

Cisco Ethernet Switches and Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center compete in the network management and switching category. Cisco generally holds the upper hand due to its robust features and advanced technology, while Fortinet offers a more cost-effective solution with integrated security features.
Features: Cisco Ethernet Switches are known for full-duplex Layer 3 switching, PoE capabilities, remote management, robust security, and advanced functionalities like Cisco DNA Assurance. They enhance productivity through AI network analytics and Smartports. Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center integrates with FortiGate, providing centralized management, network visibility, and SD-WAN features for budget-conscious users.
Room for Improvement: Cisco Ethernet Switches are cost-prohibitive, with a complex licensing model and challenging configurations requiring technical expertise. Calls for a user-friendly GUI and better affordability are common. Fortinet FortiSwitch users require UI improvements, feature expansion, and enhanced price competitiveness to rival brands like Cisco.
Ease of Deployment and Customer Service: Cisco's setup is often complex but supports hybrid and private cloud environments, with variable global support that may require escalation for complex issues. Fortinet FortiSwitch is easier to deploy, seamlessly integrating with FortiGate, and offers responsive support, though improvement is needed compared to Cisco.
Pricing and ROI: Cisco Ethernet Switches are expensive with intricate pricing and high licensing fees, often deterring medium businesses, but offer durable investment value. Fortinet FortiSwitch offers competitive pricing, especially bundled with FortiGate, providing affordability without diminishing perceived value among price-sensitive customers.
It has saved considerable time for engineers to troubleshoot and perform related tasks.
The integration of Fortinet infrastructure, including FortiSwitches, is cost-effective compared to Cisco, especially when paired with Fortinet wireless solutions.
Customer support for Cisco Ethernet Switches is really good.
It takes two to three days for Cisco support to address issues.
Currently, we don't have any technical support because our license doesn't allow for direct support.
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.
Cisco mainly provides security, patch management, hardware reliability, durability, scalability, and security features supporting my organization's expansion.
The latest products do not allow integration with the earlier environment.
The scalability depends on the model.
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.
The switches are very stable, rated ten out of ten.
There is room for improvement as it sometimes takes over an hour to push configurations onto the devices from the management tool.
The pricing and hardware warranty renewal costs are more expensive than other products.
FortiGate switches are considered more valuable because they have firewall capabilities.
For example, on switches, filtering specific sections isn't supported, whereas, on routers, you can do 'show run' with additional commands to filter.
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.
Cisco Ethernet switches are priced at a rating of nine, indicating they are expensive.
We need to pay for the subscription, as there are extra expenses after purchasing the product.
Regarding the cost, Cisco Ethernet Switches have a competitive price.
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.
Their stability and durability are essential features we've been looking for many years, and they are still working fine.
It provides a high layer of enterprise security via 802.1X port-based authentication, DHCP snooping, ARP inspection, IP Guard, ACLs, and integration with Cisco ISE.
The Cisco Ethernet switches are sturdy products that do not require any kind of maintenance.
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 (%) |
|---|---|
| Cisco Ethernet Switches | 8.8% |
| Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center | 3.1% |
| Other | 88.1% |


| Company Size | Count |
|---|---|
| Small Business | 60 |
| Midsize Enterprise | 35 |
| Large Enterprise | 55 |
| Company Size | Count |
|---|---|
| Small Business | 17 |
| Midsize Enterprise | 5 |
| Large Enterprise | 4 |
Cisco Ethernet Switches provide reliable, high-performance networking with advanced features suitable for demanding environments, offering flexibility and easy management. These switches integrate well with different technologies, making them a go-to option for enterprises needing robust network solutions.
Renowned for superior performance and reliability, Cisco Ethernet Switches offer advanced networking features like network virtualization, VLAN, and quality of service. Robust design ensures durability in harsh conditions, while enhanced security features and remote management capabilities provide exceptional flexibility and troubleshooting ease. Users appreciate the support and comprehensive documentation provided, alongside the switches' ability to integrate seamlessly with technologies, supporting scalability and making them a preferred choice for businesses looking for efficient, secure networking solutions.
What are the key features of Cisco Ethernet Switches?Cisco Ethernet Switches are widely used in industries focusing on local area networking, data center infrastructure, and core to edge connectivity. Supporting LAN, data centers, security networks, and others, these switches facilitate robust communication and reliable connections. With advanced routing and stacking features, they optimize latency and handle high-throughput traffic, making them ideal for industries requiring stable and efficient networking.
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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