Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center Reviews

Name: Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center
Brand: Fortinet
Rating: 4.1 (22 reviews)

4.1 out of 5

22 reviews
100% willing to recommend

177 followers

What is Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center?

With 10 or 40 GE access ports and a high-throughput backbone, FortiSwitch Data Center Switches are ideal for the top-of-rack (ToR) server or firewall-aggregation applications. The high-speed switching fabric is also well suited for enterprise network core or backbone network installations.

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Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center is the #15 ranked solution in top Ethernet Switches. PeerSpot users give Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center an average rating of 8.2 out of 10. Based on the analysis of the 22 most recent Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center reviews, the overall sentiment is positive, with a sentiment score of 7.6. (Among the highest in the category). Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center is most commonly compared to Cisco Ethernet Switches: Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center vs Cisco Ethernet Switches. Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center is popular among the large enterprise segment, accounting for 45% of users researching this solution on PeerSpot. The top industry researching this solution are professionals from a computer software company, accounting for 22% of all views.

Buyer's Guide

Ethernet Switches

November 2024

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Featured reviews

Muhammad Aamir Riaz

Senior Manager Security Operation Center at The Bank of Punjab

Thanks to the availability of a graphical user interface, installing the switches is not complicated, and configuring them is easier. The time required for deployment depends on the specifics of your project. Setting up a new data centre will generally take less time than migrating from other hardware. Migrating involves replicating the configuration of your existing environment, which can extend the time needed. To deploy the solution, you typically need support from a Fortinet engineer. Additionally, depending on your data centre, you might need about two to three other personnel.

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Ayush Jha

Technology Consultant at Cloudfence Technologies

The main benefit of Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center is that it is cost-effective for customers with a minimum budget. It allows us to manage all necessary services, such as data centers, networking, and cybersecurity. The device is easy to configure and use. Additionally, it provides efficient alert functions and automatic adjustments to ensure peak performance.

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JunedhRehman

Network Infrastructure Engineer at Softrobotics

Our primary use case for this solution is facilitating internal networking within our environment. It helps us manage numerous clients within our data center. Specifically, we utilize VLANs to establish and maintain the network infrastructure The platform's most valuable feature is the intuitive…

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Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center mindshare

As of November 2024, the mindshare of Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center in the Ethernet Switches category stands at 1.4%, up from 1.1% compared to the previous year, according to calculations based on PeerSpot user engagement data.

Ethernet Switches

Key learnings from peers

Last updated Nov 8, 2024

Valuable Features

Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center offers seamless integration with FortiGate, enabling centralized management and enhanced network visibility. Users benefit from easy configuration and robust security features like port analytics and SD-WAN. The graphical user interface simplifies VLAN settings. FortiSwitch supports management integrity through FortiLink, allowing efficient networking and security management from a central point. The platform is budget-friendly, providing cost-effective solutions for data centers while ensuring efficient monitoring and performance optimization.

"When configuring FortiSwitch with a FortiGate firewall, I can consider all FortiSwitch's ports as a part of the FortiGate firewall."
"Using Fortinet's whole range, including FortiSwitches, is cost-effective compared to Cisco and beneficial for network security."
"It allows us to manage all necessary services, such as data centers, networking, and cybersecurity."

Room for Improvement

Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center requires enhancements in automation for vulnerability patching, UI improvement, and routing security. Certifications can be complex and costly. The management interface should be more intuitive with less latency. More extensive QSFP support and better integration with wireless products and third-party infrastructure are needed. Users desire a unified interface and improved management capabilities. Pricing could be more competitive, and AI integration is suggested for easier configuration and management.

"Compatibility with infrastructure from other vendors like Cisco and Sophos can be further improved."
"Compatibility with infrastructure from other vendors like Cisco and Sophos can be further improved."
"Enhancing security on the firewall and the switches, as well as focusing on price segment issues, would make it a better solution for the future."

ROI

Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center provides ROI in the short term and is more cost-effective compared to Cisco, especially with integrated Fortinet wireless solutions. However, Cisco offers better long-term ROI due to faster replacement processes. The ROI also varies depending on budget, with higher budgets possibly opting for more advanced options. Fortinet is easy to configure and use, appealing to those seeking affordability.

Pricing

Users report that Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center pricing is generally less expensive than Cisco with affordable options for price-sensitive accounts, yet some find it high. Licensing is not typically required when used with FortiGate, but a yearly fee exists for some. On an affordability scale of one to ten, ratings vary between three and seven. While some find it mid-range, others see it as expensive, though it is acknowledged for its price deserving.

"The tool's pricing is lower than Cisco's."
"The product has a mid-range price."
"We pay a yearly licensing fee for the solution, which is expensive."

Popular Use Cases

Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center is primarily used for managing traffic between virtual machines and physical hosts in multiple data centers. Companies use it to support high throughput and enable high availability services, network segregation, and management. It integrates within Fortinet Security Fabric alongside firewall and Wi-Fi devices, offering SD-WAN features. Organizations across various industries deploy it to maintain network infrastructure using VLANs, supporting applications and managing numerous clients within their data environments.

Service and Support

Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center has highly rated customer service and support. Technical support is responsive and generally effective, with solutions usually found, earning ratings up to nine or ten. While dependability can slightly vary based on the technician, most contacts experience prompt, helpful service. Users frequently interact with technical support for both pre and post-implementation issues, often finding the resources and documentation straightforward. Involvement from distributors and partners ensures timely responses to technical inquiries.

Deployment

Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center's initial setup is straightforward and simple, especially for those with FortiGate, due to seamless integration. Documentation aids in configuration. While it may take a few hours and requires regional adjustments, the process benefits from a graphical interface. Although initial setups may encounter minor issues, they are typically resolved with some time. Deployment often involves Fortinet engineers and additional personnel, rated positively for ease and efficiency.

Scalability

Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center is highly scalable, suitable for various organizational sizes, and supports multiple users with ease. Users commend its ability to integrate switches seamlessly and handle substantial traffic without degradation. Its modular architecture allows easy expansion and unification under FortiGate for cost efficiency. It scores well in scalability compared to competitors like Cisco and Meraki. Users appreciate its support for extensive networks and adaptable implementation tailored to specific requirements.

Stability

Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center displays commendable stability, consistently earning high ratings for reliability, such as eight or ten out of ten. Users highlight the absence of significant disruptions, bugs, or crashes. Though troubleshooting may pose some difficulties, multiple deployments underscore robust performance. Occasional stability concerns such as firewall issues within six months to a year are noted, yet positive experiences dominate feedback. FortiSwitch maintains a strong reputation over extended usage periods.

These insights are based on the in-depth reviews provided by peers to help you make a better buying decision.

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