Fortilink (switch - fortigate) over media converter not working ...

[Tezro]

Hello,   The issue is: why Fortilink cannot be established over a media converter ? What are the limitations ...? Vendors of ""proper"" media-converters ??? I thought that media converter is only a dump converter: from electric signals to optical -so it does not introduce anything in the traffic -> ergo it completely transparent and FolrtiLink shoul (!) works   What about config like this Of course : -FG is configured for FortLink on the port that is connected to the media-converter -SFP are proper for the fiber : SFP SM for SM fiber type -Link on BOTH sides are UP and blinking... [F-Gate UTP] <--Cat 5e copper --> [ UTP  MediaConverter  SFP] <--Fiber --> [SFP  FortiSwitch]   any magic command from CLI (again...!) on Fgate or Fswitch ?????   UPDATE: the SAME Fortinet SFP module plugged from switch to Fluke Analyzer and connected via media-converter to normal  (non-fortilink) port in FGate  works from the first kick ...   WTH ?!?!?!?   THA   Tezro

[Faiza_Emam_Delhi]

Hello

FortiLink is a proprietary protocol that is used by Fortinet to establish a secure link between FortiGate and FortiSwitch devices. It's designed to work over Ethernet cables or fiber optic cables, and it's not recommended to use media converters between the devices.

Media converters are designed to convert signals from one media type to another, such as from copper to fiber optic or vice versa. While media converters are transparent to the traffic passing through them, they can introduce latency, jitter, and other issues that can cause problems with FortiLink.

Additionally, Fortinet recommends using Fortinet-branded SFP modules in both FortiGate and FortiSwitch devices to ensure optimal performance and compatibility. Using third-party SFP modules can cause issues with FortiLink and other Fortinet features.

If you need to connect FortiGate and FortiSwitch devices over a long distance, it's recommended to use fiber optic cables and repeaters instead of media converters. Fortinet also offers a range of network switches that are designed to work seamlessly with FortiGate devices, such as the FortiSwitch series.

Regarding your updated information, it's possible that the FortiLink protocol is not properly configured on the FortiGate or FortiSwitch devices. You may need to verify the configuration settings on both devices and ensure that the FortiLink protocol is enabled and configured correctly.

I hope this helps! Let me know if you have any further questions.

[BostonBruno]

I'm facing an issue with establishing Fortilink over a media converter, and I'm seeking some insights from fellow community members. Despite the assumption that a media converter simply converts electrical signals to optical signals without introducing any changes to the traffic, I am unable to establish a successful Fortilink connection. I have ensured that the FortiGate (FG) is configured for Fortilink on the port connected to the media converter, and both ends of the link are UP and blinking. However, for some reason, the Fortilink connection does not work as expected.