Should You Upgrade from FortiGate 60E to 60F?

Managing a secure, fast network requires reliable hardware. If your organisation currently relies on the FortiGate 60E, you are likely wondering if it is time to transition to the newer FortiGate 60F. Hardware upgrades require careful planning, budgeting, and a clear understanding of the technical benefits.

This guide breaks down the performance leaps, specification differences, and crucial lifecycle timelines of both models. Read on to discover exactly how the 60F improves upon its predecessor and find out if it is the right time for your business to make the switch.

FortiGate 60E: A reliable foundation

For years, the FortiGate 60E has been a staple security appliance for small to medium businesses. It delivers a respectable 3 Gbps of firewall throughput and handles fundamental next-generation firewall (NGFW) tasks effectively.

However, technology moves quickly. Fortinet officially ended the sale of the 60E back in 2021. More importantly, the End of Support (EOS) date for the FortiGate 60E is set for December 2026. This means that while the device continues to function today, it is slowly approaching the end of its official lifecycle.

FortiGate 60F: The next-generation powerhouse

The FortiGate 60F represents a massive leap forward in network security hardware. Built specifically on Fortinet’s patented SD-WAN ASIC, this model is designed to handle the heavy demands of modern cloud applications and encrypted traffic.

The 60F drastically improves processing power, boasting a firewall throughput of 10 Gbps. It processes data significantly faster than the 60E, uses less power, and provides unmatched performance for businesses looking to secure remote workforces and branch offices.

Key differences and upgrade benefits

When you put these two devices side-by-side, the performance gap becomes immediately clear. Upgrading to the FortiGate 60F unlocks several major advantages for your network infrastructure:

• Massive speed increases: The 60F crushes the 60E in raw speed. Jumping from 3 Gbps to 10 Gbps of firewall throughput means your team experiences zero bottlenecks during peak traffic times.
• Purpose-built SD-WAN: The custom ASIC chip inside the 60F is engineered specifically for SD-WAN. This enables highly efficient, secure routing of your cloud traffic, which ultimately lowers your operational costs.
• Enhanced SSL inspection: Modern cyber threats often hide inside encrypted traffic. The 60F handles deep packet inspection effortlessly, maintaining high network speeds while keeping malicious traffic out.
• Long-term vendor support: Upgrading now resets your hardware lifecycle, giving you years of guaranteed firmware updates and technical support from Fortinet.

When does upgrading make sense for your business?

Upgrading hardware is a big decision. You should strongly consider moving to the FortiGate 60F if your business is experiencing any of the following scenarios:

• You are hitting performance limits: If your internet speeds exceed your current firewall’s throughput capabilities, the 60E is actively slowing your team down.
• Your team relies heavily on cloud apps: Video conferencing, SaaS platforms, and VoIP require smart traffic management. The SD-WAN capabilities of the 60F will drastically improve connection quality.
• You want to stay ahead of the 2026 EOS deadline: Waiting until the last minute to replace critical security infrastructure is risky. Planning your migration now ensures a smooth, stress-free transition.

Secure your network’s future

Transitioning your firewall hardware is a critical step in future-proofing your business. While the FortiGate 60E has served organisations well, the impressive power, advanced SD-WAN capabilities, and superior threat protection of the FortiGate 60F make it the clear choice for modern networks.

Don’t wait until your current hardware reaches its end of life to start exploring your options. Take action today by assessing your current network traffic and planning your upgrade path. Reach out to your IT security provider to discuss how the FortiGate 60F can safeguard your business for years to come.