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.
Centralised 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.
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.