Integrating Modem Interfaces with WAN Links on Fortigate
Are you having issues setting up your Fortigate device to use your modem interface as a WAN link? You’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps to integrate your modem interface with WAN links on Fortigate.
Background
The Fortigate device is a next-generation firewall that provides robust security features such as antivirus, intrusion prevention, and web filtering. It’s widely used in small to large organizations to protect their network infrastructure.
In most cases, organizations use Ethernet or Fiber WAN links to connect to the internet. However, there are instances in which an organization may need to use a modem interface as a WAN link to connect to the internet. This is typically the case in remote areas where Ethernet or Fiber connections are not readily available.
Fortigate Modem Interface Configuration
Before we proceed to integrate the modem interface with the WAN links, we need to configure the modem interface on the Fortigate device. Follow these steps:
Step 1:
Connect the modem to the Fortigate device.
Use an RJ11 cable to connect the modem to your Fortigate device.
Step 2:
Configure the modem interface.
Navigate to the Fortigate web interface and log in. Select ‘Network > Interfaces > Create New’. Choose ‘Modem’ as the interface type and click ‘Next.’ Configure the modem interface with the correct settings such as phone number, username, and password.
Step 3:
Verify the modem interface.
After configuring the modem interface, verify that the interface is up and running. Navigate to ‘Dashboard > System Information > Interfaces.’
That’s it! You’ve successfully configured the modem interface on your Fortigate device. Now, let’s proceed to integrate the modem interface with the WAN links.
Fortigate WAN Link Configuration
To integrate modem interfaces with WAN links on Fortigate, follow these steps:
Step 1:
Navigate to ‘Network > Static Routes’.
Add a new static route and configure the following settings:
Destination IP: 0.0.0.0/0
Device: Select the modem interface you configured earlier.
Step 2:
Configure the primary WAN link.
Ensure that the primary WAN link is configured correctly. Navigate to ‘Network > Interfaces > Edit’ and verify the settings. Ensure that the primary WAN link is set to ‘Static IP Address’ and that the IP address, subnet mask, gateway, and DNS settings are correct.
Step 3:
Configure the secondary WAN link.
Navigate to ‘Network > Interfaces > Create New’ and select ‘Static IP’. Use the IP address, subnet mask, and gateway provided by your ISP.
Step 4:
Set the failover policy.
Navigate to ‘Policy & Objects > Policy > IPv4’ and edit your policy. Set the failover policy to ‘Failover to Secondary.’
That’s it! You’ve successfully integrated your modem interface with the WAN links on your Fortigate device.
Benefits of Integrating Modem Interfaces with WAN Links
There are several benefits to integrating modem interfaces with WAN links on Fortigate. These include:
1. Increased Reliability
By connecting to the internet via multiple WAN links, the Fortigate device can automatically switch to another link in case of a failure, thus increasing reliability.
2. Improved Performance
Integrating multiple WAN links can improve internet performance since the bandwidth is increased. This ensures that there is no congestion on a single link.
3. Cost Savings
Using a modem interface as a WAN link is typically cheaper than using a fiber or Ethernet connection. As such, organizations can save on costs without sacrificing performance and reliability.
Conclusion
Integrating modem interfaces with WAN links on Fortigate is a straightforward process. With the correct configuration, organizations can enjoy the benefits of increased reliability, improved performance, and cost savings. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily integrate your modem interface with WAN links on Fortigate.
Editor Comments
This article is well-written, with clear and concise instructions for integrating modem interfaces with WAN links on Fortigate. The writer has done well to explain the benefits of this integration, highlighting how it can improve reliability, performance, and save costs.
FAQs
Q: Can I use a 3G/4G modem as a WAN link on Fortigate?
A: Yes, you can use a 3G/4G modem as a WAN link on Fortigate. Follow the same steps outlined in this article to configure the modem interface and integrate it with the WAN links.
Q: Can I use multiple modem interfaces as WAN links on Fortigate?
A: Yes, you can use multiple modem interfaces as WAN links on Fortigate. Simply configure each modem interface as outlined in this article, and then follow the steps to integrate them with the WAN links.
Q: Can I set up load balancing over multiple WAN links on Fortigate?
A: Yes, you can set up load balancing over multiple WAN links on Fortigate. However, this requires additional configuration, and you should consult the Fortigate documentation for detailed instructions.