Fortinet FortiExtender Reviews

Name: Fortinet FortiExtender
Brand: Fortinet
Rating: 4.1 (8 reviews)

4.1 out of 5

8 reviews
100% willing to recommend

What is Fortinet FortiExtender?

Fortinet FortiExtender is a cost-effective hardware WAN device that is robust, easily scales, and delivers 5G, LTE, and Ethernet options. FortiExtender is designed using Fortinet’s trademark security-focused networking. The solution enables organizations to have enhanced secure network connectivity with cellular and wired broadband network options.

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Fortinet FortiExtender is the #8 ranked solution in top Wireless WAN solutions. PeerSpot users give Fortinet FortiExtender an average rating of 8.2 out of 10. Fortinet FortiExtender is most commonly compared to Ubiquiti Wireless: Fortinet FortiExtender vs Ubiquiti Wireless. Fortinet FortiExtender is popular among the large enterprise segment, accounting for 42% of users researching this solution on PeerSpot. The top industry researching this solution are professionals from a computer software company, accounting for 23% of all views.

Buyer's Guide

Fortinet FortiExtender

February 2025

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Featured reviews

Mohammad Al-Zard

Technical Manager / Fortinet Product Owner at SPACE DATA SYSTEMS

What most of my clients are telling me is the price is a problem. That would be the best thing to start with. They agree on the value, and we have a very solid argument with the clients that proper service and value comes at a proper price. However, we hope to have more flexible pricing. That would be the first point to be mentioned. The product management team has asked to have a Multi-SIM device. We've had this for one year. Covid just drove everything towards working from home regarding teleworking and all of that stuff. The product is mature enough. Mainly, that would be the price. If they could therefore have some more, let's say, enhancements on it, then we can make more of a financial case. One feature that was discussed with the product management team of Fortinet FortiExtender was to have the ability to have the possibility to upload our own drivers. For example, the Extender itself could be dealing with the SIM card directly, where you install it, and then you're ready to go. Or, you may install a USB dongle into the Extender itself. Some mobile carriers here in Jordan do not allow users to relocate the SIM card from within their biscuit or USB dongle and install it in their own modem or their own Extender. However, with particular scenarios, we would appreciate having the possibility to upload a third-party driver for simplicity, integrating whatever sales provider facility we have into the Fortinet technology.

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Daniele Parodi

Senior Information Technology Consultant at Firstpoint Poland

The product or service could be improved by ensuring the current firmware works as well as the one in the old model. For example, with the old model, we only needed to restart it once in a while. However, with the new model and the new firmware, there is a huge downside because we need to remove and insert the SIM to get it working. I'm unsure what additional features could be included in the next release because we manage it quite well from the current systems and can reset it as needed.

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Jose-Rivera

Account Manager at Telefónica

This solution provides secure WAN connectivity to the internet through the mobile network, while maximizing signal strength The port extenders provided by this solution allow us to reach the network through a mobile solution where, normally, access would be limited or unavailable. We appreciate…

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Fortinet FortiExtender mindshare

As of February 2025, the mindshare of Fortinet FortiExtender in the Wireless WAN category stands at 1.2%, down from 1.8% compared to the previous year, according to calculations based on PeerSpot user engagement data.

Wireless WAN

PeerAnalyst reports

Type	Title	Date
Category	Wireless WAN	Feb 22, 2025	Download
Product	Reviews, tips, and advice from real users	Feb 22, 2025	Download
Comparison	Fortinet FortiExtender vs Ubiquiti Wireless	Feb 22, 2025	Download
Comparison	Fortinet FortiExtender vs Ruckus Wireless WAN	Feb 22, 2025	Download
Comparison	Fortinet FortiExtender vs Cambium Networks Wireless WAN	Feb 22, 2025	Download

Title	Rating	Mindshare	Recommending
Ubiquiti Wireless	4.0	40.5%	88%	73 interviews Add to research
Ruckus Wireless WAN	4.1	38.0%	93%	55 interviews Add to research

Valuable Features

Fortinet FortiExtender's most valuable features include SD-WAN connectivity, seamless integration, interoperability with Fortinet Fabric, and centralized management. It connects via smartphones and integrates with external solutions like 5G LTE broadband modems. It acts as an active secondary link and backup, offering user-friendly, easy integration and implementation. Centralized control and network redundancy enhance functionality, ensuring flexibility with added load sharing benefits.

"The product is easy to use and easy to integrate."
"We appreciate that this solution can be used as an active secondary link as well as a backup."
"For me, the best feature of Fortinet FortiExtender is its integration with an external solution such as a 5G LTE broadband modem, wired modem, and cellular network. I also like that the product can be integrated into one device or a unified device, and that is one of its best features because it allows you to manage and centralize the control of every device."

Room for Improvement

Fortinet FortiExtender requires improvement in troubleshooting and monitoring, similar to Palo Alto's capabilities. Its interface needs to be more intuitive with better readability in low light. Firmware issues cause frequent restarts with SIM removal. Users want more flexible pricing, multi-SIM capabilities, and SD-WAN integration. Additional enhancements like third-party driver support, advanced security features, and faster support response are desired. Clients find the price high, particularly for 5G models, and suggest making it more affordable.

"The support could be faster and more responsive."
"We would like to see some improvement in the price for 5G models, as they are currently very expensive."
"Though Fortinet FortiExtender has some security features, the product could still be improved by adding features similar to those in FortiGuard, such as antivirus, intrusion, prevention, and detection, as well as web filtering features.The product is also not as user-friendly, so that's another area for improvement.In the FortiGate UTM solution of Fortinet, there's software-defined or SD-WAN, and in the next release of Fortinet FortiExtender, I'd like to see SD-WAN embedded in the product. Most of the communication in Fortinet FortiExtender is related to WAN and Edge, so having an SD-WAN function in the product would be useful for integrating and controlling WAN communication."

Pricing

Enterprise buyers considering Fortinet FortiExtender will find flexible licensing options ranging from one to five years, with costs typically between $2,500 and $5,000. The hardware price is approximately $600 to $700 per unit. Licensing includes FortiCare, which offers optional hardware warranty coverage. Some users suggest purchasing extra units for immediate availability. Opinions on affordability vary, with ratings from two to six out of ten, indicating potential cost concerns but balanced by features and control benefits.

"The solution is not that expensive."
"I've only used the open-source version of Fortinet FortiExtender, but I know that it has some features that require you to pay for a license."
"I'm not sure what the cost is. However, I anticipate that the purchase price will range between $2,500 and $5,000."

Popular Use Cases

Organizations primarily use Fortinet FortiExtender to establish mobile connections where wireless is unavailable, enhance Fortinet connectivity, and manage cellular network switching. It enables GSM connections at ports and provides WAN connectivity for branches, especially in SD-WAN configurations. Fortinet FortiExtender supports cellular, broadband, and LTE networks, offering secure internet access through mobile connections. Users utilize it for SD-WAN failover to maintain uninterrupted connectivity for small to medium networks and edge connectivity scenarios.

Service and Support

Customer service and support of Fortinet FortiExtender is generally perceived as good and helpful. Some users find that responses to issues vary, with some facing delays or lack of resolution, especially when dealing with persistent technical problems like SIM card removal. Many prefer using internal resources or Fortinet's knowledge base due to their experience with Fortinet FortiExtender, while others highlight the need to contact vendors for specific technical concerns. Reaction times vary by ticket priority level.

Deployment

Fortinet FortiExtender's initial setup is praised for being straightforward and easy, often requiring about 10 to 30 minutes and one to three personnel for deployment. Users find it seamless to integrate, although some experience minor issues with 3G and 4G modem drivers. Many describe it as a piece of cake, highlighting its stability and ease of configuration once proper planning is in place.

Scalability

Fortinet FortiExtender offers scalability, with reliability for a range of uses from small to extensive networks. It accommodates diverse setups with variable internet or cloud connectivity and can support numerous clients. Users appreciate its adaptability akin to VPNs, though some may find it less straightforward. Businesses employing it find that hardware additions facilitate scaling. It is commonly favored by small and medium enterprises, but some express concerns about its scalability effectiveness.

Stability

Users express satisfaction with Fortinet FortiExtender's stability. They report minimal bugs, strong performance, and absence of crashes. Firmware upgrades require occasional reboots, but management is simple and can be centralized with FortiManager. Devices have operated reliably for extended periods, and any issues are typically minor, involving connectability or upgrades. Stability is highly rated, with a maturity akin to a modem with a data link, delivering stable performance 95% to 98% of the time.

These insights are based on the in-depth reviews provided by peers to help you make a better buying decision.

Download our Fortinet FortiExtender Buyer's Guide for additional reliable information.

Review data by company size

By reviewers

By visitors reading reviews

Top industries

By visitors reading reviews

Computer Software Company

23%

Government

11%

Insurance Company

10%

Media Company

Comms Service Provider

Financial Services Firm

Manufacturing Company

Wholesaler/Distributor

Construction Company

Consumer Goods Company

Healthcare Company

Legal Firm

Pharma/Biotech Company

Recreational Facilities/Services Company

Retailer

Educational Organization

Hospitality Company

Paper And Forest Products

Energy/Utilities Company

Real Estate/Law Firm

Engineering Company

Cloud Solution Provider

Logistics Company

University

Non Profit

Compare Fortinet FortiExtender with alternative products

Learn more about Fortinet FortiExtender

FortiExtender can be used for secure point of sale (POS) systems to transport fleet communications. The device delivers dependable broadband access to the internet and increases the usefulness of the Fortinet Security Fabric integration to enhance seamless business processes that rely heavily on remote device connectivity to get the job done.

FortiExtender delivers super-fast 5G and LTE wireless to connect and quickly scale any WAN edge. Users get 5G/LTE cellular, out-of-band management (OBM), high availability (HA), and dynamic risk security in one comprehensive, reliable solution.

Fortinet FortiExtender Benefits

Failover protection: Users get secure network failover protection with dual SIM, dual modem, and out of band management (OBM) functionalities.
Cloud-based processes: Organizations with a global reach can easily manage processes in the cloud from anywhere. Users can use FortiGate, FortiManager, or FortiExtender Cloud Dashboard to view and easily manage security controls, network changes, and policy and protocol automation.
Integration: Seamlessly integrates with Fortinet Secure SD-WAN for simplified deployment, security, and management.
Improves TCO: FortiExtender is a very cost-effective option when integrated with FortiGate Network Security Platform. FortiExtender implements processes that save money and improve connectivity, functionality, and profitability.

Fortinet FortiExtender Features

Plug-and-play: Out of the box and ready to go, once FortiExtenders are connected to the FortiGate, they are available on the FortiOS management platform. Additionally, FortiOS provides complete visibility, monitoring data usage to ensure limits are not exceeded, resulting in significant cost savings.
Flexible connectivity options:
- LTE/5G : The FortiExtender devices provide dual SIM and dual modem options for four different ISPs. Dual SIM allows for active/passive cellular link for fast failover. Dual modem options provide two active/passive links for super-fast failover and disaster recovery. ISPs can be set for data usage limits and seamlessly switch to other ISPs to balance connectivity and reduce costs.
- WAN connectivity: Using an Ethernet WAN port, users can connect cable, DSL, or another modem. Load balancing and failover options available.
- Hybrid WAN-LAN connectivity: Four LAN ethernet ports enable users to have numerous connections to the LTE connection. Works well for high availability (HA) pairs of FortiGates to connect to FortiExtender. FortiGates then will run in failover or load balancing mode and receive WAN connectivity from the FortiExtender device.

Reviews from Real Users

“Fortinet FortiExtender helps facilitate Fortinet connectivity. When it comes to cell phone towers, you never know what you'll get with global configurations. We use this solution to mitigate switching cell phone towers. The scalability is limitless based on your cell and your internet or your cloud connectivity. It's similar to any other VPN in terms of how simple it is to set up in a global or extended environment with a large number of clients.” - Clement J., Chief Executive Officer at Clemtech LLC