Which feature allows FortiGate to distinguish between different types of traffic?

The feature that allows FortiGate to distinguish between different types of traffic is Application Control. This capability is essential as it enables the firewall to analyze and identify specific applications or network services running over the network, rather than merely relying on IP addresses or ports.

Application Control utilizes deep packet inspection (DPI) techniques to examine the content of packets passing through the network. By recognizing the specific applications involved, FortiGate can apply appropriate policies to control the traffic flow, enforce security measures, and optimize bandwidth usage based on the type of application.

For example, when an organization wants to limit bandwidth for video streaming while prioritizing business applications, Application Control can classify and manage these different types of traffic effectively. This granular visibility into application behavior improves security management and enhances the overall performance of the network.

While other options like IP Filtering, Firewall Rules, and Traffic Shaping serve important roles, they lack the specific capability to distinguish traffic types based on application behavior. IP Filtering focuses primarily on blocking or allowing traffic based on IP address criteria, Firewall Rules are structured to control traffic flow based on set parameters, and Traffic Shaping is geared towards managing and optimizing the bandwidth allocation without the nuanced differentiation of application types.