Description
This article describes the different firmware available on the FortiExtender, including the firmware for the LTE/5G modem and the firmware for the FortiExtender itself.
Scope
FortiExtender.
Solution
FortiExtender Firmware:
The FortiExtender itself uses firmware created and maintained by Fortinet directly, with the naming conventions following the same pattern as other Fortinet products. To check the firmware version, run the 'get system version' command in the CLI or check the Dashboard page on the FortiExtender Web GUI. For FortiGate-managed FortiExtender units, the system firmware may also be seen from the Network -> FortiExtenders page on the managing FortiGate:
CLI:
FortiExtender # get system version
System version:
Image version : FXT201E-v7.4.8-build268
Image type : GA
Model : FortiExtender-201E
[...]
FortiExtender GUI:
LTE/5G Cellular Modem Firmware:
Most models of FortiExtender include an internal cellular modem capable of LTE/5G connectivity. These modems require a compatible firmware file and configuration file to establish a successful connection with a specific cellular ISP. Note that this is separate from the firmware required to operate the FortiExtender itself, and some models (such as the FortiExtender-200F, which is separate from the FortiExtender-201F-AM and EA models) do NOT include internal LTE/5G cellular modems.
To confirm the model of the cellular modem installed within the FortiExtender, run the command get modem status. Most Fortinet products are currently utilizing a Sierra Wireless-based modem, such as the EM7455 found in the FortiExtender-201E:
FortiExtender-201E # get modem status
Modem status:
modem : Modem1
usb path : 2-1.2 (sdk 0)
vender : Sierra Wireless, Incorporated
product : Sierra Wireless, Incorporated
model : EM7455
SIM slot : not inserted
revision : SWI9X30C_02.32.11.00 r8042 CARMD-EV-FRMWR2 2019/05/15 21:52:20
imei : 359073068888431
iccid : N/A
[...]
In the case of Sierra Wireless, modem firmware files are provided as a .cwe file, and the associated configuration file (also known as a PRI file) is provided as a .nvu file. These are typically packaged together into a .zip archive and can be downloaded directly from the vendor website:
Each modem firmware/configuration file pair is tailored for a specific cellular carrier. The FortiExtender can carry multiple firmware and PRI files (typically one PRI per carrier), and it will also carry a GENERIC profile that can be used as a fallback for non-listed carriers. The modem will auto-select the firmware to be used based on the carrier specified in the SIM card. To view the firmware/configuration files that are present on the FortiExtender, navigate to Settings -> Firmware in the FortiExtender web GUI and select '[ALL SIM FIRMWARE LIST]' or '[ALL SIM PRI LIST]':
Important: modem firmware on the FortiExtender is also regularly updated via the FortiGuard Distribution Network, which means that it is not always necessary to manually update the modem files. This can be seen by checking the Dashboard page on the FortiExtender GUI, specifically the Modem Firmware Version line. A firmware package will be displayed there, and selecting the Change button will redirect to the same Settings -> Firmware page mentioned above. Changing the Modem Firmware setting to FortiCloud allows administrators to select which modem firmware bundle should be used.
These firmware bundles include multiple firmware/PRI file pairs, and they also may have different suffixes to designate radio band support for different geographical regions, such as 'WRLD' or 'AMEU'. Note that the Revision version shown in the following screenshot is the actual firmware version that the modem has selected from the modem firmware package:
Related documents:
