan" switch.

  • Reboot FortiSwitch post-authorization if stuck.

  • Verify cabling and MTU (1518 default).