Connecting to the CLI locally with FortiExplorer

FortiExplorer is a standalone software solution that allows you to connect to your FortiGate device using the USB interface of your management computer. FortiExplorer provides direct access to the FortiOS setup wizard, Web-based Manager, and CLI console.

FortiExplorer is available for download from the Customer Service & Support web site https://support.fortinet.com in firmware images. FortiExplorer is available for both Microsoft Windows and Mac OS X computers.

FortiExplorer provides a user-friendly tool that you can use to configure a FortiGate unit over a standard USB connection, rather than using a console cable or Ethernet connection.

Do not connect the USB cable until after FortiExplorer has been installed.

Installing FortiExplorer on Microsoft Windows

To install FortiExplorer on a Microsoft Windows workstation:

1. Double-click the .msi or .exe file and follow the instructions on-screen.
2. Connect the USB cable to the FortiGate unit and then to the management computer.
3. The FortiExplorer Fortinet Device Easy Configuration Utility opens when the USB cable is connected. Select Install the hardware automatically and select Next.
4. After a moment, FortiExplorer will launch.

Installing FortiExplorer on Mac OS X

To install FortiExplorer on a Mac OS X workstation:

1. Double-click the .dmg file and drag the FortiExplorer program file into the Applications folder.
2. Connect the USB cable to the FortiGate unit and then to the management computer.
3. Double-click the FortiExplorer icon to launch the application.

Starting the CLI from FortiExplorer

The below image shows the FortiExplorer tool connected to a FortiGate 100D device, under Devices, click on Command-line Interface and you will be connected to the CLI: