Technical Tip: FortiGate licensing model related to throughput and number of users

Description

This article describes the FortiGate licensing model in relation to firewall throughput and number of users.

Scope

FortiGate, FortiGuard, FortiCare.

Solution

FortiGate hardware appliances are not licensed based on the number of end users using the appliance, nor based on bandwidth or throughput tiers for standard firewall operation.

Throughput, session capacity and related performance values are defined by the technical specifications of each FortiGate hardware model, as published in the respective FortiGate datasheet or Fortinet Product Matrix.

FortiGuard and FortiCare subscriptions are service and support subscriptions. FortiGuard provides security services and updates, such as IPS signatures, antivirus definitions, web filtering ratings, application control signatures and other security services, depending on the subscribed bundle. FortiCare provides technical support and related support entitlements.

Therefore, FortiGuard and FortiCare subscriptions do not constitute licensing based on the number of end users or bandwidth/throughput tiers for standard firewall operation.

Related documents:

Fortinet Product Matrix
FortiGuard Security Services and Bundles
FortiCare Services