FortiGate VPN: Complete Guide to Features, Setup & UK Alternatives

FortiGate VPN is a robust solution from Fortinet, integrated into their Next-Generation Firewall (NGFW) appliances. Primarily designed for enterprises, it supports IPsec and SSL VPN protocols for secure remote access. If you’re a UK business evaluating options or an individual seeking alternatives, this guide covers everything you need to know about FortiGate VPN.

What is FortiGate VPN?

FortiGate VPN refers to the VPN capabilities within Fortinet’s FortiGate firewalls. These devices combine firewall, VPN, intrusion prevention, and more into a single platform. Key VPN types include:

IPsec VPN: Site-to-site or remote access using strong encryption like AES-256.
SSL VPN: Browser-based or clientless access via FortiClient software.

It’s popular in corporate environments for scaling to thousands of users, with centralised management via FortiManager.

Key Features of FortiGate VPN

FortiGate stands out with enterprise-grade tools:

Advanced Threat Protection: Integrates antivirus, web filtering, and sandboxing.
Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA): Granular policy-based access.
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Supports RADIUS, SAML, and FortiToken.
High Performance: Hardware acceleration for up to 100 Gbps throughput on high-end models.
SD-WAN Integration: Optimises traffic across multiple links.

For UK users, it complies with GDPR through data sovereignty features and logging controls.

How to Set Up FortiGate VPN

Setting up FortiGate VPN requires admin access to the FortiGate device. Here’s a step-by-step for SSL VPN (common for remote workers):

Log into the Web Interface: Access via HTTPS on the device’s IP (default port 443).
Enable SSL VPN: Go to VPN > SSL-VPN Settings, set listen interface (e.g., WAN), and configure realm/port.
Create Firewall Policies: Under Policy & Objects > Firewall Policy, allow SSL VPN traffic.
User Configuration: Set up local users or integrate LDAP/AD under User & Authentication.
Install FortiClient: Users download from Fortinet’s portal; configure with server IP and credentials.
Test Connection: Verify split/full tunnel and access to internal resources.

For IPsec, use VPN > IPsec Wizard. Always update firmware for security patches. Consult Fortinet docs for model-specific details.

Pros and Cons of FortiGate VPN

Pros

Scalable for large deployments.
Deep integration with Fortinet Security Fabric.
Excellent performance and reliability.
Comprehensive logging and analytics.

Cons

High cost: Appliances start at £500+, plus subscriptions.
Steep learning curve for non-experts.
Not ideal for individuals; consumer VPNs are simpler.
Hardware-dependent, less flexible than software VPNs.

FortiGate VPN for UK Businesses

UK firms benefit from FortiGate’s compliance tools for NIS2 and GDPR. It supports UK data centres via Fortinet’s cloud services. However, for small businesses or home users, dedicated consumer VPNs offer easier setup and lower costs without hardware investment.

If you’re comparing enterprise solutions, check out our VPN comparison tool for side-by-side reviews.

Best UK Alternatives to FortiGate VPN

For non-enterprise needs, consider these consumer VPNs with UK servers and strong security:

ExpressVPN: User-friendly apps, Lightway protocol, 10Gbps speeds.
NordVPN: Double VPN, Onion over VPN, UK-optimised for streaming.
Surfshark: Unlimited devices, WireGuard support, budget-friendly.

These lack FortiGate’s firewall depth but excel in privacy and ease. Take our quick VPN quiz to find your perfect match.

In summary, FortiGate VPN excels in enterprise security but may be overkill for most UK users. Evaluate your needs and explore consumer options for simplicity and value.