Pag 232, FortiSwitch_7.2_Study_Guide-Online "However, if you want to authenticate each device behind a port, and optionally, grant each device a different access level based on the credentials provided, then MAC-based is required."

The MAC address "00:50:56:96:e3:fc" appearing in two different VLANs (4089 and 4094) in the diagnostic output indicates it is a MAC address associated with a device that supports traffic from multiple VLANs. Such a behavior is typical of network infrastructure devices like switches or routers, which are configured to allow traffic from various VLANsto pass through a single physical or logical interface. This is essential in network designs that utilize VLANs to segregate network traffic for different departments or use cases while using the same physical infrastructure.

References:

For more detailed information on MAC table diagnostics and VLAN configurations in FortiGate devices, refer to the official Fortinet documentation:Fortinet Product Documentation.

FortiGate's multi-tenancy feature, specifically Virtual Domains (VDOMs), is the most appropriate tool for segmenting network operations and the administration of managed FortiSwitch devices on FortiGate. Here's why:

VDOMs as Virtual Firewalls:VDOMs function as independent virtual firewalls within a single FortiGate device. Each VDOM can have its own:

Security policies

Interfaces (Including FortiLink interfaces for FortiSwitch management)

Routing table

Administrative access

Segmenting Network Operations:By assigning different FortiSwitch devices (or groups of ports) to separate VDOMs, you effectively partition your network. Network administrators can manage specific FortiSwitches through their assigned VDOMs, maintaining operational isolation.

Enhanced Administration:VDOMs offer granular administrative control. Different administrators can be assigned to specific VDOMs, limiting their management scope and reducing the risk of accidental configuration changes.

Why Other Options Are Less Suitable:

B. Multi-chassis link aggregation trunk:This focuses on link redundancy and bandwidth aggregation, not network segmentation.

C. FortiGate clustering protocol:This is aimed at high availability and scalability of the firewall functions themselves, not the management of switches.

D. FortiLink split interface:This allows dividing a FortiLink interface on the FortiGate for managing multiple FortiSwitches, but it doesn't provide the true segmentation and administrative isolation that VDOMs offer.

References:

Fortinet Document Library - VDOMs:[invalid URL removed]

Fortinet Document Library - FortiSwitch Multi-tenancy (using VDOMS):https://docs.fortinet.com/document/fortiswitch/7.4.2/fortilink-guide/801172/multitenancy-and-vdoms