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Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center vs HPE Ethernet Switches 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
HPE Ethernet Switches
Ranking in Ethernet Switches
9th
Average Rating
8.2
Reviews Sentiment
7.3
Number of Reviews
103
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 HPE Ethernet Switches is 2.4%, down from 2.5% 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.
LuisSilva6 - PeerSpot reviewer
Provides ease of management and has an easy initial setup process
Primarily, we use the product for network and VLAN segmentation across our hospitality property. It forms the backbone of our network, providing connectivity to devices like TVs, phones, access points, and even electrical switches within guest rooms The product's most valuable feature is the ease…

Quotes from Members

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

Pros

"What I like about the solution is that it can be accessed anywhere."
"The most valuable feature is the port analytics."
"An affordable and stable solution for small-medium companies."
"FortiSwitch Data Center allows for centralized management of both Fortinet switches and firewalls from a single interface."
"I like the solution's technical support. I rate the technical support a ten out of ten."
"Using Fortinet's whole range, including FortiSwitches, is cost-effective compared to Cisco and beneficial for network security."
"The interface is very straightforward."
"SD-WAN and the security fabric are essential features of the product."
"It's fairly lightweight, they don't require a lot of maintenance."
"What I like the most is the management system integrated with the HP system."
"We found the installation process to be simple."
"The most valuable features of this solution are the interface and configuration. It's very easy to use."
"HPE Ethernet Switches offer a good return on investment. They offer a lifetime warranty, which is good. Cisco SMB level only declares a one-year warranty, and for the enterprise level, you need to get a service pack, which costs extra."
"HPE Ethernet Switches have a lifetime warranty. I am using an old version of the solution, but I have heard the new models have incorporated a lot of new features, such as remote setup."
"The performance is great."
"The simplicity of the commands is most valuable. The commands are the same for several devices."
 

Cons

"Compatibility with infrastructure from other vendors like Cisco and Sophos can be further improved."
"Before using FortiSwitch, you need several certifications."
"The stability of the solution is impacted when integrating parts from different vendors such as Cisco, which can lead to performance problems and disconnections."
"They could improve availability and security by detecting and preventing switch attacks."
"The UI of the firewall and reporting could be improved."
"Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center needs to improve its UI and stability."
"FortiSwitch should improve the FortiGate map. The diagram cannot move automatically to show the switch. The map does not map the physical location. It cannot move or touch the diagram."
"The solution can improve by upgrading QSFP+, it is very limited and must be supported more than it is now. If we need FortiSwitches to support all the QSFP ports our budgets would have to be very large."
"It would be helpful to have training available for this solution."
"The solution’s licensing could be improved."
"A lower price would be an improvement because we always want to reduce our costs."
"The technical support does not match up to the standard of Cisco."
"It would be ideal if the product offered more security."
"If there is any fluctuation in power then we will face an outage with our POE switches, so this is something that should be improved."
"The solution is very comparable to Huawei, however, it could be more scalable. Huawei is easier to scale."
"The scalability is limited."
 

Pricing and Cost Advice

"The solution is not expensive."
"Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center is expensive."
"This solution is expensive but it does not require a license."
"The solution's pricing is a little high. The solution deserves the current price it receives from its users."
"The product is less expensive than one of its competitors."
"We pay a yearly licensing fee for the solution, which is expensive."
"The product has a mid-range price."
"It is reasonably priced."
"The cost is a bit high."
"The licensing cost is set up annually or every three years."
"This is an expensive product."
"We have to pay for a yearly license for HPE Ethernet Switches."
"The tool's pricing is very cheap."
"HPE Ethernet Switches is a fairly cheap solution."
"HP switches are priced well."
"They are affordable and less expensive than Cisco. Their price was the decider at the time."
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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
15%
Government
8%
Educational Organization
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...
What do you like most about HPE Ethernet Switches?
The solution is very stable and easy to use.
What needs improvement with HPE Ethernet Switches?
Based on my experience, I am quite happy with the switches at the moment and do not see any immediate room for improvement.
 

Also Known As

No data available
HP Ethernet Switches
 

Overview

 

Sample Customers

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