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Deployment Map of Four Core Switches

Article Overview

A four-core switch deployment typically uses two to four FortiGate devices paired with two high-speed FortiSwitch units in a redundant, high-availability mesh to connect aggregation and access layers.

Core Layer Architecture

In a large campus deployment, the core layer consists of two to four FortiGate devices and two FortiSwitch units. These switches provide high-speed connectivity (100-GbE or 40-GbE) to the aggregation layer and maintain links to the FortiGate firewalls, which also serve as the Security Fabric controller and WAN gateway . This setup ensures maximum redundancy and resiliency, allowing nonstop forwarding even during switch or link failures.

Redundancy and Link Aggregation

The core switches are typically configured in MCLAG (Multi-Chassis Link Aggregation) pairs, which allows aggregation switches to connect with fewer links while maintaining full redundancy. For example, without a core layer, each aggregation switch would require [n x (n-1)]/2 links to fully mesh with other aggregation switches. With a core layer, only (n x 2) + 2 links are needed, significantly reducing cabling complexity . This design also simplifies failover, as the core layer can absorb link or switch failures without impacting the access layer.

Connectivity to Distribution and Access Layers

  • Distribution Layer: Multiple pairs of FortiSwitch units form MCLAG peer groups in building communications rooms. These switches aggregate access-level switches and connect upstream to the core layer using high-speed links (typically 100G), .
  • Access Layer: Access switches connect endpoints, WiFi APs, servers, and IoT devices. They are dual-homed to distribution switches for redundancy and may use 1G, 2.5G, 5G, or 10G ports depending on device requirements .

Example Deployment Map

  1. Core Layer: 4 FortiGate devices + 2 FortiSwitch units in HA and MCLAG configuration.
  2. Aggregation Layer: 6–10 pairs of FortiSwitch units forming MCLAG peer groups, each connecting to the core switches with 2x100G links.
  3. Access Layer: Floor-level switches dual-homed to aggregation switches, providing connectivity to endpoints, servers, and WiFi APs.
  4. Redundant Links: Core-to-aggregation links use 100G ports; aggregation-to-access links vary (25G–100G) depending on floor requirements.
  5. Failover Mechanisms: Session pickup in HA settings preserves TCP sessions; MCLAG reduces spanning tree reconvergence and downtime . This deployment map ensures high availability, scalability, and simplified cabling, making it suitable for large campuses or data centers with multiple buildings and floors. It also allows for future expansion by adding aggregation or access switches without redesigning the core layer.

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