Fortinet offers various solutions for converting WiFi to Ethernet, typically through its FortiGate and FortiAP devices. Fortinet’s WiFi to Ethernet solutions are designed to deliver high-performance, secure, and scalable connectivity by bridging wireless networks with wired infrastructure.
Built on Fortinet’s Security Fabric, these solutions offer seamless integration between WiFi access points and Ethernet switches, enabling organizations to manage both wired and wireless networks from a single pane of glass.
With FortiAP wireless access points and FortiSwitch Ethernet switches, businesses can extend their secure network edge while maintaining centralized visibility and control. These components are tightly integrated with FortiGate Next-Generation Firewalls (NGFWs), ensuring that all traffic — whether over WiFi or Ethernet — is subject to the same advanced security policies.
Options for WiFi to Ethernet Conversion
- Using FortiGate Firewall
- FortiGate devices allow you to configure a software switch that bridges WiFi and Ethernet networks.
- You can set up a Captive Portal for security and manage traffic efficiently.
2. Using FortiAP (Fortinet Access Points)
- FortiAP devices can be configured to tunnel WiFi traffic to a wired LAN.
- You can create a local bridge to ensure seamless connectivity between wireless and wired clients.
3. Connecting a WiFi Router to FortiGate
- If you have a separate WiFi router, you can connect it to a FortiGate firewall for enhanced security.
- Ensure proper VLAN and NAT configurations to maintain network integrity.
Key Benefits:
- Unified Management: Simplifies network administration by managing WiFi and Ethernet through FortiGate’s intuitive interface.
- Enhanced Security: Applies consistent security policies across wired and wireless traffic with threat detection, firewalling, and intrusion prevention.
- Scalability: Easily scalable to accommodate growing network demands across distributed locations.
- Zero-Touch Provisioning: Reduces deployment complexity with plug-and-play configuration of FortiSwitches and FortiAPs.
Ideal Use Cases:
- Branch offices and retail environments requiring both wireless flexibility and wired reliability.
- Enterprises looking to converge networking and security under a unified infrastructure.
- Organizations seeking to simplify compliance and reduce risk exposure in hybrid work environments.
Fortinet’s WiFi to Ethernet solution is a cost-effective and secure choice for modern businesses looking to build a unified network that’s easy to manage and highly resilient.