Chipping In: Spotlighting Fortinet’s SD-WAN ASIC

The Chip’s on the Table

We recently introduced you to Fortinet’s latest FortiGate firewall, the FG-100F. One of the appliance’s key selling points is its unprecedented ability to handle SD-WAN and network security all-in-one. To make a first-of-its-kind all-in-one requires going all-in, putting your chips on the table. In this case though, it’s just one chip that takes the whole pot.

Fortinet’s new SoC4 (SoC = system on a chip) is a result of the network security leader’s lengthy background developing application-specific integrated circuits (or ASICs). The SoC4 is a purpose-built SD-WAN ASIC, a silicon chip that allows one appliance to provide top-notch SD-WAN (software-defined wide area networking), advanced routing, and Fortinet’s industry leading security, all without sacrificing performance.

Performance, You Say?

In fact, that performance is what sets the SD-WAN ASIC apart. You’ll get lightning-quick application identification and application steering for more than 5,000 applications, enabling digital transformation at the WAN edge (which is where an organization connects to external networks). Unlike having to wait too long for a fellow poker player to make a move, your users will avoid delays accessing their applications. You’ll see accelerated overlay performance with low latency – and your users will appreciate it. Fortinet takes a deeper dive into its new chip on this video:

 

 

SD-WAN Is Here to Stay

Why does all this matter? No bluff: SD-WAN’s prevalence continues to increase, as it allows organizations to connect hubs with branch offices via the internet rather than more expensive dedicated connections like MPLS. It also beats MPLS at failover, as it seamlessly moves on to the next point if one fails (no need to wait on the dealer). With SD-WAN, you can ensure your network is performing at its best by routing traffic on the most efficient path. And you can manage SD-WAN on premises or through the cloud. With Fortinet’s SD-WAN ASIC-powered solution, you can do all this without worrying about security (a top concern of network professionals when it comes to WAN).

Where Do I Start?

Need a little more information before playing your SD-WAN hand? Watch our feature review of the FortiGate 100F to learn more about its SD-WAN and security capabilities thanks to the power of Fortinet’s SD-WAN ASIC. Then, browse our site to find the firewall subscription bundle that’s right for you.

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