Technical Tip: Difference between FortiOS-VM and FortiGate-VM

[enguyen3467]

Description	This article describes the difference between FortiOS and FortiGate-VM images since on the Support Page, it is possible to encounter 2 lines of firmware images:
Scope	FortiGate-VM from v7.2.x and below.
Solution	These are the same lines of products with some slight differences in terms of the features and license validation process. 'FOS-based-image VM' (FortiOS for short) uses FortiMeter features on FortiManager to be able to obtain the licenses and database updates. Whereas 'FGT-based-image VM' (FortiGate for short) uses FortiGuard servers. Note: If the FortiOS Image is not connected to FortiMeter, the license will be invalid after a grace period of one hour, and traffic forwarding will cease to work. FortiOS licenses are found in the 'pay-as-you-go' model in the public Cloud, whereas FortiGatelicenses are often associated with the bring-your-own-license model in the public Cloud. FortiOS only supports up to 2 VDOMs whereas with additional VDOM licenses, FortiGate can support up to 500 VDOMs (10 without licensing). FortiOS is only deployed in a closed environment with no Internet access, whereas FortiGate can be deployed in an environment with Internet access. FortiOS does not require the interface to be put in the promiscuous mode whereas it is required on FortiGate to make sure it can mimic the hardware traffic of the underlying hardware barebone.