Transparent Mode; Configuration Options - Fortinet FortiGate 50A Installation And Configuration Manual

Planning the FortiGate configuration

Transparent mode

Configuration options

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You typically use NAT/Route mode when the FortiGate unit is operating as a gateway
between private and public networks. In this configuration, you would create NAT
mode policies to control traffic flowing between the internal, private network and the
external, public network (usually the Internet).
Figure 3: Example NAT/Route mode network configuration
Internet
In Transparent mode, the FortiGate unit is invisible to the network. Similar to a
network bridge, all FortiGate interfaces must be on the same subnet. You only have to
configure a management IP address so that you can make configuration changes.
The management IP address is also used for antivirus and attack definition updates.
You typically use the FortiGate unit in Transparent mode on a private network behind
an existing firewall or behind a router. The FortiGate unit performs firewall functions as
well as antivirus and content scanning but not VPN.
Figure 4: Example Transparent mode network configuration
Gateway to
public network
204.23.1.5 10.10.10.2
Internet
(firewall, router)
Once you have selected Transparent or NAT/Route mode operation, you can
complete the configuration plan and begin to configure the FortiGate unit.
You can use the web-based manager setup wizard or the command line interface
(CLI) for the basic configuration of the FortiGate unit.
Setup wizard
If you are configuring the FortiGate unit to operate in NAT/Route mode (the default),
the setup wizard prompts you to add the administration password and internal
interface address. The setup wizard also prompts you to choose either a manual
(static) or a dynamic (DHCP or PPPoE) address for the external interface. Using the
wizard, you can also add DNS server IP addresses and a default route for the external
interface.
FortiGate-50A Unit
in NAT/Route mode
External
204.23.1.5
PWR STATUS
INTERNAL
A
LINK 100
NAT mode policies controlling
traffic between internal and
external networks.
FortiGate-50A Unit
in Transparent mode
PWR STATUS
A
External 10.10.10.1
Management IP
Transparent mode policies
controlling traffic between
internal and external networks
Internal
192.168.1.99
Internal network
POWER
EXTERNAL
LINK 100
Internal network
INTERNAL EXTERNAL
LINK 100 LINK 100
Internal
Getting started
192.168.1.3
10.10.10.3
Fortinet Inc.