Technical Tip: Shut down FortiGates in an HA cluster using the GUI when a management interface reservation has been set up

[gmachavariani]

Description

This article describes how to safely shut down the units in the HA cluster when a management interface reservation has been set up on units.

Scope

FortiOS.

Solution

1. Access and log into the secondary FortiGate using the GUI (make sure to do this step on the secondary unit at first). Note: Accessing a secondary unit using GUI is only possible if the management interface reservation is configured.
2. In the upper right corner, select the administrator account currently logged in (in this case, it is admin).
3. Select 'system' and 'shut down' as shown in the following screenshot:
   
    

After safely shutting down the secondary unit it is possible to shut down the Primary unit by repeating the same steps on the primary unit:

1. Access and log into the Primary FortiGate using the GUI.
2. In the upper right corner, select the administrator account currently logged in (in this case, it is admin).
3. Select 'system' and 'shut down' as shown in the following screenshot:
    
    
   

The cluster is considered shut down after safely shutting down the primary unit.

Note: It is important to do the steps mentioned above on the Secondary unit first to prevent a failover of the units.