This build string refers to the FortiGate VM64 for KVM FortiOS version 7.4.7
(Build 2731). This specific firmware release, dated January 21, 2025, is part of the mature 7.4 release branch. Deployment Summary for FortiGate VM 7.4.7 To successfully deploy this
image on a KVM hypervisor, follow these technical requirements and steps derived from the FortiOS 7.4 KVM Administration Guide KVM Deployment Guide - FortiNDR 7.4.0 - AWS
The file string fgtvm64kvmv747mbuild2731fortinetoutkvmqcow2 refers to a specific virtual appliance image for the FortiGate Next-Generation Firewall (NGFW), designed to run on KVM (Kernel-based Virtual Machine) environments. Breakdown of the Filename
Understanding each component of the name helps in identifying the exact software version and compatibility:
fgt: Stands for FortiGate, the primary product line of Fortinet. vm64: Indicates it is a 64-bit Virtual Machine image.
kvm: Specifies the target hypervisor, which is KVM (commonly used with Proxmox, Ubuntu KVM, or Red Hat Virtualization).
v747: Represents the FortiOS version (7.4.7). This is a recent release in the 7.4 release branch. fgtvm64kvmv747mbuild2731fortinetoutkvmqcow2
build2731: The specific internal build number (Build 2731) assigned by Fortinet developers for this release. fortinet: The manufacturer name.
out: Typically signifies an "output" or "official release" image from the Fortinet build system.
kvm.qcow2: The file format. QCOW2 (QEMU Copy-On-Write) is the standard disk image format for KVM/QEMU. Key Technical Details
This specific image is used to deploy a virtual firewall with the following capabilities:
Deployment: You can import this .qcow2 file directly into a KVM-based hypervisor. It is frequently used for labs, proof-of-concept (PoC) environments, or production cloud deployments where KVM is the underlying technology.
FortiOS 7.4.7 Features: Version 7.4.x introduces advanced AI-powered security services, enhanced ZTNA (Zero Trust Network Access) support, and refined SD-WAN capabilities.
Licensing: Without a valid license, FortiGate VMs typically run in Evaluation Mode. This mode usually limits the number of sessions, encryption strength, and may have a time-limited trial period (often 15–30 days) depending on the specific Fortinet agreement. How to Use This Image This build string refers to the FortiGate VM64
Download: Obtain the image from the Fortinet Support Portal under the VM Images section.
Upload: Move the .qcow2 file to your KVM host’s storage directory.
Create VM: Create a new virtual machine instance, selecting "Existing Disk" and pointing to this file.
Configuration: Ensure you map at least two network interfaces (typically port1 for WAN/Management and port2 for LAN).
The QCOW2 image alone is not fully functional for production without a valid FortiGate VM license (bring-your-own-license or PAYG). Unlicensed mode is limited to 1 Gbps, 3 VDOMs, 30 days trial.
Would you like:
build 2731?: Optimized for KVM hypervisors (e.g., Proxmox, QEMU, GNS3). : The major FortiOS version is : The specific build number released on January 21, 2025 : The standard virtual disk format used by QEMU and KVM. Core Specifications Release Date : January 21, 2025. Minimum RAM : 2 GB (required for FortiOS 7.0 and above). Trial Limitations VM doesn't boot / kernel panics: ensure image
: Since FortiOS 7.2.0, trial licenses are heavily restricted (often limited to low encryption and minimal feature sets) and are not recommended for production use. Default Credentials : None (leave blank on first login). How to Use This Image File FGT_VM64_KVM-v7.4.7.M-build2731-FORTINET.out
This file is a FortiGate Virtual Machine (VM) image designed for deployment on KVM/QEMU hypervisors. It uses the QCOW2 format, which supports snapshots, compression, and efficient storage allocation.
Important: FortiGate VM images are typically downloadable only from Fortinet’s support/customer portal and require appropriate licensing/registration.
qcow2 (QEMU Copy-On-Write v2) is the native disk image format for QEMU/KVM. It offers:
For FortiGate VM, QCOW2 allows quick cloning, rollback, and efficient storage of multiple firewall instances from a single base image.
This substring is ambiguous. It could be:
Regardless, it suggests the image came from Fortinet’s build system, possibly intended for external or partner use.