Setting up the FortiGate 60F firewall is quick and easy, making it an excellent choice for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) looking to implement high-performance network security. Whether you’re a first-time user or upgrading your existing system, this guide will walk you through the setup process step-by-step. From connecting the hardware to configuring security policies, we’ll ensure you have everything you need to secure your network and get the most out of your FortiGate-60F device.
FortiGate-60F Key Specifications
| Specification | Details |
| Firewall Throughput | 10 Gbps |
| Threat Protection Throughput | 700 Mbps |
| VPN Throughput | 6.5 Gbps |
| SSL/TLS Inspection | Supported (High-Performance) |
| Secure SD-WAN | Integrated |
| Concurrent Sessions | 700,000+ |
| Management Platforms | FortiCloud, FortiManager, FortiAnalyzer |
| Interfaces | 2x 1GE SFP, 7x 1GE RJ45 LAN, 2x 1GE RJ45 WAN |
Step 1: Unbox and Prepare Your FortiGate-60F
Before starting the setup, ensure you have everything you need to begin the installation. This includes:
| Item | Purpose |
| FortiGate-60F Unit | The firewall device you’ll be setting up |
| Power Cable | To power the FortiGate-60F |
| Ethernet Cables | For WAN and LAN connections |
| Laptop or PC | For accessing and configuring the FortiGate-60F |
| Internet Access | Required for initial setup and updates |
Step 2: Connect the Hardware
- Power on the device by connecting the included power cable to the FortiGate-60F and plugging it into an outlet.
- Connect the WAN interface to your internet source (e.g., router, modem, or ISP connection).
- Connect the LAN interfaces to your local network (e.g., switch or computer).
- Optionally, connect to the management port if you plan to configure the device directly from your computer.
| Connection | Purpose |
| WAN Interface | Connect to your internet modem or router |
| LAN Interfaces | Connect to your local network (e.g., switch or PC) |
| Management Interface | Optionally connect to a laptop/PC for initial configuration |
Step 3: Access the Management Interface
To start configuring your FortiGate-60F, open a web browser and enter the default IP address: 192.168.1.99.
- Login credentials:
- Username: admin
- Password: (leave blank by default)
- Username: admin
Once logged in, you will be prompted to set a new password for security.
| Management Access | Details |
| Default IP Address | 192.168.1.99 |
| Username | admin |
| Password | (Leave blank by default) |
Step 4: Run the Setup Wizard
The Setup Wizard will guide you through the basic configuration process. Here’s how to configure essential settings:
- Configure the WAN Interface:
- Choose between DHCP, Static IP, or PPPoE depending on your ISP.
- If using Static IP, input your assigned IP address, subnet mask, and gateway.
- Choose between DHCP, Static IP, or PPPoE depending on your ISP.
- Set Up LAN IP Range:
- Set the LAN IP address (e.g., 192.168.10.1) and subnet mask for your internal network.
- Set the LAN IP address (e.g., 192.168.10.1) and subnet mask for your internal network.
- Admin Credentials:
- Change the default admin password to something more secure.
- Change the default admin password to something more secure.
- Timezone and DNS:
- Select your timezone and input DNS servers (such as Google DNS or OpenDNS).
- Select your timezone and input DNS servers (such as Google DNS or OpenDNS).
| Setup Step | Details |
| WAN Settings | DHCP, Static IP, or PPPoE based on your ISP configuration |
| LAN IP Configuration | Assign an IP range for your internal network (e.g., 192.168.10.1/24) |
| Admin Credentials | Change the default password for security |
| Timezone and DNS | Set your local timezone and DNS servers |
Step 5: Configure Network Security Settings
After completing the initial configuration, you’ll need to set up security features, such as firewall rules, VPN access, and web filtering.
Firewall Policies
Set up firewall policies to control traffic between different zones (WAN, LAN, etc.) based on IP addresses, services, and protocols.
VPN Setup
- Configure IPsec VPN for site-to-site connections or SSL VPN for remote workers.
- Set up secure encryption (AES-256) and authentication methods.
| Firewall Policy Configuration | Benefit |
| Define Source and Destination | Control which devices can access which services |
| Allow or Deny Traffic | Ensure only authorized traffic flows in and out of the network |
| VPN Setup | Benefit |
| IPsec VPN | Secure communication between branch offices |
| SSL VPN | Allow remote employees to connect securely to business resources |
Step 6: Update Firmware and Activate FortiGuard Services
- Check for firmware updates: It’s important to keep your FortiGate-60F up to date with the latest security patches and features.
- Activate FortiGuard Services: FortiGuard provides real-time threat intelligence, antivirus updates, and web filtering to keep your network secure.
| Task | Benefit |
| Firmware Update | Ensures that your firewall has the latest features and security fixes |
| FortiGuard Activation | Provides real-time threat protection against emerging cyber risks |
Step 7: Backup Configuration
It’s a good practice to backup your configuration after you’ve set up FortiGate-60F. This ensures that if anything goes wrong, you can easily restore your previous settings.
| Backup Configuration | Benefit |
| Save Settings | Ensures you can quickly recover from any issues or system failures |
| Download Backup File | Store it safely in case you need to restore settings later |
Step 8: Testing and Finalizing Configuration
Finally, test the setup to ensure everything is working as expected. Verify:
- Network connectivity (internet and local network)
- Firewall rules (are they blocking/allowing traffic as intended?)
- VPN access (can remote workers connect securely?)
| Test Task | Purpose |
| Network Connectivity Test | Ensures that the network is connected and functioning properly |
| Firewall Policy Test | Verifies that the firewall is blocking/unblocking traffic as intended |
| VPN Test | Ensures remote workers can securely connect via VPN |
Conclusion
FortiGate-60F is an ideal next-generation firewall for small to medium-sized businesses looking for high-performance security and easy management. With its simple setup process, robust features like VPN support, secure SD-WAN, and real-time threat intelligence, FortiGate-60F ensures your network is protected against both internal and external threats.
By following this step-by-step guide, you can have your FortiGate-60F installed and configured quickly, so you can focus on what matters most—running your business securely.
Secure your network with FortiGate-60F—get started with easy setup today!
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