Technical Tip: Use serial console in Azure to connect to FortiGate VMs

[Debbie_FTNT]

Description

This article describes how to access FortiGate VMs operating in Microsoft Azure.

Scope

FortiGate, VMs, Azure.

Solution

FortiGate VMs in Azure can be like any other FortiGate, and basic configuration includes access via SSH and HTTPS.

However, console access is also possible via Azure itself:

The Azure interface has been changed from Support + troubleshooting to Help :

1. Select the FortiGate-VM.

2. Scroll down to Help, and select Serial console. 

If the serial console does not show any useful information, the previous Screenshot and Serial log can be found in the Boot diagnostics.

Previous way to console :

1. Select the FortiGate VM.
2. Scroll down to the 'Support + troubleshooting' section on the left side.
3. Enable the boot diagnostic (it may be necessary to create a new disk if one is not available already).
4. Select 'Serial Console'.
5. Provide login credentials when prompted.

Related documents:

FortiGate Azure documentation on accessing VMs

Mircosoft Azure blog