How to change Software Switch to Hardware Switch

[jase888]

I have setup a Fortigate 60E previously where it allowed an interface to select Internal1,Internal2, etc which is basically port1, port 2. This allowed me to set different ports for the different networks running through the firewall.

However the latest Fortigate 60E I have acquired has a Software Switch Interface and it only has the option to add internal which is all the ports. How do you split internal up so I can choose specific ports? 

I know it can be done as the other firewall (same model) had this.

[Toshi_Esumi]

The default "internal" interface on FG60E is a so-called hard-switch, not soft-switch. You just need to remove it under "config sys virtual-switch" to be able to see individual interfaces, like internal1, internal2, etc. But to be able to do that, you have to remove all references, which is using internal, like policlies, dhcp server, zone, vlan, and so on first.

[Dave_Hall · Accepted solution]

Edit the internal interface and remove the member ports from this interface.  These removed member ports can be used in whatever new hard/soft interface you want.  Like Toshi indicated, if you are planning to break the exist internal interface you will need to remove all references to this interface.  (On a fresh (as in exec reset) config, I think all you need to do is delete the firewall policy and uncheck the DHCP server option.)

[jase888]

thanks guys did this and got it working now!

[Fillage]

How do you like this Fortigate 60E? Does it really help the home network be protected?

[DanMichellB]

Thank you, guys; that helps a lot. I’ve been struggling with installing this firewall for days, and now I can finally see how I can connect several devices to it.
I decided to get Fortigate 60E after my small business got attacked. So, I got this IT consultant company https://www.exposit.com/solutions/healthcare/ to help us establish a more secure and stable system within the company. Now I see that I should have done it long before because there were so many security breaches and ineffective solutions. Hope we will manage to improve and start over.