What Is Secure SD-Branch?
Distributed branches transitioning to new tool sets are having a significant impact on the network. With both remote and local users directly accessing the internet for cloud and software-as-a-service (SaaS) applications, the WAN and LAN edges are getting more complicated than ever. Moreover, internet-of-things (IoT) devices entering the branch network need to be onboarded securely, or they can introduce new vulnerabilities for attackers to exploit. It is becoming critical to deploy next-generation branch networking strategies to support this new paradigm.
Recent surveys have shown that users see a need for WAN solutions that also integrate and offer common management with their internal LAN networking solutions. Additionally, branch security was the top concern across all respondents.
SD-Branch aims to extend the features of SD-WAN across the entire branch network through consolidation of services and convergence of management. This reduces the burden on IT teams while improving overall branch security.
Secure SD-Branch Facilitates Digital Innovation
Fortinet Secure SD-WAN technology is integrated with network elements such as WAN, LAN, and WLAN, to deliver the most secure and manageable remote branch in the industry. To address the explosion of IoT devices, Fortinet Secure SD-Branch further utilizes FortiGate next-generation firewall capabilities to offer Zero Trust services onboard. Administrators can not only discover and secure IoT devices, but also detect anomalies by using FortiGate and Indicator of Compromise services within the Security Fabric.
Secure SD-Branch follows the Fortinet security-driven networking philosophy, which integrates networking services into the security infrastructure through FortiOS, the FortiGate operating system. Key benefits include a common management platform and integrated security, enabling Ethernet switch, WLAN interfaces, and LTE/5G backhaul to be controlled with the same level of enforcement as firewall interfaces. FortiGate uses “FortiLink” technology to communicate with switch and wireless platforms and requires no additional licenses. SD-Branch capabilities are included as part of the FortiOS running on every FortiGate.
Fortinet SD-Branch enables customers to converge their security, WAN, and LAN, extending the benefits of the Fortinet Security Fabric to their distributed branches. Secure SD-Branch is comprised of FortiGate Secure SD-WAN, FortiSwitch, FortiAP, and FortiExtender to deliver consolidation of branch services. To extend protection to the device edge, built-in Zero Trust features in our FortiOS operating system allow for secure onboarding of devices. Additional real-time auditing of device behavior can be obtained by adding FortiNAC network access control capabilities.
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Key Capabilities
Simplification
Secure SD-Branch consolidates operations and eliminates silos. Convergence of the WAN, security, and access layer (wired and wireless) consolidates management, reduces risk, and increases agility.
Security to the edge
Fortinet offers the most secure LAN solution in the industry by converging networking with security. All LAN, WAN, and security elements are managed and enforced through a single pane of glass with FortiOS on the FortiGate.
IoT control
Fortinet FortiOS has built-in NAC features to allow for secure onboarding of IoT devices. In addition, FortiNAC integrates with FortiGate, allowing for enhanced real-time security of IoT devices on the network. These options offer increased visibility and anomaly detection without the need for additional equipment to be installed at every site.
Related Products
FortiSwitch
FortiAP
FortiExtender
SD-WAN
How Can You Benefit from Fortinet?
Manage risks
Simplified protection and monitoring extend throughout the branch for seamless security.
Protect brand
Preventing data exfiltration will foster customer confidence and help prevent loss of brand reputation.
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