There are a handful of similarities between Fortinet FortiGate 40F vs 50F vs 60F firewalls, but you’ll find plenty of differences when reading between the lines. Each firewall provides a scalable solution for your business network, but that doesn’t always mean you always need the latest and greatest.
Understanding the minor differences between these firewalls can support your decision-making process and lead you to the best possible choice. There’s no argument that Fortinet knows its way around firewall technology, but there’s a reason so many different models exist.
Offering a flexible range of solutions for businesses of all sizes, these particular firewalls are best suited for small to mid-scale operations. This article provides a brief overview of FortiGate 40F vs 50F vs 60F that focuses on the most important questions around the technology.
Comparing FortiGate 40F vs 50F vs 60F
All of the technical aspects of firewall technology can look convoluted, but the key differences are pretty easy to summarize. As you might expect, Fortinet FortiGate 60F would be a better scalable solution than the 40F due to several improvements in capability.
Whereas the 50F can easily be seen as a mid-range solution, it has actually been discontinued with the release of the 60F. The 40F continues to be an available solution as it offers a decent spectrum compared to the 60F.
Here’s a brief comparison between the three FortiGate firewall models:
- FortiGate 40F:
- Up to 5 Gbps firewall throughput
- 4.4 Gbps VPN throughput
- Rated for 1-10 users
- ISP connection speeds up to 310 Mbps
- FortiGate 50F:
- Up to 10 Gbps firewall throughput
- 1.5 Gbps VPN throughput
- Rated for 1-10 users
- FortiGate 60F:
- Up to 10 Gbps firewall throughput
- 6.5 Gbps VPN throughput
- Rated for 10-25 users
- ISP connection speeds up to 630 Mbps
These are just surface-level comparisons when the reality of their differences can best be seen in a side-by-side comparison. While you’d be hard-pressed to get your hands on a FortiGate 50F, that isn’t much of a concern when you have the range you need between the 40F and 60F models.
Core Differences Between FortiGate 40F vs 50F vs 60F
Most people choose their firewall technology based on long-term, scalable needs. Considering you expect your business to grow, it can be wise to choose a firewall that you can use and grow into. Nevertheless, the table below further highlights the important differences between FortiGate 40F vs 50F vs 60F.
| Specifications | FortiGate 40F | FortiGate 50F | FortiGate 60F |
|---|---|---|---|
| ISP Connection Speed | 200-400 Mbps | 600-800 Mbps | 600-800 Mbps |
| User Rating | 1-10 users | 1-10 users | 11-25 users |
| Firewall Throughput | 5 Gbps | 5 Gbps | 10 Gbps |
| Max Registered FortiClient | 250 | 250 | 200 |
| SSL VPN Throughput | 490 Mbps | N/A | 900 Mbps |
| Max FortiAPs | 16 | N/A | 30 |
Nowadays, information on the 50F can be scarce since it has been discontinued. Regardless of this, it’s pretty apparent why the Fortigate 60F exists and why the 50F isn’t really needed based on the many options available. It isn’t uncommon for firewall manufacturers to discontinue certain models. However, comparisons in the specifications can help you narrow down your needs for your business network.
Final Thoughts
For most business owners, understanding surface-level differences in firewall technology is enough to guide their decision-making. Then again, the technicalities will become even more important as your organization continues to grow.
The best case scenario is to start with a FortiGate firewall that meets more than your base networking needs. Learn more about the different Fortinet FortiGate security options by speaking with us for guidance on the best firewall solutions for you.
