Multi-VDOM mode

In multi-VDOM mode, the FortiGate can have multiple VDOMs that function as independent units. One VDOM is used to manage global settings. The root VDOM cannot be deleted, and remains in the configuration even if it is not processing any traffic.

Multi-VDOM mode is not available on all FortiGate models.

There are three main configuration types in multi-VDOM mode:

Independent VDOMs:

Multiple, completely separate VDOMs are created. Any VDOM can be the management VDOM, as long as it has Internet access. There are no inter-VDOM links, and each VDOM is independently managed.

Management VDOM:

A management VDOM is located between the other VDOMs and the Internet, and the other VDOMs connect to the management VDOM with inter-VDOM links. The management VDOM has complete control over Internet access, including the types of traffic that are allowed in both directions. This can improve security, as there is only one point of ingress and egress.

There is no communication between the other VDOMs.

Meshed VDOMs:

VDOMs can communicate with inter-VDOM links. In full-mesh configurations, all the VDOMs are interconnected. In partial-mesh configurations, only some of the VDOMs are interconnected.

In this configuration, proper security must be achieved by using firewall policies and ensuring secure account access for administrators and users.