Fortinet FortiExtender Reviews

Name: Fortinet FortiExtender
Brand: Fortinet
Rating: 4.2 (9 reviews)

4.2 out of 5

9 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 #7 ranked solution in top Wireless WAN solutions. PeerSpot users give Fortinet FortiExtender an average rating of 8.4 out of 10. Fortinet FortiExtender is most commonly compared to Ubiquiti Wireless: Fortinet FortiExtender vs Ubiquiti Wireless. Fortinet FortiExtender is popular among the small business segment, accounting for 39% of users researching this solution on PeerSpot. The top industry researching this solution are professionals from a computer software company, accounting for 22% of all views.

Buyer's Guide

Fortinet FortiExtender

May 2025

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Featured Fortinet FortiExtender reviews

Özden-Aydın

Technology Consultant at Netwiser

I manage and monitor Fortinet FortiExtender devices across multiple sites by using the FortiCloud feature, which allows me to easily manage and monitor everywhere. I haven't used Fortinet FortiExtender's AI-driven network features for this product. My advice for those who want to implement Fortinet FortiExtender is that if you use this device as a console server for out-of-band management, it has only one USB port; if you need more than one port, you can use an external USB hub for multiple console cables. I am maintaining Fortinet FortiExtender for my customers for one year, and I find that to be sufficient. I rate Fortinet FortiExtender a 10 out of 10.

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Mohammad Al-Zard

Technical Manager / Fortinet Product Owner at SPACE DATA SYSTEMS

Having the FortiExtender as a part of an SD-WAN topology is a major competitive value. You don't need to have two different vendors to interoperate and get into comparability issues or inter-operability issues. FortiExtender is part of what we call the Fortinet Fabric. Once you install it, it's very seamless. When it comes to implementing FortiExtender, it gives you a very major value. With an SD-WAN topology, you overcome a lot of connectivity limitations. With a standalone ADM, for example, in case you don't have the proper NPLS termination ready yet, a lot of approval needs to be in place from the government and so on, so forth. You can launch the service in no time. To make the long story short, the major value we're looking at is the inter-operability and the integration into what we call the Fortinet Fabric. It offers seamless integration and flexibility.

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Daniele Parodi

Senior Information Technology Consultant at Firstpoint Poland

The technical support team has been helpful. Unfortunately, we used them for the issue of removing a SIM card multiple times and have been going back and forth to find a solution over several months. At this time, we still don't have an answer to this issue. I rate the technical support an eight out of ten.

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Fortinet FortiExtender mindshare

As of June 2025, the mindshare of Fortinet FortiExtender in the Wireless WAN category stands at 2.1%, up from 1.7% compared to the previous year, according to calculations based on PeerSpot user engagement data.

Wireless WAN

PeerResearch reports based on Fortinet FortiExtender reviews

Type	Title	Date
Category	Wireless WAN	Jun 1, 2025	Download
Product	Reviews, tips, and advice from real users	Jun 1, 2025	Download
Comparison	Fortinet FortiExtender vs Ubiquiti Wireless	Jun 1, 2025	Download
Comparison	Fortinet FortiExtender vs Ruckus Wireless WAN	Jun 1, 2025	Download
Comparison	Fortinet FortiExtender vs Cambium Networks Wireless WAN	Jun 1, 2025	Download

Title	Rating	Mindshare	Recommending
Ubiquiti Wireless	4.0	39.7%	89%	76 interviews Add to research
Ruckus Wireless WAN	4.1	35.7%	93%	56 interviews Add to research

Valuable Features

Fortinet FortiExtender offers key features such as redundancy, SD-WAN connection, and seamless integration with Fortinet Fabric. Its central management and inter-operability minimize connectivity challenges. Integration with external devices like 5G LTE modems enhances centralized control. It serves as both an active secondary and backup link. Users value its user-friendliness, line backup capability, failover ability, and flexibility in implementation, contributing significantly to operational resilience.

"The overall stability deserves a perfect rating."
"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."

Room for Improvement

Fortinet FortiExtender requires improved troubleshooting and user interface, including a more intuitive design and readable font. Price flexibility and support for 5G models need enhancement. Better support and additional features such as SD-WAN, enhanced security functions similar to FortiGuard, and the ability to upload drivers are required. Improved firmware stability and a smaller footprint for mobile clients are desired. Enhanced monitoring and packet tracing options could further enhance its usability.

"They could improve the remote console server feature and make it more user-friendly for more users."
"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."

Pricing

Enterprise buyers evaluating Fortinet FortiExtender have expressed varied perspectives on its pricing and licensing. Licensing options are flexible, with terms of one, three, or five years. Some users find the pricing reasonable, rating it six out of ten, while others feel it could be more affordable. Costs range between $2,500 and $5,000, with individual units priced around $600-$700. FortiCare, the hardware warranty, is optional and can be adjusted based on specific needs.

"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 for establishing mobile connections in areas without wireless options, ensuring network continuity, and managing out-of-band scenarios. It provides secure WAN connectivity, facilitates SD-WAN failover, and supports various network types, including GSM, 3G, 4G, 5G, and LTE. By enabling seamless transitions between different cellular networks and global configurations, it enhances connectivity for branches, head offices, and vessels at ports, acting as a reliable backup for main internet lines.

Service and Support

Customer service and support for Fortinet FortiExtender are generally positive. They receive praise for their helpfulness and availability during troubleshooting. Users mention occasional delays in feedback, especially outside certain regions. While some manage issues independently using resources like the Fortinet eBook and blog, others rely on external assistance for complex issues like firmware bugs. Responses are faster for high-priority tickets, and technical support is rated highly by many.

Deployment

Many found Fortinet FortiExtender's initial setup simple and quick. Some completed it within ten minutes, while others took up to two hours. Multiple users noted it was straightforward and effortless to integrate into their systems. The process typically required two to three people, with minimal obstacles except occasional modem issues. Users described the integration process as stable and intuitive, reflecting a smooth implementation experience familiar to those experienced with Fortinet.

Scalability

Fortinet FortiExtender offers impressive scalability, adaptable to various settings, including global environments with numerous clients. Users highlight smooth expansion capabilities, with scalability depending on network connections. While some organizations have found it less scalable, others report successful deployment in small and medium enterprises. Adding hardware can enhance scaling, aligning with diverse network needs. Fortinet FortiExtender is described as effortlessly fitting into both small and large network setups, accommodating tailored connectivity requirements.

Stability

Fortinet FortiExtender is praised for its stability. Users report minimal bugs and a robust performance, capable of maintaining strong uptime without crashes. Occasionally, firmware upgrades require user interaction, yet these are managed easily through centralized tools like FortiManager. Despite minor management issues, its stability is rated highly by most, with ratings often at nine or perfect scores. Fortinet FortiExtender has proven dependable, staying operational for extensive periods, which underscores its reliability.

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

22%

Media Company

12%

Government

Financial Services Firm

Comms Service Provider

Consumer Goods Company

Legal Firm

Educational Organization

Wholesaler/Distributor

Construction Company

Healthcare Company

Real Estate/Law Firm

Retailer

Recreational Facilities/Services Company

Insurance Company

Manufacturing Company

Non Profit

Engineering Company

Logistics Company

Hospitality Company

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