Fortigate Vm Virtualbox ((exclusive)) -

Running a FortiGate VM on Oracle VM VirtualBox is a popular choice for network engineers and students who want to build a security lab without expensive hardware. While Fortinet doesn't provide a native "VirtualBox" image, you can successfully deploy it by using the KVM or VMware versions and making a few specific configuration tweaks. Prerequisites & Preparation

Before starting, ensure your host machine meets these minimum requirements for a stable experience:

VirtualBox Installed: Use the latest version available from VirtualBox.

FortiCloud Account: You must register for a free account to download images and activate the trial license.

System Resources: Allocate at least 2 CPU cores and 2–4 GB of RAM. While FortiGate can run on 1 vCPU and 2 GB, features like IPS or SSL inspection often require more memory to function correctly. Step 1: Download the FortiGate VM Image Log in to the Fortinet Support Portal. Navigate to Support > VM Images.

Select FortiGate as the product and KVM or VMware as the platform.

Tip: If using KVM, you will get a .qcow2 file, which is highly compatible after a quick conversion.

Download the New Deployment package for your desired FortiOS version (e.g., 7.6.0). Step 2: Import and Hardware Tweaks

VirtualBox requires specific settings to boot FortiOS properly:

Disk Conversion: If you have a .qcow2 file, use the VirtualBox Medium Tools to convert it to a .vdi format, or simply import the .vmdk file from a VMware package. fortigate vm virtualbox

Storage Controller: Change the default storage controller to AHCI (SATA) or PIIX4 to avoid boot hangs.

Processor Settings: Enable Nested VT-x/AMD-V and Nested Paging in the VM settings. Step 3: Network Interface Configuration

A functional lab typically requires at least two interfaces:

Setting up a FortiGate VM on VirtualBox is a popular way to build a security lab for free. While Fortinet primarily provides optimized images for VMware and KVM, you can successfully run it on VirtualBox by using the KVM (qcow2) image or the VMware (OVF) deployment package. 1. Download the FortiGate VM Image

To get the right files, you need a Fortinet Support Account. Navigate to: Support > VM Images. Select Product: FortiGate. Select Platform:

KVM: Download the .qcow2 file if you are comfortable converting disk formats (often more stable on VirtualBox).

VMware: Download the .ovf package, which is the standard for easy importing.

Trial Note: Fortinet offers a permanent evaluation license that supports 1 CPU, 2 GB RAM, and 3 interfaces. 2. Import into VirtualBox If using the OVF (VMware) package: Open VirtualBox and go to File > Import Appliance. Select the .ovf file from your downloaded folder.

Adjust Resources: Ensure the VM is set to 1 vCPU and 2GB RAM to stay within trial limits. Running a FortiGate VM on Oracle VM VirtualBox

Disk Controller: Some users report better stability by changing the Storage Controller to AHCI. 3. Configure Network Adapters

This is the most critical step for a functional lab. FortiGate VMs typically use Port1 as the Management/WAN interface.

Adapter 1 (Port1): Set to Bridged Adapter (to get an IP from your home router) or NAT.

Adapter 2 (Port2): Set to Internal Network (e.g., name it "LAN-Lab") to connect other guest VMs as clients.

Promiscuous Mode: In VirtualBox "Advanced" settings for each adapter, set Promiscuous Mode to Allow All to ensure traffic flows correctly. 4. Initial CLI Setup Once the VM boots, log in via the VirtualBox console:

Default Login: admin with no password (you will be prompted to create one immediately).

Check IP: Run get system interface physical to find the IP address assigned to Port1.

Enable GUI Access: If Port1 didn't get an IP via DHCP, set it manually:

config system interface edit port1 set mode static set ip 192.168.1.99 255.255.255.0 set allowaccess https ssh ping next end Use code with caution. Copied to clipboard 5. Access the Web GUI Download the

Open a browser on your host machine and go to https://[Port1-IP]. Log in with your new credentials.

Activate Trial: Select the option to start a free trial. You will need to enter your Fortinet Support credentials to bind the license. The VM will reboot once the license is applied.

3.1. Import or Create the VM

Option A – Import OVA (easiest)

Option B – Manual creation (VMDK)

4. Common Lab Topologies with VirtualBox

7. Licensing – Brief Note

After trial license expires, you can still use basic routing/filtering but no UTM updates. To extend evaluation:

For permanent lab use, ask your Fortinet partner for a NFR (Not for Resale) VM license – affordable and fully featured.

🖥️ Step 5: Access the Web UI

From your host machine (or another VM on the same internal network), open a browser and go to:

https://192.168.122.2

Use admin and your new password. Accept the self-signed certificate.

9. Recommendations

  1. For Production: Migrate to VMware ESXi or KVM (Officially supported).
  2. For Lab: Reduce CPU to 2 cores to avoid host resource contention.
  3. For Performance: Use vmxnet3 (if available via custom build) instead of Intel PRO/1000.