FortiGate Administration Guide - FirewallShop.com

IM, P2P & VoIP
Overview
IM, P2P & VoIP
The IM, P2P & VoIP menu provides IM user management tools and statistics for
network IM, P2P, and VoIP usage. IM, P2P, and VoIP protocols must be enabled
in the active protection profile for the settings in this section to have any effect.
This section describes:
• Overview
• Configuring IM/P2P protocols
• Statistics
• User
Overview
Instant Messenger (IM), Peer to Peer (P2P), and Voice over Internet Protocol
(VoIP) protocols are gaining in popularity as an essential way to communicate
between two or more individuals in real time. Some companies even rely on IM
protocols for critical business applications such as Customer/Technical Support.
The most common IM protocols in use today include AOL Instant Messenger,
Yahoo Instant Messenger, MSN messenger, and ICQ. Although these are the
most common currently in use, there are always new protocols being developed
as well as newer versions of older ones.
P2P protocols are most commonly used to transfer files from one user to another
and can use large amounts of bandwidth.
VoIP is increasingly being used by businesses to cut down on the cost of long
distance voice communications.
Some organizations need to control or limit the use of IM/P2P and VoIP protocols
in order to more effectively manage bandwidth use.
With FortiOS firmware, you can control and monitor the usage of IM/P2P
applications and VoIP protocols.
FortiOS supports two VoIP protocols: Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) and Skinny
Client Control Protocol (SCCP).
Fortinet Inc. recognizes that IM/P2P applications are becoming part of doing
business but also, if abused, can seriously decrease productivity and network
performance.
FortiGate systems allow you to set up user lists that either allow or block the use
of applications, to determine which applications are allowed and how much
bandwidth can be used by the applications.
By combining comprehensive protection policies and easy-to-view statistical
reports, you can see which applications are being used and for what purpose,
making it easy to control IM/P2P applications and to maximize productivity.
FortiGate Version 3.0 MR5 Administration Guide
01-30005-0203-20070830 459