Fortinet is setting the stage for the future with Wi-Fi 7
In the ever-evolving landscape of wireless technology, with its latest offering: the FortiAP 441K Access Point and FortiSwitch T1024, designed to cater to the promising potential of Wi-Fi 7. As enterprises gear up for the next generation of wireless connectivity, Fortinet’s commitment to providing secure and high-performance solutions comes to the forefront.
Wi-Fi 7, also known as 802.11be, is poised to revolutionize the wireless experience, promising higher data rates, reduced latency, and enhanced performance capabilities. While the IEEE is expected to finalize the spec later this year, Fortinet is taking proactive steps to ensure its offerings align seamlessly with the impending advancements.
FortiAP 441K is Powering Connectivity
The cornerstone of Fortinet’s Wi-Fi 7 package is the FortiAP 441K Access Point, a technological marvel that boasts support for four Wi-Fi radios, strategically distributed across 2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 6GHz bands. This not only facilitates faster data transfer but also positions the AP as a versatile solution for bandwidth-intensive enterprise applications like video streaming and collaboration tools.
Wi-Fi 7’s Multi-Link Operation (MLO) is a noteworthy addition, allowing clients to associate with and transmit data on multiple channels simultaneously. This opens up new possibilities for optimizing network performance, a feat not achievable in the previous Wi-Fi 6 standard. Nirav Shah, Fortinet’s VP of Products and Solutions, emphasizes how MLO enables applications such as videoconferencing to balance power consumption and data throughput across different bands.
FortiSwitch T1024 Merges Power and Efficiency
Supporting the Wi-Fi 7 ecosystem is the FortiSwitch T1024, a 10 GE access switch with 24 10G ports and robust Power over Ethernet (PoE) capabilities of up to 90W. This switch plays a crucial role in aggregating the FortiAPs, ensuring a seamless and powerful network infrastructure for enterprises.
Security Integration Differentiator:
What sets Fortinet apart is its commitment to security integration. The Wi-Fi 7 technology is intricately woven into Fortinet’s Secure Networking platform, featuring Next-Generation Firewalls (NGFWs), intrusion detection and prevention systems (IDS/IPS), and secure access control. This integration allows FortiGate Next-Generation Firewalls to function as wireless controllers, providing customers with advanced security services like AI-powered malware protection, sandboxing, and web filtering.
Furthermore, customers can leverage FortiAIOps, Fortinet’s AI for IT operations tool, to gain real-time insights into potential network issues and automate tasks across WAN and LAN. This holistic approach ensures that enterprises not only embrace cutting-edge connectivity but also fortify their networks against evolving cyber threats.
As the era of Wi-Fi 7 beckons, Fortinet emerges as a reliable partner for enterprises seeking to stay ahead of the curve. The FortiAP 441K Access Point and FortiSwitch T1024 signify a bold leap into the future, promising not just connectivity but a secure and efficient network infrastructure. Fortinet’s commitment to integrating advanced security measures ensures that enterprises can embrace the transformative power of Wi-Fi 7 with confidence, ushering in a new era of wireless connectivity.
