Manual upload
Fastest start
- Uses an exported FortiGate configuration file
- Good for one-off audits and change validation
- No collector rollout required
Choose the FortiGate review model that fits your environment
Use this page to compare manual upload, collector-based retrieval, and higher-frequency monitoring based on setup effort, review cadence, and speed of feedback.
Three paths
Choose based on operating model, not abstract audit theory
Collector retrieval
Lower-touch recurring review
- Read-only retrieval through a customer-controlled host
- Good for scheduled audits without manual exports
- Needs access planning and local rollout
Continuous monitoring
Fastest ongoing feedback
- Frequent recurring analysis for active environments
- Useful for change visibility and drift detection
- Fits licensed recurring-review workflows
Best fit
Which path suits which operating situation
One-off audit with credits
Use manual upload when you need a fast FortiGate review, spot check, or pre-audit assessment.
Recurring review with collector
Use scheduled collector-based retrieval when you want lower-touch repeated audits.
High-change monitoring
Use faster schedules and change-aware review when the environment changes often and drift matters quickly.
Comparison
How the models differ operationally
The right choice depends on review frequency, setup effort, and how quickly you need feedback after change.
Capability
Manual uploadFastest start
Collector retrievalRecurring review
Continuous monitoringFastest feedback
Initial setup effort
Low
Medium
Medium
Operational effort after setup
Higher
Lower
Lowest
Good fit for
One-off audits
Scheduled recurring review
Active environments with frequent change
Collector required
No
Yes
Yes
Next step
Pick the operating model, then check pricing or start an audit
Most teams begin with manual upload, then compare license fit or start a free audit once the review path makes sense.