software switch and hardware switch

[sims]

Hi,

When we need to use  software and hardware switch , what are the use case scenario. I saw most of the implementation does not  added any sort of switch in fortigate . 

Thanks

[Toshi_Esumi · Accepted solution]

For smaller models of FortiGate 30E, 50E, 60E, ..., LAN side interfaces/ports are bundled in a hardware switch like "lan" or "internal" by default. So that if you add a VLAN interface to it, all ports have the same tagged vlan.

Without a software switch interface, you can't bind both LAN(wired) interfaces and WiFi SSID interfaces together into one interface, like FortiWiFi models have in their default config.

[sims]

Hi,

Thanks for the reply . 

What you mean by the below , please explain 

you can't bind both LAN(wired) interfaces and WiFi SSID interfaces together into one interface, like FortiWiFi models have in their default config.

Thanks

[Toshi_Esumi]

A hard switch can have members only ports controled by "switching hardware" like sw0. SSID interfaces are obviously logical interfaces and nothing to do with sw0. That's why a soft switch is needed. You can understand when you take a look at members of those default interface in GUI you will see them. Or you can easily test it with your FGxx to confirm this.

[Markus]

one thing to know, be aware that software switch stop offloading to np https://forum.fortinet.co...p;m=171412&mpage=1  

[Toshi_Esumi]

Good to know. Thanks Markus.