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Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center 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

Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data...
Ranking in Ethernet Switches
15th
Average Rating
8.2
Reviews Sentiment
7.4
Number of Reviews
24
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 April 2025, in the Ethernet Switches category, the mindshare of Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center is 1.7%, up from 1.1% compared to the previous year. The mindshare of Fortinet FortiSwitch - Secure Access is 5.1%, down from 6.0% 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.
SherifAbdelrahman - PeerSpot reviewer
Efficient integration allows streamlined network management with a straightforward setup
I use it for retail business. We are using the FortiSwitch solution for our voice switches and access points as well It has helped us by providing easy management from a single platform through the firewall interface. It's very easy to manage and provides all the insights and vulnerabilities,…

Quotes from Members

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

Pros

"The solution has made configuration and setup very, very easy."
"SD-WAN and the security fabric are essential features of the product."
"What I like about the solution is that it can be accessed anywhere."
"It allows us to manage all necessary services, such as data centers, networking, and cybersecurity."
"FortiSwitch Data Center allows for centralized management of both Fortinet switches and firewalls from a single interface."
"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."
"The product is stable."
"It works really well, I think the equipment is solid, and the help is great."
"The tool's setup was very easy."
"Integration is good, as well as price and technical support."
"The most valuable feature of the solution is the MAC feature."
"Fortinet FortiSwitch - Secure Access has essential features for managing switches."
"The solution is easy to scale."
"The most valuable feature is that I can completely isolate devices that are compromising the network."
"This device is easy to use."
 

Cons

"Does not have as many features as other solutions, such as segmentation and analytics engines."
"Routing is an area in Fortinet FortiSwitch with certain shortcomings where improvements are needed."
"Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center needs to improve its UI and stability."
"Compatibility with infrastructure from other vendors like Cisco and Sophos can be further improved."
"The solution’s pricing could be improved."
"The tool is not easy to use."
"With IT products, there is always room for improvement."
"When there are many switches being used, the speed declines noticeably."
"Its cloud features could be better."
"The reporting capabilities should be included."
"The introduction of AI integration could be valuable for detecting abnormal traffic directly on the switch."
"Fortinet FortiSwitch - Secure Access is confusing with too many add-ons."
"The security of the solution could be a bit better."
"While Fortinet is good for school boards and mid-sized businesses, enterprise-class networks require a zero-trust solution. If you're building a zero-trust network with end-to-end security, that's where Fortinet falls behind Cisco, HPE, and Aruba."
"The pricing could be improved, and it could be easier to configure."
"The product could use more security related features."
 

Pricing and Cost Advice

"The solution's pricing is a little high. The solution deserves the current price it receives from its users."
"Cost-wise, Fortinet solutions are cheaper than those offered by Cisco."
"Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center is expensive."
"We pay a yearly licensing fee for the solution, which is expensive."
"The product is less expensive than one of its competitors."
"The product has a mid-range price."
"The tool's pricing is lower than Cisco's."
"This solution is expensive but it does not require a license."
"Licensing is billed annually and contracts are either one or three years in length."
"We have to renew and pay for the licenses."
"The cost appears to be high in comparison to other competing products although with this product you are paying for what you get."
"The solution is cheaper than Cisco but more expensive than Huawei."
"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."
"The pricing is cheap and only a yearly licensing cost needs to be paid."
"It's affordable and there are no additional costs, just regular support, and license fees."
"The product's pricing is good."
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Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews
Computer Software Company
19%
Government
10%
Financial Services Firm
9%
Retailer
6%
Computer Software Company
14%
Manufacturing Company
9%
Government
8%
Financial Services Firm
8%
 

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?
There is room for improvement in customer support and device speed. Sometimes, customer support does not provide prompt assistance, leaving projects hanging. Additionally, improving the speed of th...
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?
Currently, I don't have an opinion about the price as I focus on implementation and am not informed about pricing in comparison to other vendors.
 

Overview

 

Sample Customers

Black Gold Regional Schools, Amadeus Hospitality, Jefferson County, Chunghwa Telecom, City of Boroondara, Dimension Data
Black Gold Regional Schools, Amadeus Hospitality, Jefferson County, Chunghwa Telecom, City of Boroondara, Dimension Data
Find out what your peers are saying about Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center vs. Fortinet FortiSwitch - Secure Access and other solutions. Updated: March 2025.
845,406 professionals have used our research since 2012.