Synchronizing the FortiManager configuration and HA heartbeat

All changes to the FortiManager database are saved on the primary unit, and then these changes are synchronized to the backup units. The FortiManager configuration of the primary unit is also synchronized to the backup units, except for the following settings:

• Hostname

• System time and NTP server

• FortiCloud

• FortiGuard database downloaded by FortiManager

• Network

• HA

• Local certificates

• SNMP

• Mail server

• Syslog server

• FortiGuard settings (FortiManager CM database also known as CMDB)

Aside from these settings, the backup units always match the primary unit. So if the primary unit fails, a backup unit can be configured to take the place of the primary unit and continue functioning as a standalone FortiManager unit.

While the FortiManager cluster is operating, all backup units in the cluster exchange HA heartbeat packets with the primary unit so the primary unit can verify the status of the backup units and the backup units can verify the status of the primary unit. The HA heartbeat packets use TCP port 5199. HA heartbeat monitoring, as well as FortiManager database and configuration synchronization takes place using the connections between the FortiManager units in the cluster. As part of configuring the primary unit you add peer IPs and peer serial numbers of each of the backup FortiManager units in the cluster. You also add the peer IP of the primary unit and the primary unit serial number to each of the backup units.

Depending on the peer IPs that you use, you can isolate HA traffic to specific FortiManager interfaces and connect those interfaces together so they function as synchronization interfaces between the FortiManager units in the cluster. Communication between the units in the cluster must be maintained for the HA cluster to operate.

The interfaces used for HA heartbeat and synchronization communication can be connected to your network. However, if possible you should isolate HA heartbeat and synchronization packets from your network to save bandwidth.