In the networking industry, wired and wireless local area network (LAN) infrastructure technologies have been around for quite some time now, and they have definitely stood the test of time.
However, Fortinet believes that there is always room for innovation. With that in mind, their vision for wired and wireless networking leverages Fortinet’s ground-breaking Security-Driven Networking approach and AIOps, which expand their LAN Edge solution beyond usual market offerings.
Fortinet particularly maximizes extensive, deployment-wide data for better outcomes. They break down technology silos for intelligent networking to diminish complexity, decrease costs, guarantee consistent user experiences, and strengthen security.
In Security-Driven Networking, unified cybersecurity and control of the network edge are necessary. These get rid of security gaps and offer uncomplicated management. This method compels Fortinet to give built-in, base network access control (NAC) features at no extra cost. And with FortiAIOps, they can leverage the Security Fabric’s extensive data collection to offer exceptional artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) capabilities to lighten the weight on network operations teams.
Fortinet believes that this continuous motivation to build upon their Security-Driven Networking vision has given them the opportunity to be recognized as a Visionary in the 2021 Gartner® Magic Quadrant™ for Enterprise Wired and Wireless LAN Infrastructure for two years in a row.
Source: Gartner 2021
You can freely access the full Magic Quadrant for Enterprise Wired and Wireless LAN Infrastructure report for further information.
Fortinet Networking Accomplishes Unique Services
Fortinet Security-Driven Networking is achieved through a platform approach, empowering Fortinet to present simplified operations with one interface and operating system (FortiOS). This provides centralized management, automation, and orchestration of not only the wired and wireless LAN edge.
The decrease in complexity is not confined to technology. Fortinet’s wired and wireless LAN solution goes against the popular trend of authorizing core features (and even operating systems) by offering fewer licenses with more function for clear-cut value.
Fortinet has a unique take on the LAN edge. They start by leveraging their FortiGate Next-Generation Firewall (NGFW) as a network controller. This integration is enabled through FortiLink, a protocol that combines Fortinet’s secure Ethernet and secure wireless access products and the Fortinet Security Fabric. FortiLink enables the FortiGate to immediately control, configure, and manage FortiAPs and FortiSwitches as if they were part of it. These Ethernet switches and Wi-Fi access points are intentionally engineered and designed to be part of the Fortinet Security Fabric.
Fortinet’s High-level of Expertise Goes Beyond the LAN
Building upon Security-Driven Networking and integrating solutions across Fortinet’s expansive portfolio offers a simplified, better-performing solution that goes beyond the LAN edge. For example, they leveraged critical centralized data to develop FortiAIOps. FortiAIOps leverages artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to allow IT administrators to lessen, if not eliminate, the more routine daily tasks. This also enables quicker identification and resolution of network operations problems.
Fortinet Takes Pride in Being a Visionary Once Again
Fortinet is excited to be recognized as a Visionary in the 2021 Gartner® Magic Quadrant™ for Enterprise Wired and Wireless LAN Infrastructure. Fortinet continues to invest, develop, and improve, following its clear vision to be different in a mature market.
