Fortinet FortiExtenderWAN-50G-AM
Extend, Ensure, and Secure Your Network with 5G/LTE Gateways

Overview:

Extend, Ensure, and Secure Your Network

FortiExtender indoor 5G/LTE gateways offer scalable, secure, and resilient connectivity for enterprise networks. Driven by Fortinet's unique approach of Secure Networking, FortiExtender allows organizations business continuity, improved network availability while securing connectivity with wired broadband and cellular networks.

From secure point of sale (POS) systems, to factories, healthcare facilities, microbranches, and kiosks— FortiExtender provides reliable broadband access to the internet and extends the value of the Fortinet Security Fabric to support fluid business operations dependent on remote device connectivity.

FortiExtenderWAN-50G-AM (FEW-50G-AM) is an ultra-fast 5G gateway adding high-speed, low-cost 5G/LTE WAN connections for the AI-enabled edge. It can be wall or desk mounted at a site where it has optimal 5G/LTE signals. A modest form-factor with 8x internal 5G/LTE omni-directional antennas, and 1x GNSS antenna, make FortiExtender WAN an optimal choice for discreet or space-constrained deployments. FEW-50G-AM also provides 2x 5GE ports enabling high-speed wireless throughput to the FortiGate NGFW. Built for low-latency and high throughput at the AI-enabled edge, FortiExtenderWAN-50G-AM provides 7Gbps Downlink via 2x physical SIM and 1x eSIM for North America carriers. Get OOB via Console or USB port, and add hardware redundancy to FortiGate through VRRP support.

Highlights

• Improves network uptime
• Extends the network edge
• Provides out of band management (OOB)
• Integrates with Fortinet Secure SD-WAN
• Enables network fabrics with VxLAN extension
• Cloud management and on-premises management options
• Rich interface for multiple LAN and WAN connections
• Small form-factor for easy deployment and optimal cellular signal

Interfaces

1. SIM Card1 and SIM Card2
2. Bluetooth Button and LED
3. 1x USB 3.0 Type-A Port
4. 1x Console Port (RJ45)
5. 2x 5GE/2.5GE/1GE RJ45 LAN/WAN Ports
6. Device Locking Screw Hole
7. Reset/Default
8. 12VDC/2A Input Socket

Features:

Superior Management, Security, and Control

FortiExtender is a plug-and-play device. Once connected to a FortiGate, either directly or remotely over VxLAN, FortiExtender appears as a regular network interface in FortiOS management. IT administrators can manage the connection and implement advanced protection from FortiGuard, just like any other FortiGate interface.

Flexible Deployment for Optimal Signal Strength

FortiExtender devices removed the need for lengthy, expensive, and lossy antenna cables. FortiExtender utilizes Power over Ethernet (PoE) so you can run a high-quality Ethernet cable up to 100 meters away from the FortiGate or network switch where there is optimal 5G/LTE signal. Certain FortiExtender models also support SFP ports, so that you can deploy the device over 100 meters away from the FortiGate or network switch.

5G/LTE Wireless WAN

FortiExtender supports dual-SIM and dual-modem options, enabling up to four different ISPs for ultra-reliable connectivity. Dual-SIM models enable active/passive cellular for failover based on data plan, disconnects, signal strength, and link health, allowing you to balance connectivity quality and cost. Dual-Modem provides active/active cellular links for high-availability, traffic isolation, and load-balancing use cases. Failover configuration options for Dual-SIM FortiExtender include.

Wired WAN Connectivity

FortiExtender offers WAN connectivity options with an Ethernet WAN port, in addition to 5G/LTE Wireless WAN links. With this wired WAN port, you can connect a DSL, cable, or another modem for additional WAN connectivity. Load-balancing and failover options enable your FortiExtender to manage your WAN connections across several options to ensure optimal connectivity and cost.

LAN Connectivity

FortiExtender offers multiple LAN Ethernet ports to enable multiple connections at the Wireless WAN site. Ideal for High Availability (HA) pairs of FortiGates, each FortiGate can be directly connected to the FortiExtender. Either FortiGate can run in load-balancing or failover modes and receive WAN connectivity from the FortiExtender.

VxLAN Extension

You don't need a FortiGate on site to deploy AI-powered security with your FortiExtender. Enhanced LAN Extension in FortiExtender creates a network fabric using VxLAN technology where you can extend the Layer 2 broadcast domain of a remote FortiGate to the standalone FortiExtender with no extra license needed. Depending on the FortiGate model, Enhanced LAN Extension supports over 1,000 FortiExtenders per firewall.

Virtual Routing Redundancy Protocol (VRRP)

In branch environments where a high-availability (HA) pair of FortiGates is not possible, FortiExtender supports VRRP to offer HA alongside a single FortiGate. When plugged into a FortiGate, FortiExtender acts as a passive IP passthrough device to the FortiGate. In the event of a FortiGate failure, FortiExtender will take over as the master NAT firewall, offering uninterrupted connectivity for enhanced business continuity. When the FortiGate is restored, FortiExtender returns to its passive role.

Private 5G/LTE (CBRS)

All FortiExtender 5G/LTE models support CBRS in either the form of LTE Band 48 or 5G N48. This allows FortiExtender to play a critical role in Private 5G/ LTE deployments as a rapid secure uplink at the edge. When equipped with a Private 5G/LTE SIM card, FortiExtenders can also receive CBRS signal from Private 5G/LTE Access Points to deployed on Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs), Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs), or as virtual LAN mobile zones in parking lots, pop-up tents, and more.

Specifications:

Note:
Certification notes: The built-in modem offers quad-band connectivity to HSPA+ networks worldwide and expected to work in 3G mode worldwide, subject to carrier support.
There are exceptions however, as some carriers control the access to their network to specific carrier certified devices. These carriers allow only certified modem IMEI numbers on their network and have the ability to disable the LTE connection after a period of time.
The following carriers are known to require additional testing to obtain certification. Please reach out to the Fortinet sales team and to evaluate your specific regional requirements: Brazil (VIVO), USA (Sprint), New Zealand, Arabian Peninsula (all carriers), UK (All carriers).

** Supported frequency bands are contingent upon the modem vendor's firmware integrity, the Fortinet software version deployed, and carrier-specific configurations. Fortinet makes no guarantees regarding continued compatibility of bands across all carriers, FortiExtender hardware or software versions.

Software Features:

** Supported frequency bands are contingent upon the modem vendor's firmware integrity, the Fortinet software version deployed, and carrier-specific configurations. Fortinet makes no guarantees regarding continued compatibility of bands across all carriers, FortiExtender hardware or software versions.
The built-in modem offers quad-band connectivity to HSPA+ networks worldwide and is expected to work in 3G mode worldwide, subject to carrier support. There are exceptions however, as some carriers control the access to their network to specific carrier certified devices. These carriers allow only certified modem IMEI numbers on their network and have the ability to disable the LTE connection after a period of time.
Certifications are in progress. The following carriers are known to require additional testing to obtain certification. Please reach out to the Fortinet sales team and to evaluate your specific regional requirements: Brazil (VIVO), USA (Sprint), New Zealand, Arabian Peninsula (all carriers), and UK (all carriers).

Documentation:

Download the Fortinet FortiExtender 5G/LTE Gateways Datasheet (PDF).