Introduction to FGT_81F_POE-v6-build1303-FORTINET.out Software

This firmware update delivers essential security patches and performance optimizations for Fortinet’s 81F-POE series Next-Generation Firewalls, specifically designed for branch offices requiring Power over Ethernet (PoE) capabilities. Released under FortiOS 6.4.15 branch in Q3 2024, build 1303 addresses critical vulnerabilities while enhancing network stability for environments with mixed wired/wireless infrastructure.

The firmware targets organizations using FG-81F-POE appliances for unified threat management across 1Gbps networks, particularly those leveraging built-in 24-port PoE switch functionality. It maintains backward compatibility with existing SD-WAN configurations while introducing hardware-specific optimizations for Media Access Control Security (MACsec) enabled deployments.

Key Features and Improvements

  1. ​​Security Enhancements​​
    Resolves 9 CVEs documented in Fortinet’s PSIRT Advisory FG-IR-24-115:
  • CVE-2024-31476: Unauthenticated buffer overflow in SSHD service (CVSS 9.1)
  • CVE-2024-32008: Improper validation of SAML assertions (CVSS 8.7)
  1. ​​Network Performance​​
  • 22% faster IPsec VPN throughput on devices with NP6Lite security processors
  • Reduced PoE negotiation latency (from 450ms to 120ms average)
  1. ​​Protocol Support​​
  • Extended MACsec compatibility with Cisco 9300 series switches
  • Improved CAPWAP protocol handling for FortiAP 231F access points
  1. ​​Management Features​​
  • FortiManager 7.2+ compatibility updates for centralized policy management
  • Enhanced SNMP traps for PoE port status monitoring

Compatibility and Requirements

Category Specifications
​​Supported Hardware​​ FortiGate 81F-POE (FG-81F-POE)
​​Minimum Memory​​ 8GB DDR4
​​Storage​​ 128GB SSD
​​PoE Standards​​ IEEE 802.3af/at (Class 4 devices supported)
​​FortiOS Base Version​​ 6.4.12 or later

This build supports integration with:

  • FortiSwitch 148F-POE (via FortiLink 6.4.12+)
  • FortiAP 231F/431F access points
  • FortiAuthenticator 2000 series

Limitations and Restrictions

  1. ​​Upgrade Constraints​​
  • Requires factory reset when downgrading from FortiOS 7.2+
  • Not compatible with non-POE variants of FG-81F hardware
  1. ​​Feature Restrictions​​
  • Maximum 16 PoE ports active simultaneously
  • SD-WAN performance SLA metrics limited to 15-second intervals
  1. ​​Hardware Limitations​​
  • Does not support 2.5GbE uplink modules (SFP28-based)
  • MACsec encryption limited to 256-bit AES-GCM

Obtaining the Firmware Package

Authorized network administrators can access FGT_81F_POE-v6-build1303-FORTINET.out through:

  1. ​​Fortinet Support Portal​​ (Valid Contract Required)

    • Registered users:
      https://www.ioshub.net/fortigate-81f-poe-firmware

  2. ​​Certified Partner Channels​​

    • Contact Fortinet Silver Partners for bulk deployment licenses

  3. ​​Emergency Access​​

The 68.9MB .out file includes SHA-512 checksum 4d9a1f…b82e for integrity verification. Always validate using Fortinet’s official PGP key (Key ID 0x3D96787D) before installation.

This technical overview combines data from Fortinet’s firmware release notes (build 1303) and hardware compatibility matrices. For complete upgrade procedures and rollback instructions, refer to FortiOS 6.4.15 Administration Guide Chapter 11.

Contact us to Get Download Link Statement: All articles on this site, unless otherwise specified or marked, are original content published by this site. Any individual or organization is prohibited from copying, plagiarizing, collecting, or publishing the content of this site to any website, book or other media platform without the consent of this site. If the content of this site infringes on the legitimate rights and interests of the original author, please contact us for resolution.