Legacy Ethernet LANs face many challenges including exponential growth in devices and applications, increased throughput demands from wireless LANs, and complex security implementations. Rather than asking how to secure traditional Ethernet LANs, Fortinet takes a security centric approach offering Ethernet as an extension of the security infrastructure through FortiSwitch and FortiLink. FortiSwitch offers a broad portfolio of secure, simple, and scalable Ethernet switches for applications that range from desktop to data center.

Fortinet’s Ethernet switches can be managed standalone or integrate directly into the Fortinet Security Fabric via the FortiLink protocol. FortiLink is a key supporting technology of the FortiSwitch, that enable its ports to become extensions of the FortiGate security appliance. When connected via FortiLink the security polices of the FortiSwitch can mirror the FortiGate making Firewall interfaces and Switch ports equally secure. Centralized management through the FortiGate simplifies deployment and provisioning of FortiSwitch with no touch auto-discovery, one click VLAN and security policy assignment. With an integrated access layer, the FortiGate provides consolidated visibility and reporting easing management and troubleshooting. Lastly, FortiLink enables stacking of up to 300 switches per FortiGate, depending on the model. All of these features are included and have no licensing fee.