Hardware firewall Fortinet FortiGate 50G desktop — 5 Gbit/s throughput, 5x GE RJ45, wired & wireless, external antenna

Fortinet FortiGate 50G desktop is a hardware firewall designed to provide network security, routing and VPN services for small offices and branch locations. The device supports up to 5 Gbit/s firewall throughput and packet processing up to 6 Mpps (5 Gbit/s UDP 1518). It offers five Gigabit Ethernet RJ‑45 ports (4 internal, 1 WAN), wired and wireless connectivity with support for Wi‑Fi standards from 802.11a/b/g through Wi‑Fi 6 (802.11ax), and an external antenna option for improved wireless coverage. A console RJ‑45 port is provided for device management and initial configuration.

Advantages

The FortiGate 50G combines next‑generation firewall (NGFW) functionality with SD‑WAN and zero‑trust access enforcement in a single desktop unit, enabling consolidated security and simplified network architecture. It integrates with Fortinet’s Security Fabric and FortiGuard AI/ML‑based services to deliver coordinated threat protection and automated responses. Compact design, multi‑standard Wi‑Fi support and external antenna capability make it adaptable to a variety of small site deployments while maintaining up to 5 Gbit/s throughput for demanding traffic flows.

Suitable for

• Small offices and branch locations that require a compact hardware firewall with routing and VPN capabilities
• Environments needing both wired Gigabit Ethernet connections and wireless access up to Wi‑Fi 6
• Sites that benefit from integrated SD‑WAN and centralized security policy enforcement
• Deployments where console access is needed for on‑site management and troubleshooting

When it may not be suitable

The FortiGate 50G is intended for small to medium distributed sites; it may not be appropriate for large data centers or enterprise cores that require significantly higher throughput, more extensive port density, or advanced modular expansion. Organizations that need carrier‑grade throughput well above 5 Gbit/s or a large number of dedicated interfaces should consider higher‑end models.

Key specifications

• Firewall throughput: up to 5 Gbit/s (5 Gbit/s UDP 1518)
• Packet processing: up to 6 million packets per second (6 Mpps)
• Ports: 5 × Gigabit Ethernet RJ‑45 (4 internal LAN, 1 WAN); console RJ‑45 for management
• Wireless: supports 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax (Wi‑Fi 4/5/6); external antenna support
• Data rates: wired & wireless LAN up to 10/100/1000 Mbit/s
• Power consumption: typical 19 W

How to use

Physically place the FortiGate 50G on a stable surface and connect the WAN and LAN networks to the appropriate Gigabit Ethernet ports. Attach the external antenna if enhanced wireless range is required. Use the console RJ‑45 port for initial access to the CLI or connect via the web‑based manager for GUI configuration. Configure firewall policies, VPN tunnels, SD‑WAN profiles and FortiGuard subscription services as required for your network. Regularly update firmware and security subscriptions to maintain protection.

What to consider before purchase

• Expected aggregate throughput and peak traffic patterns to ensure 5 Gbit/s capacity meets needs
• Required number and type of physical interfaces for WAN, LAN and any DMZ segments
• Need for wireless performance up to Wi‑Fi 6 and whether external antenna placement is feasible
• Licensing and subscription services (FortiGuard, SD‑WAN, etc.) required for desired security features
• Power availability and space for a desktop device in the intended location

Usage recommendations

For optimal results, pair the FortiGate 50G with a valid FortiGuard subscription and enable automatic firmware and threat signature updates. Use SD‑WAN policies to prioritize critical application traffic and implement least‑privilege access rules with ZTNA controls. Perform periodic performance checks to confirm the appliance handles expected traffic loads and adjust configuration or upgrade hardware if throughput limits are approached.