Difference between FortiOS versions

[AndrHann]

Hi all

I have been told that FortiOS comes in different branches. Am I correct in saying that branch 5.6.x is an ‘Innovation’ release and 5.4.x is the recommended release?

I have been trying to find anywhere where FortiNet states this. If this is the case does anyone know where I can find it written on the FortiNet website so I can check periodically where the latest recommended stable FortiOS release is?

Thanks,

Andre

[hilelko · Accepted solution]

Hi Andre

I suggest several options to answers your question 

1. it most recommended to consulting with your local  FortiGate SE in your country, usually, they have the most experience and the knowledge to answer this question base of the customer environment/needs.   

I work with Fortinet 17 years I never see an official statement which version/firmware is the most recommended to install, as long as the module/unit is under manufacture service and support (FortiCare) the recommendation will be to install the last GA version that the module support it. 

2. you can consult with the "Wisdom of the crowd" there are several good forums about Fortinet at Linkedin & Facebook, part of them are private group, from my experience you will receive the best answer there (base of the customer's experience )  

I manage 2 public group you most welcome to add yourself to the groups  

https://www.facebook.com/groups/Fortinet.International.Experts.Group/  (English only, 530 members )

https://www.facebook.com/groups/FortiILUsers/  (English & Hebrew, 1440 members ) 

3. from my personal experience ( my company manage hundreds of FortiGate units )

if your unit is from series C / D  version 5.4.5  works fine without any special problems 

if your unit is from series E is most recommended to works with version 5.6.2 

if you want to upgrade a production unit with existing configuration, do it base of manufacturer recommendation / procedure .

http://cookbook.fortinet.com/sysadmins-notebook/supported-upgrade-paths-fortios/ 

Best Regards 

Hillel Kobrovski

Fortinet Instructor, NSE-7 

[AndrHann]

Hi Hillel

Thanks for replying to this. Those Facebook groups look worthwhile. Interesting what you say about series C/D using 5.4.5 and series E using 5.6.2. A few months back I upgraded a 300D from 5.4.x to 5.6.x (can't remember the exact versions) using the correct upgrade path and I experienced massive issues with browsing, VPNs and VoIP. I had to roll the config back which resolved the issues. I'll stick to those guidelines from now on.

Andre

[#4]

The new FortiOS release gives good routing specialties by increasing comfort for I & II and OSPF. Firewall capabilities are much better as compared to the first version. Get Help in essay writing from our expert writers.The network interface is improved now, but in the past, it has been the usually unprotected module. 

[NetCEngi]

Thanks for the response, I was having the same question.

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