Fortinet FortiGate FG-91G Network Security/Firewall Appliance

The Fortinet FortiGate FG-91G is a converged Next-Generation Firewall (NGFW) and SD-WAN appliance designed to secure and simplify distributed enterprise networks. Engineered for branch offices, remote sites, and multi-site deployments, the FG-91G delivers advanced threat protection, high-performance networking, and seamless policy-based routing that aligns security with the needs of a modern WAN. Fueled by Fortinet’s AI/ML-powered FortiGuard services, this appliance keeps pace with evolving threats while offering scalable security and reliable connectivity across diverse environments.

• Converged NGFW and SD-WAN for security-driven networks: A single, purpose-built device combines stateful firewalling, deep packet inspection, application control, and secure SD-WAN capabilities. This enables you to enforce granular security policies and optimize traffic flow across multiple bandwidth paths, improving application performance and user experience at every site.
• AI/ML-powered FortiGuard security services: FortiGuard integrates artificial intelligence and machine learning to deliver proactive threat intelligence, real-time IPS, anti-malware, web filtering, and botnet protection. Automatic updates help you stay ahead of emerging threats without sacrificing network performance.
• High-performance, scalable protection for distributed deployments: Built to handle secure perimeters at branch offices and sites with modest to moderate traffic, the FG-91G provides robust throughput with hardware-accelerated security features. Its architecture supports growing networks while maintaining low latency and predictable performance for critical applications.
• Flexible networking and deployment options: The FG-91G supports multiple network interfaces and dynamic routing to adapt to evolving WAN topologies. With integrated VPN capabilities (IPsec and SSL VPN), you can securely connect remote workers and partner sites, enabling a consistent security posture across the entire network.
• Easy management with centralized control and visibility: Centralized management options, intuitive dashboards, and policy-based automation simplify administration. The FG-91G works with FortiManager and FortiCloud for scalable visibility, consistent configurations, and streamlined firmware updates across many locations.

Technical Details of Fortinet FortiGate FG-91G

• Form factor and purpose: Compact 1U appliance designed for branch offices and distributed enterprise networks, delivering consolidated security and SD-WAN capabilities.
• Security features: Converged NGFW with deep packet inspection, intrusion prevention, application control, web filtering, antivirus/anti-malware capabilities, and SSL inspection to protect users and devices across the network.
• FortiGuard integration: AI/ML-based security services for threat intelligence, IPS, malware protection, URL filtering, and botnet protection with regular updates.
• SD-WAN and WAN optimization: Built-in SD-WAN with dynamic path selection, policy-based routing, and automatic failover to improve reliability and performance for cloud and on-premises applications.
• VPN capabilities: Supports VPN connectivity, including IPsec VPN for site-to-site connections and SSL VPN for remote access, enabling secure communication between distributed sites and remote users.
• Networking and interfaces: Flexible network ports suitable for diverse WAN/LAN topologies; supports routing, NAT, and firewall policies that can be tailored to the needs of multiple sites.
• Performance and acceleration: Hardware-accelerated security processing to maintain firewall throughput and low latency, ensuring responsive access to critical apps and services.
• Management and monitoring: Integrates with FortiManager and FortiCloud for centralized policy management, configuration backup, and streamlined firmware updates across deployments.
• Operating system: FortiOS-based platform delivering unified security services and dynamic threat protection with a user-friendly GUI and CLI access.
• Power and form factor: Standard 1U rack-mountable appliance designed for easy integration into existing data centers or branch closets.
• Security posture and compliance: Designed to support a secure, policy-driven WAN that aligns with modern enterprise security requirements, including detailed logging and event reporting.

How to install Fortinet FortiGate FG-91G

• Plan your deployment: Assess site requirements, determine WAN links, and define security policies aligned with business needs. Prepare your FortiGate license and ensure you have access to FortiGuard services.
• Physical setup: Mount the FG-91G in a standard 19-inch rack, connect power, and attach network interfaces to your LAN, WAN, and any backup links. Ensure proper cooling and cabling to maintain stability.
• Initial access and licensing: Connect a management computer to the FG-91G’s management interface, access the FortiGate GUI, and apply licenses for FortiGuard and any optional features you will use. Confirm connectivity to FortiGuard services if required.
• Firmware and security features: Update to the latest FortiOS release supported by the FG-91G. Configure core security services, including NGFW rules, IPS profiles, antivirus/anti-malware protection, SSL inspection settings, and web filtering policies.
• SD-WAN and routing: Define WAN interfaces, enable SD-WAN, and create performance SLAs or routing policies for critical applications. Configure link health checks and automatic failover to ensure resilient connectivity.
• VPN and remote access: Establish IPsec VPNs for site-to-site connectivity and set up SSL VPN or user-based VPN access for remote workers, applying appropriate authentication and encryption settings.
• Policy creation and security posture: Create firewall policies to allow legitimate traffic while denying unwanted access. Implement application control, URL filtering, and threat protection policies that align with your security posture.
• Monitoring and optimization: Enable logging, dashboards, and alerts. Regularly review threat intelligence updates, VPN health, SD-WAN performance, and user activity to optimize rules and performance.
• Backup and lifecycle management: Schedule regular backups of configurations and licenses. Plan firmware upgrade cycles and test updates in a staging environment before production deployment.

Frequently asked questions

• Q: What is the Fortinet FG-91G best suited for?
• A: The FG-91G is ideal for distributed enterprise networks, branch offices, and multi-site deployments needing a converged NGFW and SD-WAN with AI-powered security from FortiGuard. It provides secure connectivity, threat protection, and centralized management for consistent security across locations.
• Q: Does the FG-91G support SSL inspection and application control?
• A: Yes. FortiGate devices, including the FG-91G, offer SSL inspection, application control, and other integrated security services to protect users and applications from evolving threats while enabling essential business workloads.
• Q: Can I deploy IPsec and SSL VPNs with this appliance?
• A: Yes. The FG-91G provides VPN capabilities for both site-to-site IPsec VPNs and secure remote access via SSL VPN, helping ensure secure communications for distributed teams and partner networks.
• Q: How does SD-WAN improve performance in a multi-site environment?
• A: SD-WAN enables dynamic path selection, intelligent failover, and policy-based routing across multiple WAN links. This improves reliability, reduces latency for critical applications, and optimizes bandwidth usage across the network.
• Q: What management options are available for centralized control?
• A: Fortinet provides FortiManager and FortiCloud for centralized policy management, configuration backups, firmware updates, and monitoring across multiple FG-91G deployments, simplifying operations at scale.
• Q: Is FortiGuard included, and how are updates delivered?
• A: FortiGuard services are AI/ML-powered security updates that provide real-time threat intelligence, IPS, URL filtering, and malware protection. Updates are delivered automatically once licenses and connectivity are configured.