Which two primary modes does FortiGate operate in?

FortiGate devices operate primarily in two modes: NAT mode and Transparent mode.

In NAT mode, FortiGate functions as a Layer 3 device that routes traffic between different networks while translating private IP addresses to public IP addresses. This mode allows for network address translation, which is essential for connecting private networks to the internet while conserving IP addresses and providing security by hiding internal IP addresses from external users.

On the other hand, Transparent mode allows FortiGate to act like a bridge while still providing firewall and security features. In this mode, packets do not need to be routed because they are merely passed along without altering their Layer 2 address. This mode is useful in scenarios where you want to insert the FortiGate into an existing network infrastructure without reconfiguring the IP addressing scheme or when implementing security features in a network segment.

The other options do not accurately describe the operational modes of FortiGate. Routing mode, for instance, is a term that can sometimes be associated with NAT mode but does not represent a distinct operational mode of FortiGate. Layer 3 mode is also not recognized as a specific FortiGate mode. Lastly, IPsec mode and SSL mode refer to specific types of VPN technologies rather than operational modes for the