Fortinet FortiSwitch - Secure Access Reviews

The primary use case of the solution is for campus environments and their offices.

The solution has improved our organization by providing a single pane of glass for managing large networks. The solution improves our operational experience.

What stands out is the effective management and enhanced security provided by the solution's function as an extension of the firewall.

I have been using the solution for one year.

I give the stability a seven out of ten because we have noticed when we hook up phones the switching of ELANs et cetera doesn't work as it should. We have a workaround but we are not pleased with having to do this at the moment. They have a different approach to this method of working. We were used to a traditional environment and transitioning to this new environment requires learning and adapting to a new way of thinking. We haven't fully invested the necessary time and resources to fully understand how Fortinet's solution works. Therefore, we may need to allocate more time and seek guidance from Fortinet to fully understand certain aspects of the solution.

I give the scalability of the solution an eight out of ten.

We currently have 200 people using the solution.

Depending if opportunities arise we will consider expanding this implementation to include remote offices and other locations.

Technical support helps resolve our issues most of the time.

The initial setup is straightforward.

I give the deployment an eight out of ten. There is only one Gate with this and that can sometimes be a limitation, making it feel unusual at times.

I estimate the deployment would take around four hours to complete the process, given that the implementation involves more than ten switches, which is larger than a typical user setup.

The implementation was completed in-house. We are FortiGate-authorized resellers and do all the implementations ourselves.

We have seen a return on investment. The solution is more cost-effective in terms of operational expenses, as it is easier to operate compared to using multiple separate switches.

The solution is expensive but overall the cost makes sense. We acquire the license for a five-year period all at once, rather than incurring yearly license costs.

I give the solution a nine out of ten.

For new users, the only way to get the experience with the solution is by simply using it. The solution is simple and intuitive.

The platform's most beneficial features for network management are its network access control with 802.1X and its integration into the secure fabric.

One of the main challenges was integrating FortiSwitch with FortiGate, as the switches are managed through FortiGate rather than independently.

I have been using Fortinet FortiSwitch - Secure Access for approximately two years.

I rate the overall stability as a nine. We have experienced very few issues, with only one notable problem occurring after an update.

We have three customers using FortiSwitch, each working with around 500 to 1,000 employees. 

It scales easily, but its scalability may not be as extensive as other solutions. I rate its scalability as a seven.

The technical support services at levels one and two could be more helpful, but tier three support is good.

We also work with Extreme Networks, Cisco, Juniper, and API Enterprise.

The installation process was relatively easy but more complex than other switch access products we have used. Some concepts were handled differently than those in our usual products. It took about two weeks for approximately 15 appliances.

For setup and configuration, three people were involved: two engineers and one operator. We follow the recommended software update path and have maintenance windows approximately six times a year, depending on the firmware update schedule.

Operational costs are lower than solutions like Cisco, and deploying new hardware is straightforward. However, smaller setups may find it less cost-effective due to fixed licensing requirements.

The product pricing seems to be mid-range. The licensing structure is not uniform and can be difficult to understand. 

I rate the pricing around five or six out of ten.

The solution has enhanced network security by integrating access control more seamlessly, reducing overhead, and simplifying the network environment by removing the need for interfaces with other vendors.

Its security features are valuable in the health sector in a campus network with numerous components.

I rate it an eight out of ten.

It allows for centralized monitoring and management of all connected appliances, helping to minimize potential internet disruptions. This solution includes features such as IPS, antivirus, and vulnerability scanning. Fortinet is not just a firewall. It is an advanced next-generation firewall that offers comprehensive management capabilities. FortiGate manages the FortiSwitch, and policies created on the FortiGate can be applied across all connected devices. This setup ensures that the internet and internal network environments are monitored effectively. Additionally, FortiGate handles antivirus, EDR, and other security measures to ensure customer protection. It also manages VPN connections.

It is managed. You can create the VLANs and all the VLANs from the FortiGate. The FortiGate manages it, so you don't have to do anything. It also functions as NAC, which is very important. You can manage everything from a single interface.

 The Secure Pack fabric is made of security fabric. You can do many things. You can hook all the other components to be monitored. You can create policies and block certain people from accessing the Internet. You can also block specific websites, which is very relevant. The antivirus is embedded securely in the solution. In some cases, you may need to obtain antivirus from a third party.

FortiSwitch offers eight and 24-port models. They don't have a 16-port model, which can be an issue for some clients. If clients don't need twenty-four ports, they must settle for eight ports. Unfortunately, Fortinet doesn't sell a fifteen-port switch. Another issue with Fortinet is that their warranty is not as long-lasting as that of HPE. HPE offers a lifetime warranty, while with Fortinet, the switch is considered end-of-life after three to five years, and you have to replace it. 

I have been using Fortinet FortiSwitch - Secure Access for ten years.

The solution is stable.

I rate the solution’s stability a ten out of ten.

They have many types of switches. You can even buy a type of switch and stack it. You can make two 40-40 switches work together and manage them from the FortiGate.

I rate the solution’s scalability a nine out of ten.

The technical part is good. You create the ticket and call them, and they'll help you. If you have the training, they can even give you a code. If you are certified with them, that is something interesting.

Positive

The initial configuration is not simple. But when you read the documentation and knowledge bases carefully, it is very possible to make a good configuration that meets the specific needs of the end user.

You have to set up the appliances and add the policy before deploying them. FortiGate also manages the asset access points. It provides a single pane of glass, where everything is centralized. The feature allows you to manage everything, including the FortiSwitch, from the FortiGate. It is secure, providing public security. The FortiGate acts as a central dashboard, managing other devices.

Fortinet FortiSwitch Secure Access relies on continual advancements in technology. Each FortiSwitch has a dedicated processor and various components that improve over time. Although I haven't tested the latest model, it seems to have new features. However, the older models I have are reliable, with no complaints. Once configured, they operate smoothly without issues. This contrasts with some HPE models, where ports might occasionally fail, requiring immediate replacement. FortiSwitch continues to perform well, but when it reaches the end of its life, it must be replaced. HPE also updates its products, offering new features when a new model is purchased.

They need to define what they want and have a plan. They need to search for a product that can fit in the short and mid-term. When you invest, the minimum should be for five years.

Overall, I rate the solution a nine-point five out of ten.

We use the solution for internal networking in an office environment.

FortiSwitch scans for viruses on the network easily. I was using another firewall, but after Fortinet, I don't use any other.

Fortinet infuses the updates regularly. If you get updated, then you are secured. The updates did not cover all the threats. I use the solution in both the field and the main office. It centralizes everything. We had to dig deeper than the graphs or manually check if that device performed well. You can check the server so that you can access it easily. It provides us with the protection that we need.

Fortinet FortiSwitch is easy to configure and simple to use with support.

The product could have better prices, analytics, and better graphs.

I have been using Fortinet FortiSwitch for two years.

I rate the solution’s stability a nine out of ten.

We have 250 users using this solution.

I rate the solution’s scalability an eight out of ten.

We have used Cisco and Ubiquiti switches. FortiSwitch frees you every time you set the switches or configure them over and over again. It is much better than other solutions.

The initial setup is simple and takes a few hours to complete.

We have achieved 10% ROI.

The solution is reliable and is working well. It has been a generation of investment. It is not very expensive, not much cheaper.

I recommend the solution.

Overall, I rate the solution an eight out of ten.

It is a multi-location solution used for security purposes.

The solution's most valuable features are ease of deployment and manageability.

They should enhance the solution's orchestration level. Also, they should integrate it with other Fortinet solutions. In addition, they should improve the cloud features and certain functionalities on the switching front.

I have been using the solution for more than eight years.

It is a stable solution from the security front. But there is still time to say for the switch as they are relatively new in the market. It may take a year or two for us to completely vouch for Fortinet from a switching or a wireless front, but they are working on it.

We have three to four customers using the solution.

The solution's technical support team is good. They provide round-the-clock support. But they need to scale up a bit more to reach the levels of tech support provided by LiveOps.

The solution is very straightforward to use and implement. The deployment takes 30-45 minutes. Once you plug it into the environment and remotely switch to FortiManager, it manages all the infrastructure.

We have to pay for the solution's subscription.

If someone is looking for a stable and cost-effective solution to secure the environment at the gateway, then Fortinet FortiSwitch is the right choice. It has a good lead time, is easy to deploy, and provides fast delivery. Also, locally certified resources are available for implementation purposes.

I rate the solution as a six.

The product is a total solution with the FortiGate, switch, and access point. It is integrated with FortiGate, allowing us to manage all the equipment through it. You can handle everything from a single point. 

Fortinet FortiSwitch - Secure Access is confusing with too many add-ons. 

I have been using the product for two years. 

I rate the product's stability a ten out of ten. 

My biggest client has around 4000 users. I rate the tool's scalability a seven out of ten. 

I rate the tool's deployment a seven out of ten. It can take around four hours to complete. 

I do the deployment myself. 

I rate the product's pricing an eight out of ten. 

We have small, medium, and enterprise customers for Fortinet FortiSwitch - Secure Access. I rate it a nine out of ten. 

My son owns three healthcare facilities, and two of them are in the same building. That's why I went to VLANs to separate the data to satisfy HIPAA requirements. The other facility is in another town. I'm using them to manage the data and communication through VoIP phones in both locations.

They have a server for the whole practice, and so everybody in the building is operating off that server. When they go to the other facility, they use a VPN and connect to the same server.

It works really well, I think the equipment is solid, and the help is great. When I buy equipment, even though I'm buying a service in addition to the equipment to have them help me, it's worth paying for that. The service is amazing, and their marketing department should promote it.

I can tell you from personal experience, while the interface is clear for somebody in the IT business, it really isn't clear for a novice. It would also help if they lowered the cost of their service.

Their terminology could be better. The terminology is all IT. It's an IT dictionary, and I believe that there has to be a way to state things in clear, plain old English, and I would like to see more of that.

I have been using Fortinet FortiSwitch - Secure Access for about five months.

I would say that it's fantastic. Once you get the handle of how FortiGate is designed, their interface, how they think, that's the part that's scalable. When I shift from the 60 up to something far more sophisticated and faster, I don't have to go through a horrific learning experience. In other words, it's an easy shift, and I think that's the part that's useful. I'm counting on that as this business grows.

I would say I get extraordinary service from FortiGate. If I call them up and say, "help," they not only make it happen, but they educate me to the best of their ability and the best of my ability to absorb.

It isn't so much the hardware that I appreciate at this point. It's the service. Amazing service. You have to understand that you're going to get people from Bangladesh, India, and around Asia. You're going to get people helping you on the phone that are from far away, but they really know their stuff, and it's worth the struggle to work through the language barrier. 

Because I'm sure some people will complain about that, but first of all you have to realize you're there to solve a technical problem, so forget all the other stuff. If you can't understand them, you got to stop them and say, "go slowly, speak more clearly." If you can find different words, you have to work the language gap. If you're willing to do that, the payoff is immense. I found that these people who are serving me from these faraway places really know their stuff. I'm willing to pay whatever price for their service. 

The initial setup is very straight forward. I didn't really know anything, I just set it up, and it ran. It didn't run as a firewall, and it didn't run as an L3 mode, but it ran.

The implementation and deployment were phased. The first phase was a few minutes. But the reality was that it took about two months, not because of the hardware, but because of issues like my ISP, which is Comcast.

You can't get a static IP from them without using their cable modem. But I learned that you have to put it in pass-through mode and stick your firewall router right behind it, and you're all set. But all that for a novice like myself takes time to understand. 

I implemented Fortinet FortiSwitch - Secure Access by myself. 

Fortinet FortiSwitch - Secure Access isn't cheap. They're about $1000 each or something like that. I had to pay for all these licenses. I paid for them, having no idea what they were going to do, but I got enough of a sense that they were important. 

I have to pay for it annually or yearly. You can buy this equipment in a multitude of ways. You can buy just the hardware, or you can buy the hardware and the licenses. That's how I bought it, but you don't get a discount for that. 

I think the license costs me anywhere between $100 and $300. I can't really remember, but it wasn't so much money that it made me stop and think twice. 

I researched brands from Cisco all the way down, and there were some cheaper options than FortiGate. I think I kept on reading reviews that mentioned something about the interface being easy to use. That eventually sold me on FortiGate. 

I really hated how Cisco wasn't clear what their costs were. I'm sure they're technically very competent because the technical papers that come out of Cisco are really great, but in terms of selling, it's almost deceptive, but not FortiGate.

On a scale from one to ten, I would give Fortinet FortiSwitch - Secure Access a nine.

They don't get a 10 because I think there's a way to work around terminology.

We use Fortinet FortiSwitch - Secure Access to test and give access. 

The tool's VLAN feature is easy to understand. It was very good. 

We had experienced downtime. I would like to see it to be improved. 

I have been working with the product for two to three years. 

Fortinet FortiSwitch - Secure Access is scalable. 

We chose the product because we worked with Fortinet's firewalls and switches and wanted to explore it hands-on. 

Fortinet FortiSwitch - Secure Access' deployment is neither easy nor difficult. It is a normal process and can be completed in two to three hours. 

The product's pricing is good. 

I rate the solution a ten out of ten.