FortiAP is a series of wireless access points (APs) developed by Fortinet, designed to provide secure and high-performance wireless connectivity for organizations of all sizes. FortiAPs are part of Fortinet's broader cybersecurity ecosystem, integrating seamlessly with Fortinet's security fabric to deliver comprehensive protection for wireless networks against cyber threats.
Here are key aspects of FortiAP:
Wireless Connectivity: FortiAPs offer fast and reliable wireless connectivity, supporting the latest Wi-Fi standards such as 802.11ac Wave 2 and 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6) to deliver high-speed data transmission and increased network capacity. They provide coverage for indoor and outdoor environments, supporting various deployment scenarios ranging from small office/home office (SOHO) to large enterprise environments.
Security Integration: FortiAPs integrate with Fortinet's Security Fabric, allowing them to communicate and share threat intelligence with other Fortinet security devices such as FortiGate firewalls, FortiSandbox, and FortiClient endpoints. This integration enables coordinated threat response and enforcement of security policies across the wireless network, protecting against a wide range of cyber threats including malware, ransomware, and unauthorized access attempts.
Wireless LAN (WLAN) Controllers: FortiAPs can be managed centrally through FortiGate firewalls or FortiWLC (Wireless LAN Controller), providing administrators with centralized control, configuration, and monitoring of the wireless network infrastructure. FortiWLC offers advanced features such as auto-discovery of APs, dynamic RF management, load balancing, and seamless roaming to optimize performance and user experience.
Guest Access and Captive Portal: FortiAPs support guest access management features, allowing organizations to provide secure Wi-Fi access for guests, visitors, and temporary users. They offer captive portal authentication, which enables guests to authenticate and access the internet using temporary credentials or social media login credentials while enforcing security policies and compliance requirements.
Quality of Service (QoS) and Traffic Management: FortiAPs include QoS and traffic management capabilities to prioritize network traffic and ensure optimal performance for critical applications and services. They support features such as traffic shaping, bandwidth management, and application prioritization to minimize latency, jitter, and packet loss, especially in high-density wireless environments.
Mesh Networking: Some FortiAP models support mesh networking capabilities, allowing them to establish wireless backhaul connections and extend Wi-Fi coverage to areas where wired infrastructure is not available or feasible. Mesh networking enables flexible deployment options and seamless connectivity for devices and users across large, multi-site environments.
Simplified Deployment and Provisioning: FortiAPs are designed for easy deployment and provisioning, with features such as zero-touch provisioning (ZTP) and cloud-based management options. They can be quickly deployed and configured using FortiGate firewalls or FortiCloud, Fortinet's cloud-based management platform, reducing deployment time and complexity for IT administrators.
Overall, FortiAPs provide organizations with secure, scalable, and high-performance wireless connectivity, enabling them to support the growing demand for mobile devices, IoT (Internet of Things) devices, and cloud-based applications while maintaining robust security posture and compliance with regulatory requirements.
