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Extreme VDX [EOL] vs Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center comparison

Extreme and Fortinet are both solutions in the Ethernet Switches category. Additionally, 100% of Extreme users are willing to recommend the solution, compared to 100% of Fortinet users who would recommend it.
Extreme VDX [EOL]
Read 3 Extreme VDX [EOL] reviews
    100% willing to recommend
    Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data...
    Read 23 Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center reviews
    • 1,704 Views
    • 1,260 Comparison Views
    100% willing to recommend
     

    Comparison Buyer's Guide

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    Executive Summary
    We performed a comparison between Extreme VDX [EOL] and Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center based on real PeerSpot user reviews.

    Find out what your peers are saying about Cisco, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, Ubiquiti Networks and others in Ethernet Switches.

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    Ethernet Switches
    February 2025
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    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

    Extreme VDX [EOL]
    Average Rating
    8.6
    Reviews Sentiment
    7.5
    Number of Reviews
    3
    Ranking in other categories
    No ranking in other categories
    Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data...
    Average Rating
    8.2
    Reviews Sentiment
    7.4
    Number of Reviews
    23
    Ranking in other categories
    Ethernet Switches (15th)
     

    Featured Reviews

    Osama Ahmed LUBBAD - PeerSpot reviewer
    A stable, scalable, and problem-free solution
    Software needs to be updated regularly in order to maintain security and performance. However, in some cases, it is necessary to stack switches in order to meet the needs of the network. Although Cisco switches are able to stack, other switches are not as simple to stack. I would like the ability to stack with different switch brands.
    Read full review
    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.
    Read full review

    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 of Extreme VDX is that we have had no problems and the solution's performance is excellent."
    "The fabric of the solution and the management aspect are the solution's most valuable features."
    "Its simplicity and web interface were most valuable. I also liked the two-factor authentication."
    "The single pane of glass that helps us manage everything through FortiManager is the most important feature."
    "Configurations between FortiGate and FortiSwitch have to link to each other. We need configuration. The configuration is not like a Cisco switch. It has a unique configuration."
    "I have found the solution to be scalable."
    "FortiSwitch Data Center allows for centralized management of both Fortinet switches and firewalls from a single interface."
    "It integrates well."
    "The solution has made configuration and setup very, very easy."
    "I like the solution's technical support. I rate the technical support a ten out of ten."
    "When configuring FortiSwitch with a FortiGate firewall, I can consider all FortiSwitch's ports as a part of the FortiGate firewall."
    More Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center pros
     

    Cons

    "The only problem is that at the moment it's an Extreme product and Extreme is not really pushing it. They have to make up for weak innovation and I'm not sure if they want to do that."
    "Its scalability can be better. If possible, it can have Hyper POE. I am not sure if there is a fiber version."
    "I would like the ability to stack with different switch brands."
    "Routing is an area in Fortinet FortiSwitch with certain shortcomings where improvements are needed."
    "The solution can improve by upgrading QSFP+, it is very limited and must be supported more than it is now. If we need FortiSwitches to support all the QSFP ports our budgets would have to be very large."
    "We need to understand a bit more about certifications and knowledge for understanding capabilities. The solution should make that more clear to its users."
    "Does not have as many features as other solutions, such as segmentation and analytics engines."
    "Fortinet could have the ability to authenticate users like Aruba offers because managing ten or twelve SSIDs for different clients is complicated."
    "FortiSwitch should improve the FortiGate map. The diagram cannot move automatically to show the switch. The map does not map the physical location. It cannot move or touch the diagram."
    "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."
    "The stability of the solution is impacted when integrating parts from different vendors such as Cisco, which can lead to performance problems and disconnections."
    More Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center cons
     

    Pricing and Cost Advice

    "It was around $1500 a year. It is cheaper than Cisco but more expensive than Ruckus."
    "The product has a mid-range price."
    "The tool's pricing is lower than Cisco's."
    "The solution is not expensive."
    "Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center is expensive."
    "It is reasonably priced."
    "Cost-wise, Fortinet solutions are cheaper than those offered by Cisco."
    "The product is less expensive than one of its competitors."
    "We pay a yearly licensing fee for the solution, which is expensive."
    More Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center pricing and cost advice
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    Top Industries

    By visitors reading reviews
    No data available
    Computer Software Company
    19%
    Government
    9%
    Financial Services Firm
    8%
    Comms Service Provider
    6%
     

    Company Size

    By reviewers
    Large Enterprise
    Midsize Enterprise
    Small Business
    No data available
     

    Questions from the Community

    Ask a question
    Earn 20 points
    What do you like most about Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center?
    The initial setup was simple.
    See all answers
    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.
    See all answers
    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.
    See all answers
     

    Comparisons

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    Product Reports

    Buyer's Guide
    Ethernet Switches
    February 2025
    Extreme VDX [EOL] reportDownload Extreme VDX [EOL] product report
    Buyer's Guide
    Ethernet Switches
    February 2025
    Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center reportDownload Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center product report
     

    Also Known As

    VDX, Brocade VDX
    No data available
     

    Overview

    Brocade VDX Switches support Layer 2 and Layer 3 fabrics with open standards and extensive scalability to deliver high performance, capacity, and reliability for data center spine and leaf deployments. It includes the following products: Brocade VDX 6740 SWITCHES, Brocade VDX 6940 SWITCH and Brocade VDX 8770 SWITCH.
    Extreme

    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.

    Fortinet
     

    Sample Customers

    Niagra Falls Bridge Commission, Medien System Partner, CDE Lightband, MaximumASP
    Black Gold Regional Schools, Amadeus Hospitality, Jefferson County, Chunghwa Telecom, City of Boroondara, Dimension Data
    Buyer's Guide
    Ethernet Switches
    February 2025
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