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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:
 

Customer Service

Sentiment score
5.5
D-Link Ethernet Switches are reliable, yet regional support varies, with users often relying on online resources and importers.
Sentiment score
7.8
Fortinet's FortiSwitch - Data Center customer service is highly rated, providing reliable solutions, comprehensive documentation, and high customer satisfaction.
Whenever there is an issue, the local technical team supports us, whether through physical presence or remotely.
Technical partners provide responses within a day for any technical queries.
 

Room For Improvement

Sentiment score
4.4
D-Link Ethernet Switches require upgrades for stability, security, manageability, port options, and improved pricing compared to competitors like Cisco.
Sentiment score
5.2
Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center needs better automation, integration, UI, enhanced management, improved security, and competitive pricing.
Improvements in the voltage facility, like increasing from 360 watts to 400 or 450 watts, would make them more competitive with other vendors.
Compatibility with infrastructure from other vendors like Cisco and Sophos can be further improved.
 

Scalability Issues

Sentiment score
7.2
D-Link Ethernet Switches offer flexibility and scalability for various businesses, accommodating hundreds with competitive pricing and reliable performance.
Sentiment score
8.6
Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center excels in scalability and seamless integration, praised for performance and management flexibility in enterprises.
The pricing is competitive in the market, making D-Link Ethernet switches a good option for both middle-end and high-end brands.
When used in a dedicated Fortinet infrastructure, FortiSwitch scalability is better than some other switches, like Cisco, Meraki, or Arista.
 

Setup Cost

Sentiment score
8.3
D-Link Ethernet Switches offer cost-effective, one-time purchase solutions without recurring fees, appealing to budget-conscious enterprise buyers.
No sentiment score available
Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center is seen as mid-to-high cost, affordable, offering value without hidden fees or extra licenses.
High-end switches should be slightly cheaper.
The Fortinet switches come with no additional cost as they are open source, with only hardware warranties applicable.
 

Stability Issues

Sentiment score
8.4
D-Link Ethernet Switches receive mixed stability feedback, with praise for reliability but issues like hanging, heat, and mounting options.
Sentiment score
8.3
Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center is highly stable and reliable, with minimal disruptions, earning strong user satisfaction ratings.
There are no stability issues with D-Link Ethernet switches.
 

Valuable Features

Sentiment score
8.4
D-Link Ethernet Switches offer cost-effective, energy-efficient, reliable solutions with flexible ports, comprehensive management, and strong security features.
Sentiment score
8.3
Fortinet FortiSwitch enhances network security and management with centralized integration, intuitive interfaces, SD-WAN, and cost-effective solutions.
It's especially valuable because Cisco and other products function similarly, but for smaller networks where high transfer rates aren't necessary.
This feature allows the switch's ports to be used as firewall ports, enhancing network security by enabling IPS and network profiling directly on the ports.
 

Categories and Ranking

D-Link Ethernet Switches
Ranking in Ethernet Switches
11th
Average Rating
7.8
Reviews Sentiment
7.3
Number of Reviews
27
Ranking in other categories
No ranking in other categories
Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data...
Ranking in Ethernet Switches
15th
Average Rating
8.2
Reviews Sentiment
7.6
Number of Reviews
22
Ranking in other categories
No ranking in other categories
 

Mindshare comparison

As of November 2024, in the Ethernet Switches category, the mindshare of D-Link Ethernet Switches is 6.8%, up from 5.1% compared to the previous year. The mindshare of Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center is 1.4%, up from 1.1% 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.
Muhammad Aamir Riaz - PeerSpot reviewer
Handles network connectivity between data centers and supports internet applications
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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816,406 professionals have used our research since 2012.
 

Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews
Computer Software Company
16%
Manufacturing Company
8%
Healthcare Company
8%
Comms Service Provider
8%
Computer Software Company
22%
Government
9%
Financial Services Firm
7%
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?
People do not like paying for licenses on such a device. I don't know what the tech world thinks around the world, but it's good to have a perpetual license. People like that, especially on switche...
What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center?
On a scale of one to ten, where ten is expensive, I would rate the cost as seven. The pricing and licensing specifics are handled by my networking and Alliance teams, so I do not have detailed info...
What needs improvement with Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center?
Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center could integrate AI capabilities for easier management, accessibility, and configuration, similar to what Juniper offers. Enhancing security on the firewall and th...
 

Learn More

 

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: October 2024.
816,406 professionals have used our research since 2012.