Cisco Ethernet Switches and Fortinet FortiSwitch compete in the network switch category, with Cisco having an edge due to advanced networking capabilities such as IP routing and high availability.
Features: Cisco Ethernet Switches offer advanced IP routing, QoS, and PoE, making them versatile for both core and expanded network deployments. Security and efficiency are enhanced by VLAN, MACSec, and StackPower technologies. Fortinet FortiSwitch provides integrated security features and easy management through FortiGate, along with a user-friendly interface and robust network management capabilities.
Room for Improvement: Cisco faces high pricing and setup complexity requiring skilled professionals, as well as challenges with third-party module integration and licensing complexities. Fortinet FortiSwitch could improve its pricing strategy to compete better with Cisco and HP and enhance standalone management capabilities without FortiGate for more flexible network solutions.
Ease of Deployment and Customer Service: Cisco supports on-premises and hybrid cloud setups but requires expertise for complex environments. Customer and technical support are well-regarded, but experiences vary regionally. Fortinet FortiSwitch is easy to deploy under FortiGate management, with satisfactory technical support that could benefit from quicker response times.
Pricing and ROI: Cisco Ethernet Switches are more expensive but offer high quality and longevity, providing excellent ROI for long-term commitments. Licensing adds to costs, affecting appeal for smaller businesses. Fortinet FortiSwitch is a cost-effective solution with straightforward licensing, leading to positive ROI through efficient management and integration with Fortinet products.
Fortinet FortiSwitch Secure Access is a secure, high-performance, and easy-to-manage switch. Fortinet FortiSwitch is the best solution for threat-conscious enterprises of all sizes because it is secure, simple, and scalable. Secure Access, which is tightly integrated into the Fortinet Security Fabric via FortiLink, may be handled directly from the FortiGate interface.
Regardless of how people and devices connect to the network, this single-pane-of-glass administration provides total visibility and control. This makes the Fortinet FortiSwitch perfect for SD-Branch and campus deployments, allowing enterprises to combine their security and network access with applications ranging from desktop to data center aggregation. Fortinet FortiSwitch's Secure Access is the most adaptable security platform with end-to-end protection in the industry.
Switches for Secure Access: Small to medium-sized businesses, scattered organizations, branch offices, and industrial control systems can all benefit.
Switches for Data Centers: Ideal for users requiring high-performance 10 GE or 40 GE.
Fortinet FortiSwitch Secure Access Features
Fortinet FortiSwitch has many valuable key features. Some of the most useful ones include:
Fortinet FortiSwitch Secure Access Benefits
There are many benefits to implementing Fortinet FortiSwitch. Some of the biggest advantages the solution offers include:
Reviews from Real Users
Fortinet FortiSwitch stands out among its competitors for a number of reasons. Two major ones are its stability and its VLAN setup. PeerSpot users take note of the advantages of these features in their reviews:
Rutul S., CXO at Aariha Enterprise Private Limited, writes of the product, “The most valuable feature is the SD-WAN support. This device is easy to use.” He adds, “Stability-wise, this product is better than others that are on the market.”
Emil V., System Consultant at I team, notes, “I like the VLAN setup of Fortinet FortiSwitch - Secure Access. Fortinet FortiSwitch - Secure Access has very good scalability.” He adds, “Fortinet FortiSwitch - Secure Access is easy to set up. It only takes minutes to deploy this product, because it is mostly boxes.”
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