Introduction
As businesses move toward cloud-first strategies, traditional WAN architectures struggle to keep up with increasing demands for reliability, security, and performance. Fortinet SD-WAN (Software-Defined Wide Area Network) offers a cost-effective, secure, and high-performance networking solution to optimize traffic across multiple WAN links.
In this blog, we will explore Fortinet SD-WAN features, benefits, and a step-by-step configuration guide to help you deploy an efficient and secure SD-WAN solution for your organization.
Why Choose Fortinet SD-WAN?
Fortinet SD-WAN provides intelligent path selection, integrated security, and centralized management, making it an ideal solution for multi-branch connectivity, cloud applications, and hybrid networks.
Key Benefits of Fortinet SD-WAN:
Secure SD-WAN – Integrated with FortiGate Next-Generation Firewall (NGFW) for advanced threat protection.
Optimized Performance – Dynamic traffic steering for MPLS, broadband, LTE, and satellite links.
Cloud-Ready Connectivity – Seamless integration with SaaS and cloud-based applications.
Centralized Management – FortiManager allows single-pane-of-glass visibility and policy enforcement.
Cost Efficiency – Reduces dependency on expensive MPLS circuits by leveraging multiple ISP links.
Key Features of Fortinet SD-WAN
1. Intelligent WAN Path Control
Automatically selects the best network path based on latency, jitter, and packet loss.
Ensures high availability with failover between multiple WAN links.
2. Application-Aware Routing
Prioritizes critical applications like VoIP, Office 365, and video conferencing.
Improves end-user experience by dynamically steering traffic.
3. Integrated Security with FortiGate
Next-Generation Firewall (NGFW) for intrusion prevention, malware protection, and SSL inspection.
Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) ensures secure remote access to corporate resources.
4. Centralized Orchestration & Visibility
FortiManager allows policy-based automation across multiple branch offices.
FortiAnalyzer provides detailed analytics, reporting, and security insights.
5. Secure Cloud Connectivity
Direct internet breakout for SaaS applications like Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, and Zoom.
Supports VPN tunnels and cloud security for hybrid deployments.
Step-by-Step Configuration Guide for Fortinet SD-WAN
Step 1: Enable SD-WAN on FortiGate
Log in to the FortiGate Web GUI.
Go to Network → SD-WAN and click Enable.
Add WAN interfaces (e.g., MPLS, broadband, LTE) to the SD-WAN group.
Define WAN health-check profiles (latency, jitter, packet loss) to monitor link quality.
Click Apply to save changes.
Step 2: Configure SD-WAN Traffic Steering
Navigate to Network → SD-WAN Rules.
Click Create New and select Application-Based Routing.
Choose applications like VoIP, Office 365, or custom business apps.
Define priority paths (e.g., MPLS as primary, broadband as backup).
Set WAN link performance thresholds (latency, jitter, loss).
Save and apply the configuration.
Step 3: Configure SD-WAN Security & Firewall Policies
Go to Policy & Objects → Firewall Policy.
Click Create New and select Source & Destination (LAN to WAN).
Choose SD-WAN Interface as the outgoing interface.
Enable SSL inspection, IPS, and antivirus scanning for secure traffic.
Save the policy and apply.
Step 4: Monitor SD-WAN Performance
Open FortiView → SD-WAN Monitor.
Check real-time WAN performance metrics (latency, bandwidth usage).
Adjust traffic policies based on network conditions.
Use FortiAnalyzer for advanced SD-WAN reporting and security insights.
Best Practices for Fortinet SD-WAN Deployment
Use Dual ISPs – Ensure redundancy and load balancing for high availability.
Enable SD-WAN Health Checks – Monitor latency, jitter, and packet loss.
Prioritize Business-Critical Traffic – Use Application-Aware Routing for VoIP, video conferencing, and SaaS apps.
Secure SD-WAN with NGFW Features – Apply firewall, IPS, and malware protection to all SD-WAN traffic.
Use FortiManager for Centralized Management – Simplify SD-WAN operations across multiple branches.
Conclusion
Fortinet SD-WAN is a secure, intelligent, and cost-effective solution for modern enterprises looking to optimize WAN performance and security. By following the configuration steps outlined above, businesses can ensure seamless connectivity, improved application performance, and enhanced security.