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Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center vs Huawei Ethernet Switches 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

Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data...
Ranking in Ethernet Switches
15th
Average Rating
8.2
Reviews Sentiment
7.4
Number of Reviews
24
Ranking in other categories
No ranking in other categories
Huawei Ethernet Switches
Ranking in Ethernet Switches
14th
Average Rating
7.6
Reviews Sentiment
7.0
Number of Reviews
60
Ranking in other categories
No ranking in other categories
 

Mindshare comparison

As of April 2025, in the Ethernet Switches category, the mindshare of Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center is 1.7%, up from 1.1% compared to the previous year. The mindshare of Huawei Ethernet Switches is 3.1%, up from 2.4% compared to the previous year. It is calculated based on PeerSpot user engagement data.
Ethernet Switches
 

Featured Reviews

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.
Mr. Qalat Khan - PeerSpot reviewer
The solution is power efficient, stable, and provides free-of-cost batch upgrades
The solution can improve by adding virtualized switch functionality. Huawei mentioned virtual switches in one of the product sheets, but when we got to the deployment phase, it turned out that they didn't actually include virtual switching functionality. Other than that, the switch and network are performing well and meeting our requirements.

Quotes from Members

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

Pros

"The product's most valuable feature is its ability to manage switches from one central point."
"FortiSwitch Data Center allows for centralized management of both Fortinet switches and firewalls from a single interface."
"It allows us to manage all necessary services, such as data centers, networking, and cybersecurity."
"SD-WAN and the security fabric are essential features of the product."
"It integrates well."
"It is very stable."
"An affordable and stable solution for small-medium companies."
"All the features are necessary, like tracking evidence and IPS. However, I appreciate the ability to connect the logs and the dashboard functionality."
"It is pretty straightforward to set up."
"The solution is easy to set up."
"They last quite a while."
"The initial setup is straightforward."
"Easy to use, flexible, stable, and offers great performance."
"Pricing-wise, Huawei is quite good."
"The solution is very flexible with many different options."
"So far, so good when it comes to stability."
 

Cons

"The solution’s pricing could be improved."
"Routing is an area in Fortinet FortiSwitch with certain shortcomings where improvements are needed."
"Managing the VLANs is an area where the solution lacks and needs to improve."
"There could be more porting software options for easy deployment in the product."
"Cisco is better in terms of price, scalability, and ease of management. Regarding resources, they are available in Pakistan to manage these systems."
"When there are many switches being used, the speed declines noticeably."
"The FortiSwitch product was initially quite complex."
"Fortinet could have the ability to authenticate users like Aruba offers because managing ten or twelve SSIDs for different clients is complicated."
"The only thing that could be better is the security module."
"It’s hard to get technical support."
"The interoperability of the devices, in general, on the Huawei switches is not good and is known to be not good. Maybe they can improve this a bit."
"Huawei Ethernet Switches have not automated its firmware."
"The performance has been slow at times."
"Huawei should focus more on security. They need more products on the security side to improve the security portion."
"The solution needs to provide GUI commands."
"The configuration is very difficult even for someone who is already familiar with the configuration process."
 

Pricing and Cost Advice

"Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center is expensive."
"The solution is not expensive."
"The product is less expensive than one of its competitors."
"The product has a mid-range price."
"The tool's pricing is lower than Cisco's."
"It is reasonably priced."
"This solution is expensive but it does not require a license."
"Cost-wise, Fortinet solutions are cheaper than those offered by Cisco."
"The pricing is good. Still, I can choose a cheaper solution that offers a good value."
"The price is one of the only issues I have regarding this solution."
"Huawei has the same licensing model as Cisco, so both are working on the subscription model."
"The price of Huawei ethernet switches is cheap."
"The switch came as part of a package bundle that includes internet service."
"Huawei comes with a lot of features out of the box that you have to pay extra for with other products. They do charge extra in the licensing for certain additional features."
"Huawei provides much better performance for the same price, even when taking into account very aggressive commercial policies."
"This is an affordable solution."
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Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews
Computer Software Company
19%
Government
10%
Financial Services Firm
9%
Retailer
6%
Computer Software Company
16%
Financial Services Firm
13%
Government
6%
Comms Service Provider
6%
 

Company Size

By reviewers
Large Enterprise
Midsize Enterprise
Small Business
 

Questions from the Community

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?
There is room for improvement in customer support and device speed. Sometimes, customer support does not provide prompt assistance, leaving projects hanging. Additionally, improving the speed of th...
What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for Huawei Ethernet Switches?
Huawei Ethernet Switches offer very competitive and aggressive product pricing compared to other brands.
What needs improvement with Huawei Ethernet Switches?
Huawei should focus more on security. They need more products on the security side to improve the security portion.
 

Overview

 

Sample Customers

Black Gold Regional Schools, Amadeus Hospitality, Jefferson County, Chunghwa Telecom, City of Boroondara, Dimension Data
Newcastle University, Jingyang District of Deyang City in Sichuan Province, Southwest China, Glasgow Rangers Soccer Team, RMIT, Insurance Industry Association of Zhejiang Province, China, APT Satellite Holdings Limited (APT)
Find out what your peers are saying about Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center vs. Huawei Ethernet Switches and other solutions. Updated: March 2025.
845,040 professionals have used our research since 2012.