Before you begin

Before you begin to configure WAN optimization, Web caching, explicit proxies or WCCP, take a moment to note the following:

• To use WAN optimization and web caching, your FortiGate unit must support these features and not all do. In general your FortiGate unit must include a hard disk to support these features. See FortiGate models that support WAN optimization. Most FortiGate units support Explicit Web and FTP proxies.
• To be able to configure WAN optimization and web caching from the web manager you should begin by going to System > Feature Visibility and turning on WAN Opt. & Cache.
• To be able to configure the Web and FTP proxies from the web manager you should begin by going to System > Feature Visibility and turning on Explicit Proxy.
• If you enable virtual domains (VDOMs) on the FortiGate unit, WAN optimization, web caching, and the explicit web and FTP proxies are available separately for each VDOM.
• This guide is based on the assumption that you are a FortiGate administrator. It is not intended for others who may also use the FortiGate unit, such as FortiClient administrators or end users.
• FortiGate WAN optimization is proprietary to Fortinet. FortiGate WAN optimization will not work with other vendors’ WAN optimization or acceleration features.
• FortiGate web caching, explicit web and FTP proxies, and WCCP support known standards for these features. See the appropriate chapters of this document for details.

At this stage, the following installation and configuration conditions are assumed:

• For WAN optimization you have already successfully installed two or more FortiGate units at various locations across your WAN.
• For web caching, the explicit proxies and WCCP you have already successfully installed one or more FortiGate units on your network.
• You have administrative access to the GUI and/or CLI.
• The FortiGate units are integrated into your WAN or other networks
• The operation mode has been configured.
• The system time, DNS settings, administrator password, and network interfaces have been configured.
• Firmware, FortiGuard Antivirus and FortiGuard Antispam updates are completed.
• You Fortinet products have been registered. Register your Fortinet products at the Fortinet Technical Support web site, https://support.fortinet.com.