Installing the FortiGate unit Connecting to the FortiGate unit
FortiGate-200A, FortiGate-300A, FortiGate-400A, and FortiGate-500A FortiOS 3.0 MR4 Install Guide
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System Dashboard
After logging into the web-based manager, the web browser displays the system
dashboard. The dashboard provides you with all system status information in one
location. For details on the information displayed on the dashboard, see the
FortiGate Administration Guide.
Command line interface
You can access the FortiGate command line interface (CLI) by connecting a
management computer serial port to the FortiGate serial console connector. You
can also use Telnet or a secure SSH connection to connect to the CLI from any
network that is connected to the FortiGate unit, including the Internet.
The CLI supports the same configuration and monitoring functionality as the
web-based manager. In addition, you can use the CLI for advanced configuration
options that are not available from the web-based manager. This guide contains
information about basic and advanced CLI commands. For a more complete
description about connecting to and using the FortiGate CLI, see the FortiGate
CLI Reference.
Connecting to the CLI
As an alternative to the web-based manager, you can install and configure the
FortiGate unit using the CLI. Configuration changes made with the CLI are
effective immediately, without resetting the firewall or interrupting service.
To connect to the FortiGate CLI you require:
• a computer with an available communications port
• the RJ-45 to DB-9 serial cable included in your FortiGate package
• terminal emulation software such as HyperTerminal for Microsoft Windows
To connect to the CLI
1 Connect the RJ-45 to DB-9 serial cable to the communications port of your
computer and to the FortiGate console port.
2 Start HyperTerminal, enter a name for the connection and select OK.
3 Configure HyperTerminal to connect directly to the communications port on your
computer and select OK.
4 Select the following port settings and select OK.
5 Press Enter to connect to the FortiGate CLI.
The login prompt appears.
Note: The following procedures uses Microsoft Windows HyperTerminal software. You can
apply these steps to any terminal emulation program.
Bits per second 9600
Data bits 8
Parity None
Stop bits 1
Flow control None