Description
This article explains that some FortiGate models include bypass interfaces that provide fail-open support.
Scope
FortiGate models with bypass ports.
Solution
See the v6.x of the FortiOS/FortiGate Hardware Acceleration Guide for information about FortiGate models that support bypass interfaces.
For example:
FortiGate 800D fast path architecture
FortiGate 2500E fast path architecture
Some models that come with a bypass interface will have the syntax bypass in the model name, for example: FortiGate 80F Bypass
This feature enables fail open when there is hardware failure.
For example, in FortiGate 80F Bypass, WAN1 and Port1 have bypass features. When the unit encounters hardware failure, connection on those 2 ports becomes fail open and continues to provide network connectivity.
Related Article:
Technical Note: FortiOS How to maintain layer 2 connectivity in bypass mode
