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D-Link Ethernet Switches vs Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center comparison

 

Comparison Buyer's Guide

Executive SummaryUpdated on Nov 3, 2024

Review summaries and opinions

We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use. Here are some excerpts of what they said:
 

Categories and Ranking

D-Link Ethernet Switches
Ranking in Ethernet Switches
12th
Average Rating
7.8
Reviews Sentiment
7.4
Number of Reviews
28
Ranking in other categories
No ranking in other categories
Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data...
Ranking in Ethernet Switches
15th
Average Rating
8.2
Reviews Sentiment
7.4
Number of Reviews
23
Ranking in other categories
No ranking in other categories
 

Mindshare comparison

As of March 2025, in the Ethernet Switches category, the mindshare of D-Link Ethernet Switches is 6.2%, up from 5.1% compared to the previous year. The mindshare of Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center is 1.7%, up from 1.0% compared to the previous year. It is calculated based on PeerSpot user engagement data.
Ethernet Switches
 

Featured Reviews

MichaelNdwiga - PeerSpot reviewer
Enhanced network efficiency through features and demonstrate minimal downtime
One of the issues is the range of their products. They need to increase it. For example, if I want a 12-port switch that is fully managed, it's not easy to find. So, I have to opt for a 24-port switch that is fully managed, which might not be necessary as I only need 12 ports. So if they could increase the range of the switches in regards to the features, and the number of ports, that would be beneficial. So, that's the only potential improvement. The switches are perfect otherwise. Ideally, I'd like to see a central management system included as part of their license, not as a separate purchase. Currently, we have to manage switches independently. A central portal for managing all switches and providing visibility would be great.
Rias Majeed - PeerSpot reviewer
Enables easy management of traffic and enhances security
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.

Quotes from Members

We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use. Here are some excerpts of what they said:
 

Pros

"The most valuable feature is VLAN."
"The main selling point for me was the pricing. Moreover, the performance is good. I haven't had any issues so far."
"The product is simple to manage."
"It is very stable and reliable."
"D-Link has a graphical interface that is easy to use. It is simple enough that our junior technicians can configure the switches."
"The solution is easy to use."
"The initial setup is straightforward."
"There are no stability issues with D-Link Ethernet switches."
"I like the solution's technical support. I rate the technical support a ten out of ten."
"Based on my use cases, Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center was a great product that was easy to manage and work with while being a powerful tool."
"It is very stable."
"Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center's scalability is good."
"FortiSwitch Data Center allows for centralized management of both Fortinet switches and firewalls from a single interface."
"The initial setup was simple."
"Using Fortinet's whole range, including FortiSwitches, is cost-effective compared to Cisco and beneficial for network security."
"The product is stable."
 

Cons

"There is room for improvement in terms of stability."
"The solution needs to improve layer 2 switches."
"The technical support needs a lot of improvement."
"They need to have some more high-end switches."
"It could be easier to scale on managed devices."
"This solution is not good for distribution at the core."
"For high-end switches, the price could be 5% to 10% cheaper. Improvements in the voltage facility, like increasing from 360 watts to 400 or 450 watts, would make them more competitive with other vendors."
"For high-end switches, the price could be 5% to 10% cheaper."
"They could improve availability and security by detecting and preventing switch attacks."
"The solution could always benefit from more security. It's of critical importance to organizations right now."
"Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center needs to improve its UI and stability."
"Compatibility with infrastructure from other vendors like Cisco and Sophos can be further improved."
"Does not have as many features as other solutions, such as segmentation and analytics engines."
"Managing the VLANs is an area where the solution lacks and needs to improve."
"Before using FortiSwitch, you need several certifications."
"The stability of the solution is impacted when integrating parts from different vendors such as Cisco, which can lead to performance problems and disconnections."
 

Pricing and Cost Advice

"These units vary in price from $200 to one thousand dollars. They're available for a one-time purchase."
"D-Link Ethernet Switches' price is good."
"The D-Link Switches are cheaper than Cisco."
"The solution's pricing is reasonable."
"The price of D-Link Ethernet Switches is in the 4,000 to 5,000 rupees or 65 to 100 USD range. The price of the solution is not expensive."
"D-Link Ethernet Switches are cheap products for homes and small offices."
"They were cheap. We were not paying for any license."
"This product is very affordable, especially compared to Cisco."
"Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center is expensive."
"Cost-wise, Fortinet solutions are cheaper than those offered by Cisco."
"It is reasonably priced."
"This solution is expensive but it does not require a license."
"The solution's pricing is a little high. The solution deserves the current price it receives from its users."
"The product has a mid-range price."
"The solution is not expensive."
"We pay a yearly licensing fee for the solution, which is expensive."
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Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews
Computer Software Company
16%
Healthcare Company
9%
Comms Service Provider
9%
Manufacturing Company
8%
Computer Software Company
19%
Government
9%
Financial Services Firm
8%
Comms Service Provider
6%
 

Company Size

By reviewers
Large Enterprise
Midsize Enterprise
Small Business
 

Questions from the Community

Would you recommend replacing a Cisco Catalyst Switch by a D-link one?
Hello Mesfin It depends on the real scenario, the cisco 2960 is a very good device and they usually have routing functions but there are many different models within the same 2960 line, and on the ...
What do you like most about D-Link Ethernet Switches?
D-Link has a good VPN feature and quality of service.
What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for D-Link Ethernet Switches?
The pricing of D-Link Ethernet Switches is cost-effective. For small data centers, it is good to have D-Link switches as the cost is less compared to other features.
What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center?
The Fortinet switches come with no additional cost as they are open source, with only hardware warranties applicable.
What needs improvement with Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center?
Compatibility with infrastructure from other vendors like Cisco and Sophos can be further improved. Sometimes there are bugs when integrating with Sophos and other products.
 

Overview

 

Sample Customers

George Mason University, Somerville House, Hiperwall, New Brunswick School District 16, The Fulcrum Group, Bremond Independent School District, University of Texas Health Science Center, Grand Canyon Skywalk, SUN Area Career & Technology Center, Abington Senior High School
Black Gold Regional Schools, Amadeus Hospitality, Jefferson County, Chunghwa Telecom, City of Boroondara, Dimension Data
Find out what your peers are saying about D-Link Ethernet Switches vs. Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center and other solutions. Updated: March 2025.
839,319 professionals have used our research since 2012.