June 24, 2024

By Bart Ceuppens, Network Security Architect | NSE1-7 Certified | SASE Specialist | Cybersecurity Advisor

Even as digital acceleration continues to transform businesses, the campus local area network remains the heart of the network. Today, the campus network needs to do much more than simply interconnect the buildings located in the same geographical location. It also needs access to the internet, dispersed data centers, and applications deployed in both the data center and multiple clouds. And it needs to interconnect an increasingly hybrid workforce that needs to collaborate from both within and outside the campus local-area network (LAN).

Rather than being deployed as a static solution at the campus perimeter, campus network security needs to meet users where they are and follow them wherever they go. It can only accomplish this by weaving security directly into the campus network.

IT teams commonly experience difficulty deploying, managing, and securing the dynamic, complex, multilayered LANs in today’s campus settings. These challenges are due to both size and composition as products from multiple vendors are often installed. Without a common framework, networks often feature disparate security solutions “bolted on” rather than integrated, creating both deployment and management challenges.

Security-Driven Networking is a modern approach to network architecture where security is integrated into every aspect of the network design and operation. Unlike traditional networking models where security is often an add-on or separate layer, security-driven networking ensures that security protocols and measures are an intrinsic part of the network’s fabric. This integration helps to protect data, manage access, and ensure the integrity and confidentiality of information as it traverses the network.

What are some of the key characteristics of Security-Driven Networking?

1. Integrated Security: Security mechanisms are embedded within the network infrastructure, covering endpoints, data centers, and cloud environments.
2. Unified Management: Centralized control and visibility over the entire network, simplifying management and enforcement of security policies.
3. Scalability: Easily adapts to growing network demands without compromising on security.
4. Zero Trust Architecture: Implements the principle of “never trust, always verify,” ensuring that all access requests are thoroughly vetted before granting permissions.

How do we achieve it?

Fortinet is the only vendor that offers a truly security-driven network offering. By leveraging FortiSwitch and FortiAP equipment, Fortinet extends the Security Fabric to the network stack, merging security and networking into a unified platform. This convergence mitigates risk, reduces complexity, lowers costs, and enhances network performance, while also ensuring scalability for future growth.

FortiSwitch, FortiAP, and FortiExtender (4G/5G modem) devices seamlessly integrate with FortiGate as extensions of the Next-Generation Firewall (NGFW) through the FortiLink protocol. The FortiGate firewall becomes the controller for both the security and the network access layer. FortiLink integration of access-layer management into the FortiGate enables single-pane-of-glass management of both network and security functions. Integration of wired and wireless configuration and management with the FortiGate means there is only one operating system to support and manage, and only one configuration for both network access functions and security functions.

To further enhance security, organizations can implement FortiClient EMS with Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) and VPN agents. This provides secure remote connectivity without solely relying on SSL VPN connections and ensures secure LAN connectivity based on the ZTNA principle of "never trust, always verify." Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) can be enforced through FortiAuthenticator for every application or resource, whether on-premises or SaaS. FortiAuthenticator consolidates all user authentication into a single platform, becoming the definitive source of truth in a ZTNA deployment.

Additionally, FortiNAC can control access and assign the correct VLANs to verified endpoints within the organization, ensuring that only authenticated and authorized devices can access network resources.

The built-in, license-free SD-WAN capabilities of the FortiGate NGFW solution provide a secure, robust, and performant user experience for every application, regardless of its location. This includes remote private data centers or cloud-based solutions, ensuring seamless and secure connectivity across diverse environments.

Why do we trust Fortinet to deliver Security-Driven networks?

Fortinet has established itself as a leader in the realm of security-driven networking, gaining trust and recognition from industry experts and organizations worldwide. This trust is reinforced by Fortinet's consistent positioning as a leader in Gartner's Magic Quadrants for SD-WAN, LAN, and Enterprise Firewalls.

1. SD-WAN: Fortinet has been recognized as a leader in the Gartner Magic Quadrant for SD-WAN due to its robust and secure SD-WAN solutions. Fortinet's SD-WAN capabilities are integrated directly into their FortiGate Next-Generation Firewalls (NGFWs), providing a seamless and secure experience. This integration ensures optimal application performance, secure connectivity, and simplified management, making it a top choice for organizations seeking reliable and secure SD-WAN solutions.

2. LAN: In the Gartner Magic Quadrant for Wired and Wireless LAN Access Infrastructure, Fortinet is acknowledged for its innovative approach to LAN solutions. FortiSwitch and FortiAP products offer high-performance networking with built-in security features. The integration with FortiGate firewalls through the FortiLink protocol enhances network security and simplifies management, contributing to Fortinet's leadership position.

3. Enterprise Firewalls: FortiGate NGFWs have been consistently positioned as leaders in the Gartner Magic Quadrant for Enterprise Firewalls. The comprehensive security features, high performance, and deep integration with Fortinet’s Security Fabric make FortiGate firewalls a preferred choice for protecting enterprise networks. Advanced threat protection, application control, intrusion prevention, ZTNA and VPN capabilities ensure that organizations can defend against sophisticated cyber threats while maintaining optimal network performance.

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