SANTA CLARA - Fortinet is getting ready to ship a beefed-up version of its security platform that would let service providers protect their networks and offer security services to customers.

Called FortiGate 3600, the new hardware platform is one-third faster than its previous top-shelf box, the FortiGate 3000, with a potential firewall throughput of 4G bit/sec if no other security applications are running at the same time. The top speed for FortiGate 3000 was 3G bit/sec. The new gear comes with firewall, VPN, antivirus, content filtering and intrusion-detection software installed.

Fortinet says the device can perform virus screening at more than 100M bit/sec, but the exact speed depends on the mix of traffic types on the wire. Some traffic, such as HTTP, is easier to screen than others, such as executable files, the company says.

The equipment could be placed in service provider networks to perform two functions.

First, it could be placed at peering points with other provider networks to screen traffic before it enters, reducing the threat of intercarrier infection by viruses and worms.