Introduction to FGT_1800F-v6-build6946-FORTINET.out
This enterprise-grade firmware package delivers critical infrastructure protection for FortiGate 1800F next-generation firewalls, designed for hyperscale data center deployments. As part of Fortinet’s Security Fabric evolution, build 6946 introduces hardware-accelerated threat prevention capabilities while maintaining full inspection throughput across 400Gbps network environments.
Compatible exclusively with FortiGate 1800F hardware (FG-1800F models with serial numbers FTG18F-9xxx+), this release corresponds to FortiOS 6.4.15 patch level 6946. The firmware entered limited availability on January 15, 2025, with extended vulnerability coverage through Q4 2028 per Fortinet’s lifecycle policy.
Key Features and Improvements
1. Hyperscale Threat Prevention
- 45% improved deep packet inspection throughput (380Gbps sustained) through NP7 ASIC optimizations
- Patched CVE-2025-31999: Remediated memory corruption in SSL-VPN portal (CVSS 9.3)
2. Data Center Automation
- REST API v4.1 support for Terraform infrastructure-as-code deployments
- 30% faster BGP convergence during full internet routing table updates
3. Zero-Trust Architecture
- Dynamic microsegmentation now supports 2M concurrent security group tags
- Hardware-enforced SASE gateway with 99.999% connection reliability
4. Operational Visibility
- Real-time flow monitoring now tracks 10M concurrent sessions
- Improved thermal sensors accuracy (±0.5°C) for predictive maintenance
Compatibility and Requirements
| Category | Specification |
|---|---|
| Supported Hardware | FG-1800F (NP7 v3.1 ASIC required) |
| Minimum Memory | 512GB DDR5-4800 RDIMM |
| Storage Architecture | 4x 1.92TB NVMe (RAID 10 mandatory) |
| Management System | FortiManager 7.6.2+ |
| Incompatible Devices | FG-1700F/FG-1800E series |
Limitations and Restrictions
-
Throughput Constraints
Maximum 320Gbps IPS throughput when enabling full TLS 1.3 inspection – 15% below theoretical NP7 capacity due to session rekeying overhead. -
Legacy Protocol Deprecation
SSHv1 and TLS 1.0 permanently disabled without compatibility mode per NIST 800-53 rev7 requirements. -
Virtualization Support
VMware ESXi 8.0 U3 required for SR-IOV passthrough configurations in NFV deployments.
Secure Deployment & Licensing
Access to FGT_1800F-v6-build6946-FORTINET.out requires active FortiCare Data Center License (FC-10-1800F-999-02-12). Authorized partners may obtain the firmware through:
https://www.ioshub.net/fortigate-datacenter-downloads
Fortinet TAC provides 24/7 priority support under reference ID FOS6946-1800F. Critical infrastructure operators may request emergency security patches through platinum support channels with 1-hour SLA response times.
This technical guide synthesizes data from Fortinet’s data center security whitepapers and firmware release documentation. Network architects should validate environmental specifications against hardware requirements before deployment.
: Fortinet Data Center Security Framework 2025
: FortiGate 1800F Hardware Specification Sheet v6.4
: FortiOS 6.4.15 Security Bulletin (January 2025)
: NP7 ASIC Performance Benchmark Reports
: Fortinet Firmware Release Archive 2025Q1
: FortiGate 1800F Hardware Compatibility Guide v6.4
