Single FortiGate unit managing multiple FortiSwitch units (using a hardware or software switch interface)

The FortiGate unit connects directly to each FortiSwitch unit. Each of these FortiLink ports is added to the logical hardware-switch or software-switch interface on the FortiGate unit.

Optionally, you can connect other devices to the FortiGate logical interface. These devices, which must support IEEE 802.1q VLAN tagging, will have Layer 2 connectivity with the FortiSwitch ports.

NOTE:

• Using the hardware or software switch interface in FortiLink mode is not recommended in most cases. It can be used when the traffic on the ports is very light because all traffic across the switches moves through the FortiGate unit.
• Do not create loops or rings in this topology.