What value is used to select a new primary device during a FortiAnalyzer HA failure?

In the context of FortiAnalyzer high availability (HA) configurations, the primary device is determined based on its ability to take over responsibilities when there is a failure or issue with the current primary unit. The criteria for selecting a new primary device is influenced by its IP address.

During a failover, the FortiAnalyzer units utilize the existing network configuration, including the IP address, to ensure seamless transition and continuous service to the clients. The IP address serves as a unique identifier on the network and allows for proper routing of data to the new primary device, therefore maintaining operations without requiring significant reconfiguration on the network side.

The other criteria such as the serial number, MAC address, and hostname do not play the same crucial role in the context of HA failover. While they are important identifiers for devices, the immediate and practical routing and functionality in the context of a network environment is directly tied to the IP address. This ensures that the new primary device can immediately begin to handle traffic and operations without interruption.