In the log forwarding architecture, which component acts as the client?

In the context of log forwarding architecture, the component that acts as the client is the FortiAnalyzer (FAZ) that forwards logs. The FortiAnalyzer functions as a centralized logging and reporting system that collects logs from various Fortinet devices, such as firewalls, and stores them for analysis and management.

When we consider the roles within the architecture, the FortiAnalyzer is responsible for requesting log data from the generating clients, such as firewalls or other security devices. It actively polls or receives these logs, acting in a client capacity as it communicates with the logging sources. The classification of the FAZ as the client is based on its function of initiating the log retrieval process, while other components like the server or clients generating logs have different roles in the overall architecture. The server, for instance, typically refers to a storage or processing entity that might aggregate or present the data after it has been collected. In contrast, the clients generating logs refer to the devices that produce logs but do not engage in the forwarding process themselves. Therefore, the position of the FortiAnalyzer as the log forwarder clearly identifies it as the client in this architecture.