Fortinet unveils rugged device for secure 5G capabilities

Fortinet, the leader in global cybersecurity, has announced the launch of a new rugged and compact appliance, specifically engineered to provide improved secure networking capabilities and 5G connectivity to operational technology environments.

The FortiGate Rugged 70G with 5G Dual Modem is fortified by the most recent fifth-generation Fortinet Security Processing Unit (SP5). The device offers unrivalled networking performance, innovative FortiGuard AI-Powered Security Services, and high availability through a 5G dual modem. This powerful combination sufficiently addresses various use cases in rigorous, remote environments, including full-service remote ATMs within the banking industry.

Industrial sectors are showing increased demand for fast, reliable, secure networking architecture in remote areas and unforgiving environments. However, initiating such networks can often be complex and costly. John Maddison, Chief Marketing Officer and EVP, Product Strategy at Fortinet said, "With its 5G dual modem, AI-powered security, and zero-trust features, our newest FortiGate provides the latest secure networking innovations in a single, powerful appliance built to withstand the toughest environments."

As networks extend to remote locations, the need to support and safeguard vast amounts of sensitive traffic and data while maintaining consistent availability grows. Previously, businesses would have implemented multiple point products to cater to individual networking, security, and connectivity requirements at these sites. This, however, resulted in a complex, poorly performing and costly-to-manage infrastructure. The optimal solution is a single appliance that fulfils all networking, security, and connectivity needs in remote operational technology environments.

The FortiGate Rugged 70G with 5G Dual Modem infuses 5G connectivity into the Fortinet portfolio of rugged next-generation firewalls (NGFWs) for the first time. The device converges enterprise-grade threat protection with high-performing networking capabilities like SD-WAN and zero-trust network access. It also introduces industry-leading wireless WAN functionality to guarantee high availability.

Key features include a 5G dual modem that enables unbeatable, reliable, and high-speed communication to ensure high availability and enhanced connectivity for critical applications. The latest, fifth-generation Fortinet Security Processing Unit (SP5) powers unparalleled secure networking performance, including 8 Gbps firewall throughput and 7 Gbps IPSec VPN throughput.

The 5G Dual Modem is primarily intended for deploying and managing remote ATMs, often established in demanding environments like stadiums, malls, or outdoor locations. This powerful all-in-one device permits the banking industry to upgrade their remote ATM networks, easily scale to thousands of locations, and promptly spin up new services with a negligible infrastructure investment.

Pete Finalle, Research Manager, Security & Trust, IDC, said, "Remote locations and harsh environments are becoming increasingly important to the enterprise but pose significant technical and budgetary challenges to connect and secure. Fortinet is well-suited for these applications due to their expertise in converging networking and feature-rich security into a single appliance built to endure extreme conditions. The addition of a 5G dual modem is also a stand-out feature, which provides redundant connectivity for remote locations, ensuring availability and uninterrupted service."