Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center Reviews

Name: Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center
Brand: Fortinet
Rating: 4.1 (23 reviews)

4.1 out of 5

23 reviews
100% willing to recommend

178 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 23 most recent Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center reviews, the overall sentiment is positive, with a sentiment score of 7.4. 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 21% of all views.

Buyer's Guide

Ethernet Switches

December 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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Rias Majeed

CTO at Exceed NetSec LLC

FortiSwitch Data Center allows for centralized management of both Fortinet switches and firewalls from a single interface. This integration makes network management streamlined and secure. Additionally, the controllers are built into the firewall, which enables easy management of traffic and enhances security. Unlike some solutions, a Fortinet firewall is not just a firewall; it also acts as a full-fledged router.

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Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center mindshare

As of December 2024, the mindshare of Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center in the Ethernet Switches category stands at 1.5%, up from 1.0% compared to the previous year, according to calculations based on PeerSpot user engagement data.

Ethernet Switches

Key learnings from peers

Last updated Nov 25, 2024

Valuable Features

Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center is highly valued for its seamless integration with FortiGate, enhancing visibility and management through a central interface. Key features include intuitive port analytics, streamlined network management, easy configuration, and robust security capabilities like IPS and traffic control. It offers flexibility through remote access, cost-effectiveness for budget-conscious users, and a user-friendly interface. Its ability to act as both a switch and firewall enhances security and simplifies network management.

"FortiSwitch Data Center allows for centralized management of both Fortinet switches and firewalls from a single interface."
"FortiSwitch Data Center allows for centralized management of both Fortinet switches and firewalls from a single interface."
"When configuring FortiSwitch with a FortiGate firewall, I can consider all FortiSwitch's ports as a part of the FortiGate firewall."

Room for Improvement

Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center needs improved automation for patching vulnerabilities, better integration with third-party solutions, enhanced UI, and faster management response times. Users find the interface complex and managing multiple SSIDs challenging. Enhancing compatibility with other vendors and adding AI capabilities could improve usability. Pricing concerns and certification requirements are also noted. Improved firewall security and clearer user instructions for certifications and capabilities are suggested. Porting software options for easier deployment and enhanced wireless product integration are needed.

"The stability of the solution is impacted when integrating parts from different vendors such as Cisco, which can lead to performance problems and disconnections."
"There is room to improve the integration between FortiSwitch and other third-party solutions, as challenges arise when integrating with different vendors."
"Compatibility with infrastructure from other vendors like Cisco and Sophos can be further improved."

ROI

Users noted experiencing ROI from Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center. Short term returns for Cisco and Fortinet were seen as comparable, but Cisco was preferred long-term due to faster replacement services. ROI is influenced by budget constraints, with Fortinet being cost-effective and easy to configure. Fortinet infrastructure integration with switches is more affordable than Cisco, particularly with Fortinet wireless solutions, leading users to value its economic efficiency.

Pricing

Enterprise buyers evaluating Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center find it competitively priced, often less costly than Cisco. Opinions on affordability vary, with some users finding the pricing high and others considering it reasonable or mid-range. Licensing is sometimes included with hardware, but some report yearly licensing fees as expensive. Discounts may be available, enhancing its appeal for price-sensitive accounts. Users appreciate no additional costs except for occasional hardware warranties.

"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

Primary usage of Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center spans traffic management between virtual machines and physical hosts in several data centers. Deployed for network integration, it supports high throughput and assists in network segregation and management. Utilized extensively within Fortinet Security Fabric, it enhances internal networking and SD-WAN features. Organizations employ it for managing connectivity, network infrastructure via VLANs, and integrating with Fortinet firewall systems. It's favored for its ease of management and robust capabilities.

Service and Support

Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center customer service is rated highly. Users appreciate the reliability and effective problem-solving. While some experience delays, support is mostly responsive and dependable. Satisfaction is noted in both pre and post-implementation support. Experience can vary based on the technician, but users find the support comprehensive and aided by strong documentation. Responses are often provided within a day, and support involves distributors and channel partners, contributing to a positive perception.

Deployment

Implementation of Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center is straightforward and simple, especially with existing FortiGate integration, allowing seamless management through a single interface. Initial setup is easy, often taking one to four hours, aided by extensive documentation. Some complexities arise during regional configuration. Ease of deployment is generally rated highly, though isolated challenges can occur, such as bugs. Graphical user interface support simplifies installation, which often involves several personnel, especially when setting up a new data center.

Scalability

Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center is highly scalable, serving various organization sizes from small to enterprise-level with thousands of users. It efficiently handles multiple switches, simplifying network configurations and integration. Users appreciate its ability to adapt to specific requirements while maintaining performance. Transition capabilities from gigabit to higher speeds are well-regarded. Despite some remarks on SPF model compatibility, it rates highly in scalability, outperforming competitors like Cisco, Meraki, and Arista in dedicated infrastructures.

Stability

Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center exhibits excellent stability, with users reporting minimal issues. Most rate it high for stability, with consistent performance and reliability. A few note challenges during troubleshooting or when integrating with parts from other vendors. Some encountered isolated issues within six months to a year, such as firewall problems and IP down. Even so, its reputation for stability remains strong with high user satisfaction.

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

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