Because FortiGate is a security appliance, it requires manual virtual machine creation to properly align storage and network interfaces. General Configuration Open VirtualBox and click . Set the following parameters: Name: FortiGate-VM Type: Linux Version: Linux 2.6 / 3.x / 4.x / 5.x (64-bit) Click Next . Hardware Allocation
: Access to the Fortinet Support portal is required to obtain the virtual machine deployment files. For VirtualBox, the KVM-compatible images are typically utilized.
Deploying FortiGate VM on VirtualBox is a straightforward process that requires minimal configuration. With this step-by-step guide, you should be able to get started with FortiGate VM in no time. Remember to configure the FortiGate VM according to your network security requirements and activate the license to ensure full functionality.
Right-click the created VM and select .
Enter the IP address assigned to Port 1 in the address bar (e.g., https://192.168.1.99 ).
Log in using the username admin and the unique password you configured in Step 4. Activating the Free Trial
Fortinet provides specific virtual machine files optimized for different hypervisors. For VirtualBox, you must download the open-source KVM/OpenXen format. fortigate vm virtualbox
With the network interface configured, you can leave the VirtualBox console running in the background and move to your host computer's web browser.
Go to > Firmware Download (or VM Images depending on the current portal layout). Select FortiGate as the product.
: The host computer should have sufficient RAM and CPU cores to support both the host operating system and the virtualized appliance simultaneously. Deployment Workflow 1. Preparing the Virtual Disk Because FortiGate is a security appliance, it requires
Setting up a FortiGate VM Oracle VM VirtualBox is a popular way to build a security home lab for testing and learning without needing physical hardware. While Fortinet primarily provides optimized images for VMware and KVM, you can successfully run FortiGate on VirtualBox by following specific configuration steps. 1. Obtain the VM Image
Set to Bridged or NAT to reach the internet.
: Set to "Internal Network" to simulate LAN segments where other virtual machines can be protected by the firewall. 4. Initial System Initialization Hardware Allocation : Access to the Fortinet Support
Assign at least 1 CPU or 2 CPUs if your host hardware permits. Click Next . Attach the Virtual Hard Disk Choose Use an Existing Virtual Hard Disk File . Click the folder icon, then click Add .
: A recent version of Oracle VM VirtualBox must be installed on the host machine.