FortiGate 40G Interface Issues: Troubleshooting Guide for FortiOS 7.2.8

Are you experiencing FortiGate 40G connectivity issues after upgrading to FortiOS 7.2.8? Many FortiGate 1800F users have reported that their 40G interfaces stop working after this upgrade, with ports remaining in a DOWN state despite having properly recognized Forinet compatible transceivers?

Understanding the FortiGate 40G Issue

While standard troubleshooting typically begins with transceiver verification, this particular FortiGate 40G problem stems from a confirmed software bug in FortiOS 7.2.8. (This is a known issue in exactly FortiOS 7.2.8, as documented by Fortinet.) The issue specifically impacts 40G interfaces on FortiGate 1800F devices, causing service disruptions in high-speed network environments.

Impact on Network Operations

  • 40G interfaces remain DOWN despite proper physical connectivity
  • Network traffic interruption on affected high-speed links
  • Transceiver detection works, but ports fail to initialize
  • Specific to FortiGate 1800F running FortiOS 7.2.8

Solution for FortiGate 40G Connectivity Issue

Immediate Remediation Options:

  • Downgrade to FortiOS 7.2.7, which maintains stable FortiGate 40G functionality
  • Monitor Fortinet’s support portal for emergency patches
  • Consider waiting for the FortiOS 7.2.9 release, which is expected to resolve the FortiGate 40G issue

Additional Considerations:

If you encounter similar issues with other Fortinet switches or software versions, please refer to our comprehensive guide How to resolve “This transceiver is not certified by Fortinet” errors.

Will upgrading to FortiOS 7.2.9 automatically fix my FortiGate 40G interface issues?

According to Fortinet’s development roadmap, FortiOS 7.2.9 is expected to resolve the 40G interface issues present in version 7.2.8. However, before upgrading, it’s recommended to: 1) Back up your configuration, 2) Schedule a maintenance window, and 3) Review the full release notes to ensure there are no other potential impacts to your specific setup. If immediate 40G connectivity is critical, downgrading to FortiOS 7.2.7 remains the most reliable solution.