

Fortinet FortiSwitch Data Center and Aruba Switches compete in the networking industry. Fortinet has the upper hand in security integration, while Aruba focuses on scalability and advanced networking features.
Features: Fortinet FortiSwitch Data Center offers robust security features, seamless integration with Fortinet's security suite, and efficient management from a central point. Aruba Switches deliver excellent scalability, advanced network management tools, and reliable performance for large deployments.
Room for Improvement: Fortinet could enhance its user interface and simplify the unique configuration required by FortiLink. Additional support for advanced networking features would also be beneficial. Aruba could improve integration capabilities with third-party security solutions, enhance its command line interface for ease of use, and reduce costs related to feature upgrades.
Ease of Deployment and Customer Service: Fortinet FortiSwitch Data Center is known for its straightforward deployment process and consistent customer support, facilitating seamless integration. Aruba Switches provide flexible deployment options and comprehensive support services, aiding complex network setups.
Pricing and ROI: Fortinet FortiSwitch Data Center offers competitive pricing and fast ROI for security-focused businesses. Aruba Switches may have higher costs, but they justify their price with enhanced features and scalable options, valuable for enterprises seeking growth.
The integration of Fortinet infrastructure, including FortiSwitches, is cost-effective compared to Cisco, especially when paired with Fortinet wireless solutions.
When issues are escalated to TAC for switching cases specifically, the support tends to be a little poor, whereas support for other products remains acceptable.
Their tech support is good.
I find that technical support is available, especially during the warranty period.
Technical partners provide responses within a day for any technical queries.
Customer support needs improvement in terms of speed and reliability.
I gave it eight points because local support is absent.
The scalability offered by Aruba Switches is similar to Cisco, demonstrating options for enterprise networking.
I would rate the scalability of the product an eight out of ten.
I would rate the ability to scale at seven because the modular backbone devices are very good.
When used in a dedicated Fortinet infrastructure, FortiSwitch scalability is better than some other switches, like Cisco, Meraki, or Arista.
Scalability is generally good, with transitions from gigabit to ten giga, twenty-five giga, and forty giga.
I have sites that have been running for many years with no issues.
The stability of Aruba Switches is very good, and I would rate it between eight and nine out of ten.
Once we install Aruba Switches, we can forget about them for years and years.
There is room for improvement as it sometimes takes over an hour to push configurations onto the devices from the management tool.
Improving the distribution network across regions would be beneficial.
Aruba Central also has certain security features including segmentation capabilities and endpoint information that can be used to define policies.
There are more centers of knowledge for Cisco than for Aruba here.
There is room to improve the integration between FortiSwitch and other third-party solutions, as challenges arise when integrating with different vendors.
Sometimes, customer support does not provide prompt assistance, leaving projects hanging.
The commercial aspect presents challenges, particularly with pricing, as customers often ask for Juniper or Cisco, brands they are more aware of, which makes awareness about Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center another weak point.
The pricing of some products, such as the 6300M switch, is considered a significant cost.
From my experience, the pricing of Aruba Switches is competitive.
A high-end model with Aruba is about five thousand.
The Fortinet switches come with no additional cost as they are open source, with only hardware warranties applicable.
Pricing is competitive, although it's not the cheapest option.
One of the most valuable features of Aruba Switches is the security and cybersecurity features they have.
Scalability is significant since you can start from an economical product to a very high-end option, accommodating growth.
In the hotel sector, IGMP 3 is particularly valuable for IPTV.
This feature allows the switch's ports to be used as firewall ports, enhancing network security by enabling IPS and network profiling directly on the ports.
It allows me to create VLANs, implement security measures, and push configurations using a single tool.
The main actual benefit that Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center brought to my customer's environment is secure connectivity while minimizing downtime from unexpected traffic or broadcasting.
| Product | Mindshare (%) |
|---|---|
| Aruba Switches | 8.6% |
| Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center | 3.1% |
| Other | 88.3% |


| Company Size | Count |
|---|---|
| Small Business | 50 |
| Midsize Enterprise | 19 |
| Large Enterprise | 22 |
| Company Size | Count |
|---|---|
| Small Business | 17 |
| Midsize Enterprise | 5 |
| Large Enterprise | 4 |
Aruba Switches provide centralized management through Aruba Central, offering robust security, reliability, and seamless integration with ClearPass. They are known for scalability, affordability, and easy configuration, catering to diverse network infrastructures across industries.
Aruba Switches are favored for their centralized management capabilities using a GUI that mirrors Cisco's CLI, ensuring a user-friendly experience. Seamlessly integrating with ClearPass, they support dynamic policies and offer excellent technical support with a lifetime warranty. Their high-performance capabilities, modular architecture, and diverse product range are supported by comprehensive documentation. Cloud and on-premises management options offer flexibility for enterprise networking needs. Users note areas for improvement, such as enhanced platform integration, dashboard functionality, and port flexibility. Enhanced training and technical support, along with improved hardware stability, are requested.
What are the key features of Aruba Switches?Aruba Switches are implemented in industries like education, healthcare, and hospitality, serving as crucial components in network infrastructures. They support applications such as ERP systems, VLAN setups, and Wi-Fi access points, being deployed in office, data center, and campus networks. Known for affordability and reliability, they provide connectivity and power over Ethernet capabilities, meeting the needs of both small and large enterprises.
Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center offers cost-effective, centralized network management through seamless integration with FortiGate. It supports enhanced security, flexibility in VLAN management, and intuitive control through an efficient interface.
Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center is valued for its cost-effectiveness and ease of use. It provides seamless integration with FortiGate, enabling centralized network management. Users appreciate its port analytics, graphical interface, and enhanced security features, allowing VLAN creation and configuration across infrastructure. The system offers efficient alerting, automatic adjustments, and functions like QoS and traffic management to maintain consistent security. Its intuitive design and high visibility make it an efficient all-in-one tool for network management. Despite needing improvements in AI integration, security, and pricing, users find it a reliable choice for managing traffic between VMs and physical hosts. It supports network connectivity, VLAN management, and internal traffic control while integrating with security fabric and SD-WAN features.
What are the key features of Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center?Organizations across industries implement Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center to effectively manage both virtual and physical network environments within data centers. It helps in controlling internal traffic and ensures robust security measures are in place. Its integration with extensive security fabric and SD-WAN features allows for comprehensive network management through a single dashboard, streamlining operations and providing enhanced control over infrastructure.
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