SOLUTION BRIEF
Secure the Network Edge at
the Branch with Fortinet SD-Branch
Executive Summary
Digital transformation (DX) has made branch networks much more complex and
therefore, vulnerable to attack. In response, many organizations have deployed
multiple point products to address new threat exposures as they appear. But,
this approach further complicates branch infrastructures, adding greater cost,
complexity, and vulnerability. To address these issues, branches should integrate
networking and security capabilities across the WAN edge, access layer, and
endpoints. The Fortinet SD-Branch solution consolidates the network access layer The rapid pace at which
within a secure platform that provides visibility and security to the network and all new applications are being
devices that connect to it. adopted, combined with a
shortage of IT and security
resources, means that security
Addressing an Expanding Attack Surface
teams are often overwhelmed,
Rapid adoption of DX technologies, including Internet-of-Things (IoT) devices, potentially leaving gaps in the
Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) applications, digital voice and video tools, and bring- organization’s defenses.1
your-own-device endpoints, has caused an increase in the number of network
edges that need to be secured at a given branch. The networks and point solution
security products used to protect branch infrastructure have become complicated
and costly to manage.
The rise of IoT, particularly connected office appliances, efficient lighting and
climate controls, and employee-owned personal fitness products, represents many
more devices coming onto the network, often with questionable security and
unreliable visibility.
The Internet of Things,
Fortinet SD-Branch Solution with its devices’ interconnected
Fortinet delivers a broad, integrated, and automated approach to network security nature and vulnerabilities, has
at an unmatched price-performance ratio. Fortinet SD-Branch seamlessly expands become an attractive target for
to the new edges of the network and delivers unparalleled performance and cybercriminals operating out
of the dark web.2
reliability while providing centralized control and visibility across the entire branch
attack surface.
SD-Branch consolidates networking and security capabilities into a single solution
that provides seamless protection of distributed environments. It covers all critical
branch exposures, from the WAN edge to the branch access layer to a full spectrum
of endpoint devices. It extends Fortinet Secure SD-WAN capabilities across wired and
wireless networks while simplifying branch infrastructure management.
Fortinet SD-Branch offers several key differentiators over competitive options. First,
it enables secure networking using the FortiGate Next-Generation Firewall (NGFW)
and broader Fortinet Security Fabric architecture to extend security throughout the
network access layer.
1
Secure the Network Edge at the Branch with Fortinet SD-Branch SOLUTION BRIEF
FortiAP
FortiSwitch
LAN
SD-WAN
Routing Stack
NGFW Security
FortiExtender FortiGate
WAN
(DIA)
Internet
Figure 1: Fortinet SD-Branch consolidates WAN and LAN infrastructures.
This includes Fortinet solutions like FortiAPs (secure wireless access points) and FortiSwitches with FortiLink (secure Ethernet).
The combination of networking equipment tied to the FortiGate via FortiLink allows for capabilities such as built-in onboard network
access control (NAC) services. FortiLink NAC can automatically onboard devices into the correct security posture.
Additionally, this security overlay can be expanded to enable capabilities such as virtual patching, where vulnerable devices (such
as IoT) can have compensating controls until a full firmware update can be applied. FortiNAC adds enhanced visibility, detection,
real-time posture assessment, and control of IoT devices, with the ability to track anomalies via traffic analysis. FortiExtender 5G/
LTE gateway devices can be added to increase WAN resiliency. The FortiGate seamlessly manages these and can improve SD-WAN
performance for the site without adding management complexity.
Fortinet SD-Branch also includes single-pane-of-glass security management, network access, and SD-WAN. FortiManager enables
extensible management at scale with zero-touch deployment. Its combined interface for security and networking helps ease the
burden on IT staff while minimizing TCO.
Key Benefits for Network Engineering and Operations Leaders
The lead benefits of the Fortinet SD-Branch solution come from improving security at the branch. Global policies are enforced
at all WAN edges, at the branch access layer, and across all endpoint devices. It unifies WAN and LAN environments and extends
security and network performance to the access layer. It automates the discovery, classification, and protection of IoT devices
when they seek network access. It also automatically provides anomaly detection and remediation processes based on defined
business logic. Finally, distributed organizations can rapidly scale operations across new offices and geographic locations.
2
Secure the Network Edge at the Branch with Fortinet SD-Branch SOLUTION BRIEF
Fortinet SD-Branch also helps to reduce the need for on-site resources, which
lowers TCO. SD-Branch integrates firewalls, switches, and APs into a single,
consolidated solution. Its single-pane-of-glass management capabilities combine
security and network layer visibility to optimize staff efficiency while enabling
proactive risk management. Zero-touch deployment features reduce the burdens
associated with initial setup and business growth over time.
Secure Branch Networking FortiGate NGFW featuring
Secure SD-WAN scores 99.88%
The continuing evolution of branch networks makes them a security challenge. Security Effectiveness in 2023
Remote locations need their own defenses that conform to the unique risks they CyberRatings.3
present. Fortinet SD-Branch provides secure networking as a natural extension
of the Fortinet Security Fabric. In doing so, SD-Branch consolidates the network
access layer within a secure platform that provides visibility and security to the
network and all devices that connect to it.
1
Sarah W. Frazier, “4 Reasons Why SaaS Security Must Change,” Grip, May 26, 2024.
2
“How the Internet of Things (IoT) became a dark web target – and what to do about it,” World Economic Forum, May 17, 2024.
3
“Enterprise Firewall,” CyberRatings.org, Q2 2023.
www.fortinet.com
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or company names may be trademarks of their respective owners. Performance and other metrics contained herein were attained in internal lab tests under ideal conditions, and actual performance and other results may vary. Network variables, different network environments and other
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July 18, 2024 8:22 PM / 431530-B-0-EN
