Forti Converter
Forti Converter is a migration tool developed by Fortinet that automates the process of converting third-party firewall configurations into Fortinet’s FortiGate format. This tool significantly reduces the time, complexity, and chances of error when transitioning from legacy firewalls (such as Cisco ASA, Palo Alto, Check Point, SonicWall, Juniper, etc.) to FortiGate appliances.
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| Fig 1: Forti Converter |
The Forti Converter tool parses the existing firewall configuration files, maps the settings to FortiGate’s syntax and structure, and generates a FortiGate-compatible configuration. It translates key security policies, NAT rules, address objects, services, VPN settings, and other relevant elements. This ensures consistency in security posture while migrating from one platform to another.
There are two main variants:
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Forti Converter Service (Paid Professional Service): Performed by Fortinet or partners, this includes a fully guided migration, review, optimization, and support.
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Forti Converter Tool (Self-Service): A GUI-based software tool that allows users to perform basic configuration conversions on their own. The free version is limited in functionality (e.g., only converting a basic set of rules), whereas the licensed version offers advanced capabilities and broader platform support.
Benefits of using Forti Converter:
- Time Efficiency: Automates hours of manual reconfiguration.
- Accuracy: Reduces human error during complex migration.
- Consistency: Preserves the integrity of security policies.
- Flexibility: Supports a wide range of third-party vendors.
However, it's important to note that not all configurations are perfectly transferable. Post-migration review, manual tuning, and validation are recommended to ensure the final setup aligns with operational and security goals.
In summary, Forti Converter is an essential tool for organizations migrating to FortiGate firewalls, providing a streamlined and reliable path from legacy systems to Fortinet’s secure and scalable platform.
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