Try our new research platform with insights from 80,000+ expert users

3Com H3C Switches vs Fortinet FortiSwitch - Secure Access 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

3Com H3C Switches
Ranking in Ethernet Switches
21st
Average Rating
8.0
Reviews Sentiment
5.8
Number of Reviews
7
Ranking in other categories
No ranking in other categories
Fortinet FortiSwitch - Secu...
Ranking in Ethernet Switches
6th
Average Rating
8.2
Reviews Sentiment
7.7
Number of Reviews
48
Ranking in other categories
No ranking in other categories
 

Mindshare comparison

As of July 2025, in the Ethernet Switches category, the mindshare of 3Com H3C Switches is 0.9%, down from 1.1% compared to the previous year. The mindshare of Fortinet FortiSwitch - Secure Access is 4.8%, down from 6.0% compared to the previous year. It is calculated based on PeerSpot user engagement data.
Ethernet Switches
 

Featured Reviews

MURALI NIDAMANURI - PeerSpot reviewer
Upgraded interface supports efficient configuration and extensive network layer integration
The user interface is upgraded to the latest GUI technology, allowing configurations like VLAN to be done through the interface rather than the command line, making it more efficient. The solutions provided support many network layers extensively, including VLANs, L3 APIs, and L4, L5, L7 application layers, which improve customization, security, and data management.
Uri Harf - PeerSpot reviewer
Integration with cloud management simplifies network expansion
Fortinet FortiSwitch - Secure Access is expensive, and this initial cost can be a barrier, especially for new businesses setting up from scratch. Although the machine is robust and lasts for years with rare technical issues, the initial price can be high. Sometimes, I have to offer alternatives like Aruba or HP, which might be cheaper.

Quotes from Members

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

Pros

"Their customer service is instant with a tracking system and follow-ups for human access."
"The reliability of the solution has been the best feature."
"The installation is quite straightforward."
"The user interface is upgraded to the latest GUI technology, allowing configurations like VLAN to be done through the interface rather than the command line, making it more efficient."
"They're straightforward and stable."
"The hardware side is a very big advantage. We use it 24/7 and we haven't had any problems so far with the switches."
"They are easy to use, they are cheaper, and it's a trusted brand."
"This device is easy to use."
"I rate Fortinet support 10 out of 10. Their support is excellent and inexpensive. They respond immediately."
"What I actually use in this deployment are Forti APs (Fortinet Access Points). So, I can see all my office infrastructure from a single console, which is handy. One FortiGate, one FortiSwitch, and five access points, everything under good control. It's really nice to see it all together like this."
"The solution is easy to scale."
"It is a stable solution from the security front."
"Deploying the solution is a breeze, even a novice can do it."
"The visual scope of the solution is very good. It allows me to see and download all of the network information."
"The most valuable feature would be network management, separating the network management component from security. It can do both but we promote it on its own. It's a good solution to do network management."
 

Cons

"The technical support services need improvement in terms of communication."
"I think there's nothing that needs to be improved because the company is no longer in existence."
"The company should come up with new security features and new management and log recording systems, helping customers to analyze issues and prevent future incidents."
"The configuration of 3Com H3C Switches could be better."
"The company should come up with new security features and new management and log recording systems, helping customers to analyze issues and prevent future incidents."
"The cost and the integration with other solutions could be better."
"When we try to do configuration changes sometimes it malfunctions."
"The security of the solution could be a bit better."
"It is always nice when something is cheaper."
"It would be easier if Fortinet FortiSwitch - Secure Access could be managed via cloud, and this is something that could be improved in this product. Bandwidth display could also be better."
"More integration would be helpful, especially since we sometimes have devices from other companies. Improved interoperability would be very beneficial."
"The range of products could improve from Fortinet FortiSwitch - Secure Access."
"The product must improve its prices."
"Fortinet FortiSwitch - Secure Access is expensive, and this initial cost can be a barrier, especially for new businesses setting up from scratch."
"The installation is not difficult. However, some features have to be activated from the CLI."
 

Pricing and Cost Advice

"3Com H3C Switches have a competitive cost. I rate the pricing a nine out of ten."
"The cost could be improved, but it is cheaper than the others."
"The cost appears to be high in comparison to other competing products although with this product you are paying for what you get."
"It's affordable and there are no additional costs, just regular support, and license fees."
"The solution is expensive but overall the cost makes sense."
"We have an annual licensing cost. There are no additional costs."
"We have to renew and pay for the licenses."
"Fortinet FortiSwitch - Secure Access requires a license and the price is expensive."
"The pricing is quite high."
"The solution has reasonable pricing. The firewall costs around 500$ annually."
report
Use our free recommendation engine to learn which Ethernet Switches solutions are best for your needs.
860,592 professionals have used our research since 2012.
 

Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews
Manufacturing Company
12%
University
11%
Financial Services Firm
11%
Computer Software Company
9%
Computer Software Company
13%
Manufacturing Company
9%
Financial Services Firm
8%
Government
8%
 

Company Size

By reviewers
Large Enterprise
Midsize Enterprise
Small Business
 

Questions from the Community

What do you like most about 3Com H3C Switches?
The installation is quite straightforward.
What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for 3Com H3C Switches?
The price depends on the segments the switches serve. For some segments, they can be costly.
What needs improvement with 3Com H3C Switches?
The company should come up with new security features and new management and log recording systems, helping customers to analyze issues and prevent future incidents. Remediation recommendations sho...
Which would you choose - Fortinet Fortiswitch secure access or Cisco Ethernet Switches?
We researched Cisco but ultimately chose Fortinet FortiSwitch Secure Access, mostly because of the price. Fortinet FortiSwitch is an ethernet switch solution that provides security and performance...
What do you like most about Fortinet FortiSwitch - Secure Access?
With FortiSwitch, you can easily identify who is connected to each port, disable ports as needed, and retrieve configurations from FortiGate when required.
What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for Fortinet FortiSwitch - Secure Access?
The initial cost of Fortinet FortiSwitch - Secure Access is high compared to other options. Although robust and rarely needs replacement, it can be overqualified for some jobs, which affects the re...
 

Overview

 

Sample Customers

British Columbia Assessment Authority, DreamWorks, DRV
Black Gold Regional Schools, Amadeus Hospitality, Jefferson County, Chunghwa Telecom, City of Boroondara, Dimension Data
Find out what your peers are saying about 3Com H3C Switches vs. Fortinet FortiSwitch - Secure Access and other solutions. Updated: June 2025.
860,592 professionals have used our research since 2012.