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Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center vs MikroTik Cloud Router Switch 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
23
Ranking in other categories
No ranking in other categories
MikroTik Cloud Router Switch
Ranking in Ethernet Switches
21st
Average Rating
8.0
Reviews Sentiment
6.8
Number of Reviews
20
Ranking in other categories
Routers (5th)
 

Mindshare comparison

As of February 2025, in the Ethernet Switches category, the mindshare of Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center is 1.6%, up from 1.0% compared to the previous year. The mindshare of MikroTik Cloud Router Switch is 1.2%, down from 1.3% 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.
Josephat Magesa - PeerSpot reviewer
Easy to set up, user-friendly, and reliable
I'm also familiar with Cisco which I used at another company. Cisco is a little bit expensive to acquire. With MikroTik, came with the same solution and you can use so many features. In MikroTik, you can use maybe two routers or one router to cover all your requirements, which you can also do on Cisco. This product is also cheaper than Cisco. Cisco has a lot of complications even with the configurations. On the price issues or even support issues, you may need to have so many routers when using Cisco for a simple solution. If you can use only one switch to clear your solution, why don't you use MikroTik? You don't have to use Cisco to have more than one switch to solve your problem.

Quotes from Members

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

Pros

"Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center's scalability is good."
"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."
"The interface is very straightforward."
"It allows us to manage all necessary services, such as data centers, networking, and cybersecurity."
"The solution has made configuration and setup very, very easy."
"FortiSwitch Data Center allows for centralized management of both Fortinet switches and firewalls from a single interface."
"Using Fortinet's whole range, including FortiSwitches, is cost-effective compared to Cisco and beneficial for network security."
"We are able to monitor everything that is happening on our network."
"The wiki page that describes the scripting and other features is very good."
"The router power is the most valuable aspect."
"The initial setup is easy."
"The beauty of MikroTik is that you have flexibility with the routing parts."
"This solution is very similar to the on-premises version making it easy to use for those who know the architect."
"It is user-friendly, reliable, and cheap."
"The interface management and the user access management is pretty good."
"It is easy to set up the solution."
 

Cons

"There is room to improve the integration between FortiSwitch and other third-party solutions, as challenges arise when integrating with different vendors."
"The solution’s pricing could be improved."
"With IT products, there is always room for improvement."
"The stability of the solution is impacted when integrating parts from different vendors such as Cisco, which can lead to performance problems and disconnections."
"There could be more porting software options for easy deployment in the product."
"Before using FortiSwitch, you need several certifications."
"The tool is not easy to use."
"Managing the VLANs is an area where the solution lacks and needs to improve."
"The initial setup is complex."
"It would be even better with a centralized management platform."
"MikroTik needs to add some features like IPS, mail security, or antivirus, et cetera."
"The bulk efficiencies and the control of traffic could be a bit better."
"In medium to large sectors, there's a necessity for managing aspects like proxy firewalls."
"If MikroTik had a marketing team and support team in India then it would be much easier for us to get the product, as well as support."
"The user interface could improve and they should allow a license for IBS."
"Antispam and antivirus features should be included in the future."
 

Pricing and Cost Advice

"Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center is expensive."
"It is reasonably priced."
"We pay a yearly licensing fee for the solution, which is expensive."
"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 product is less expensive than one of its competitors."
"The solution is not expensive."
"Cost-wise, Fortinet solutions are cheaper than those offered by Cisco."
"This product has a one-time cost and there is no licensing fee."
"MikroTik is really cheap compared to the competitors."
"They came with the licensing when we purchased them."
"In Pakistan, if you buy this cloud router, it's approximately $700 for the device."
"The licensing for MikroTik is great. It's easy to enter, especially for small businesses. Their model is great."
"The price is competitive."
"I believe the price of the tool is high, but it is okay for the services we get from it."
"I consider it to be a cost-effective solution."
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Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews
Computer Software Company
20%
Government
10%
Financial Services Firm
7%
Comms Service Provider
6%
Computer Software Company
15%
Comms Service Provider
12%
Hospitality Company
7%
Media Company
7%
 

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?
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.
What do you like most about MikroTik Cloud Router Switch?
The tool has impacted our company's network costs and productivity in a perfect manner and percentage-wise, I can say it is 120 percent.
What needs improvement with MikroTik Cloud Router Switch?
I have not tried AppSec. Everything, I do on my own with Sage or something similar. I do not rely on technical support.
 

Also Known As

No data available
MikroTik CRS Series
 

Overview

 

Sample Customers

Black Gold Regional Schools, Amadeus Hospitality, Jefferson County, Chunghwa Telecom, City of Boroondara, Dimension Data
Information Not Available
Find out what your peers are saying about Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center vs. MikroTik Cloud Router Switch and other solutions. Updated: January 2025.
838,713 professionals have used our research since 2012.