FG-100D Fan noise? Sizing advices

[SMabille]

Hi, I' m researching the best Fortigate option for me. I would like to confirm how noisy the 100D is? Unfortunately noise is absent from the product matrix/tech specs. I' m getting fibre very soon, I' ll get 1Gb burst rate and expect average bandwidth to be around 250-400Mb/s. My options are either a 60D which is cheaper and fan-less but only 200 Mbps IPS or a 100D. But as the box will be in my living room, noise is a critical factor. How realistic the advertised IPS rates are in real-life? (Protection will be client only + SIP). Thanks, Stephane

[emnoc]

Noise is about what to be expected and is not loud. If this is racked in a server room, as typically done, it would not be noticeable. As far as IPS protection, the unit number are greatly reduce as you applies IPS sensors and to your rules. The unit b4 ips is way over 1gig but after IPS you would struggle to see 600mbps of thru-put if that. And that' s depending on the number of signature, and number of fwpolicies enabled. If you enable anything else, than reduce that number even farther. If your wishing to burst to the max of 1gig bandwidth, I highly think you will not achieve that goal. If IPS is your main security function & feature, and you want to achieve max thru-put & upto 1gig, than I would highly recommend the 300C. It does cost more, but the addition performance number with regards to ipsec,ssl, and ips is greatly appreciated and achievable. And the unit has more steam to push your IPS inspected traffic to 1+gig You might want to discuss these number over with your regional fortinet-partner and discuss what' s more required.

[RH2]

I have four 100d units sitting on my workbench running right now and I think they would be too loud for a living room. One 100d might be ok, but it would depend on the ambient noise level in the room. They are louder than my tower pc sitting next to them.

[SMabille]

Thanks. I' ll think I' ll get a 60D and optimise the IPS config if needed.

[wmiller]

SMabille, EX FWF-80CM user. Boy am I glad to receive my 60D today. FAN LESS... I dropped kicked that FWF80CM out to my garage so fast I don’t think it knew what happen. Upon 2 days of running a FWF80CM in my computer room the wife and I could hear it through the vents in the house and through closed doors in silence. This was going to be a problem. Dam thing is louder than a PS3. How aggravating for children sleeping or a rough day looking for some peace. Way too loud DB high pitch noise too. I am not complaining. I started on a 300 2.5MR3PATCH5 I have had 10 models. This is by far the noisiest Fortinet product SoHo. If this helps anybody out there are more than 1 version of the FWF80CM. Rev1 has no fan control and runs at max while powered on period. Rev2 which I received under warranty replacement, ThankG , as a power adapter failed I was quite surprised and happy to understand that rev2 has FortiOS controlled 3 speeds now. But still same fan and pitch so same noise in 3 volumes Really Sucks Sucks Bearable under light load. FGT60D TOTAL SILENCE UNDER 100% LOAD ON CPU AND MEM FOR 10 MINUTES BARELY NOTICED A SLIGHT WARM UP ON THE CASE BUT STILL COOL. AC adapter is really small and not even warm after 2 hrs. 60D is perfect for Home IT or desktop. I will state I wouldn’t mind this on my desk next to my keyboard now Cute Packaging Too

[Maverick4u]

Great question! The FortiGate 100D can be a bit noisy, especially when it’s under load, which might be a concern for a quiet living room setup check out. The fan-less 60D could be a more suitable option if you're prioritizing a noise-free environment, even with its slightly lower IPS throughput. Given that your bandwidth is around 250-400Mb/s, the 60D’s performance might still be enough for your needs with client-only protection and SIP.Also, if you’re setting up tech in a shared space, enhancing it with living room wall art prints can add a stylish touch and make the area feel more balanced.