What is the lifecycle of FortiGate 100E?

The FortiGate 100E firewall appliance has an End of Service Life (EOSL) date of August 17, 2026. This date marks a crucial point in the device's lifecycle, signaling when Fortinet will no longer provide support, updates, or maintenance for the product.

Understanding FortiGate Device Lifecycles

The "lifecycle" of a FortiGate device primarily refers to its End of Life (EOL) and End of Service Life (EOSL) phases. These terms are critical for IT planning and budget management.

• End of Life (EOL): This typically refers to the point when a product is no longer sold by the manufacturer.
• End of Service Life (EOSL): This is the date after which the manufacturer will no longer provide maintenance, support, or updates (including security patches) for the device. Once a device reaches its EOSL, it enters a phase where continued operation without manufacturer support can pose significant risks.

It is essential for organizations to track these dates to ensure their network infrastructure remains secure, supported, and compliant.

FortiGate 100E End of Service Life Details

The FortiGate 100E is slated to reach its End of Service Life on August 17, 2026. After this date, Fortinet will cease to offer:

• Technical Support: No more direct assistance from Fortinet's support team for troubleshooting, configuration, or operational issues.
• Firmware Updates: No new firmware releases, which means no performance enhancements or compatibility updates for new features.
• Security Patches: Crucially, no further security patches will be issued. This leaves the device vulnerable to newly discovered threats and exploits.
• Hardware Replacement: Manufacturer warranty and replacement services will generally no longer be available.

To provide context for other similar models, here is a quick overview of some FortiGate-E series EOSL dates:

Implications of Reaching EOSL

Operating network hardware beyond its EOSL date carries several significant risks and challenges:

Security Risks

Without security patches and updates, EOSL devices become prime targets for cyber attackers.

• Unpatched Vulnerabilities: New exploits can emerge that specifically target vulnerabilities in older firmware versions, which will remain unaddressed.
• Compliance Violations: Many regulatory frameworks and industry standards require organizations to use supported software and hardware, making unsupported devices a compliance risk.

Operational Challenges

The lack of vendor support can severely impact operational efficiency and reliability.

• Increased Downtime: Without manufacturer support, troubleshooting complex issues becomes difficult, potentially leading to prolonged outages.
• Reduced Performance: Devices may struggle to keep up with evolving network demands or new applications, leading to bottlenecks.
• Limited Interoperability: Compatibility issues may arise with newer software, hardware, or cloud services.

Financial Considerations

While avoiding an upgrade might seem like a cost-saving measure, it can lead to higher expenses in the long run.

• Higher Risk of Breach: The cost of a data breach, including recovery, legal fees, and reputational damage, far outweighs the cost of an upgrade.
• Unplanned Expenses: Unexpected hardware failures or security incidents can lead to emergency replacements or costly professional services.

Recommended Actions for FortiGate 100E Users

For organizations currently using a FortiGate 100E, proactive planning is crucial to avoid disruptions and maintain a secure network posture.

1. Upgrade to Newer Models

The most common and recommended approach is to migrate to a newer FortiGate appliance. Newer models offer:

• Enhanced Performance: Greater throughput, higher session capacity, and better handling of encrypted traffic.
• Advanced Security Features: Next-generation firewall (NGFW) capabilities, integrated threat intelligence, and advanced threat protection.
• Long-Term Support: Access to the latest FortiOS features, security updates, and manufacturer support for years to come.

2. Explore Third-Party Support

For organizations not ready to upgrade immediately, or those looking to extend the life of their current hardware, third-party maintenance (TPM) providers can offer an alternative.

• Extended Hardware Support: TPM providers can offer hardware maintenance, replacements, and sometimes even parts sourcing beyond the manufacturer's EOSL.
• Cost Savings: TPM contracts are often more flexible and cost-effective than OEM support for legacy hardware.
• Bridging Solution: This can serve as a temporary solution while a comprehensive upgrade strategy is developed and funded.

3. Plan Your Migration Strategy

Regardless of whether you upgrade or opt for third-party support, a well-defined migration plan is essential:

• Assess Current Needs: Evaluate current network traffic, security requirements, and future growth projections to choose the right replacement or support level.
• Budget Allocation: Secure necessary funding for new hardware, software licenses, and any migration services.
• Phased Rollout: Plan a gradual migration to minimize disruption, especially for critical network segments.
• Data Backup and Testing: Ensure all configurations are backed up and thoroughly test the new setup before full deployment.

For more detailed information on Fortinet's End of Life dates, you can consult resources such as Fortinet End of Life List.