Which component of FortiOS performs application control inspection?

The kernel is the core operating system of FortiOS and handles fundamental system tasks, but not specialized application-layer inspection.

The antivirus engine's primary function is to detect and block malware and viruses, not to identify and control general application traffic.

The IPS (Intrusion Prevention System) engine focuses on detecting and preventing network-based attacks and exploits, which is distinct from general application identification and control.

FortiOS utilizes a dedicated application control engine that uses FortiGuard signatures to accurately identify applications and enforce granular control policies based on application-layer traffic.