Remote users can use FortiClient software to initiate an SSL VPN tunnel to connect to the internal network. FortiClient uses local port TCP 1024 to initiate an SSL encrypted connection to the FortiGate unit, on port TCP 443. When connection using FortiClient, the FortiGate unit authenticates the FortiClient SSL VPN request based on the user group options. The FortiGate unit establishes a tunnel with the client and assigns a virtual IP address to the client PC. Once the tunnel has been established, the user can access the network behind the FortiGate unit.

FortiClient software is available for download at www.forticlient.com and is available for Windows, Mac OS X, Apple iOS and Android.