Mixing a Fortigate Firewall with UniFi Switches? Let’s break down the pros and cons of this common Ubiquiti upgrade path.

I just got that new-gadget buzz. You know the feeling: the satisfying rip of a box opening, the sleek feel of new tech in your hands. For me, it was a brand-new Ubiquiti UniFi switch, ready to replace an old 10/100 Cisco unit that had served its time. The speed boost alone was worth it, but it also got me thinking seriously about my network’s future. It’s a common question for anyone starting down this road: what is the right Ubiquiti upgrade path?

That new switch integrated beautifully into my UniFi controller, giving me that clean “single pane of glass” view I love. But then, the itch started. My eyes drifted to my trusty Fortigate 500D firewall, an absolute beast doing all the heavy lifting at the edge of my network. The question popped into my head: should I go all-in and replace it with a UniFi Security Gateway (USG) to get the full ecosystem experience?

It’s a classic tech dilemma: do you stick with a powerful, specialized tool you already have, or do you dive completely into a single, unified ecosystem for the sake of convenience? Let’s break it down.

Considering Your Ubiquiti Upgrade Path: The Firewall Question

First off, let’s be clear. A Fortigate 500D is an enterprise-grade firewall. It’s designed for serious business, with deep security features and incredible throughput. It’s the kind of hardware that gives you real peace of mind. If you already have one—or something similar from another top-tier brand—you’re starting from a position of strength.

So, why would you even think about replacing it?

The answer is the allure of the ecosystem. The main selling point of the Ubiquiti UniFi system is its central management. From one dashboard, you can see your switches, access points, and yes, your gateway/firewall. You get beautiful charts, deep packet inspection (DPI) that tells you exactly where your data is going, and a seamless configuration experience. It’s clean, it’s simple, and it’s very, very tempting.

The Case for Sticking with the Fortigate

Let’s talk reality. Swapping a high-end Fortigate for an older UniFi gateway like the USG-PRO is, from a pure performance and security standpoint, a downgrade. Here’s why keeping your powerful edge device makes sense:

• Superior Security: Fortinet is a security-first company. The features for threat management, intrusion prevention, and advanced filtering on a FortiGate firewall are typically far more robust than what’s offered in an all-in-one prosumer device.
• You Already Have It: This is the big one. You don’t need to spend more money on new hardware. The best gear is often the gear you already own and know how to use.
• It Just Works: Your network is stable and secure. Why introduce a major change unless you have a compelling reason to?

The only real “con” is that your firewall management lives in a different browser tab than your UniFi controller. You lose out on some of the integrated stats, but the core functionality of your network remains unchanged and, arguably, more secure.

The UniFi Gateway and the All-in-One Dream

So, when does it make sense to go with a UniFi gateway? The Ubiquiti upgrade path that includes a UniFi gateway is perfect for a few scenarios:

• You’re Starting Fresh: If you have a basic ISP-provided router and are building a network from the ground up, jumping into the full UniFi stack makes a ton of sense. The simplicity is a massive win.
• Convenience is Your #1 Priority: For many home lab and small business users, having everything in one place outweighs the need for enterprise-level security features. The unified dashboard is just that good.
• You Want the “Full” Experience: There’s a satisfaction in seeing all your network devices light up green in one dashboard. The integrated data on traffic and clients is genuinely useful and well-presented.

But it’s about trade-offs. You trade some raw power and advanced security for unparalleled ease of use and visibility across your network. For many, that’s a trade worth making. For someone with a Fortigate already in place? I’m not so sure.

My Take: Don’t Chase the Ecosystem for Its Own Sake

After weighing the options, I’m sticking with my Fortigate.

The convenience of the UniFi gateway is undeniable, but it doesn’t solve a problem I currently have. My network is fast, stable, and incredibly secure. Sacrificing top-tier security for a prettier dashboard just doesn’t feel like the right move. The new UniFi switch is a fantastic addition, giving me the speed and local network management I wanted without forcing a compromise at the most critical point in my network—the edge.

So if you’re like me, standing at a crossroads with a new piece of UniFi gear, take a moment. Enjoy the upgrade you just made. But don’t feel pressured to buy the next piece of the puzzle unless it truly serves a purpose. Sometimes, a “mixed” network using the best tool for each job is the smartest path of all.