My experience in integrating SD-WAN capabilities with Fortinet FortiGate in the network shows that the integration is very simple and has a straightforward configuration.
The Fortinet SD-WAN solution consists of multiple products. To create or set up a full SD-WAN solution, it needs two products from Fortinet: FortiGate and FortiManager, which is a centralized management solution, and FortiAnalyzer, which is a log management solution. SD-WAN connects more than one site. It centralizes management and logs. Fortinet FortiGate with SD-WAN does not require any extra license, but to have the full SD-WAN solution, it is required to have FortiManager and FortiAnalyzer for several reasons. Fortinet products can be VM or hardware.
I have worked with the hardware-assisted DDoS protection in the Fortinet FortiGate, and I think it's good.
I recommend the Fortinet FortiGate when acting as a perimeter firewall, and some customers use it in the data center. I recommend another vendor in the data center, but our customers are very satisfied with Fortinet FortiGate when acting as a data center firewall.
I have limited experience with the AI and machine learning enhanced FortiGuard services, but I know that Fortinet is leading this trend.
Fortinet FortiGate provides SD-WAN and SASE solutions to secure any type of user and any type of traffic. It has many features, including a secure web gateway and secure service edge, helping users access the internet and applications, whether inside or outside.
I would rate Fortinet FortiGate an eight out of ten.